It began on a whim, and with modest beginnings.

Fast forward to present day, where R.A. Ahner Furniture & Appliances in Mahoning Township continues to thrive as a third generation business.

Located at 1231 Mahoning Drive East, the family-owned and run operation is celebrating 55 years in business, according to founder Ronald Ahner.

Ahner founded the business in the summer of 1968 after his wife, the late Ruthann Ahner, went to a sale with a friend of hers and bought a living room suit, and the next week bought a bedroom suit.

“I saw that I could make money,” Ahner said. “I bought a wringer washer, put it in and sold it for a profit, the following week I bought a refrigerator and gas stove and sold that.”

Ahner said that when he started, he lived on Carbon Street, where he had a sun porch and a garage.

He said he came across an ad in the then Times Leader and came to this property and purchased the furniture from the then tenant who was moving out.

Ahner said he also spoke with the landlord of the property, and was looking to rent, and that’s how they landed at the premises, where they had a garage and small barn until 1972, which are no longer standing.

In 1974, he said they put an addition on that was 40-by-90. In 1996, the Amish put up the current 34,000-square-foot building.

“Sales kept growing, added new furniture in 1985,” Ahner said. “It just kept growing, people kept coming in; we treated them right.”

Ahner said the business started out regional, and now serves customers over a 70-mile radius on a regular basis.

His daughter, Rhonda Edgar, who is co-owner, said the business began with local advertising, and then grew with the advent of the internet, as its reach broadened.

Edgard said the business has six full-time employees and one part-time employee, along with three contractors who do their appliance service and installation.

She said it sells all kinds of new furniture, from custom living room mattresses, new appliances, dining room and bedroom furniture on the first floor, as well as on the majority of the upper level.

There is also pre-owned furniture available on the upper level.

“We really run the gamete,” Edgar said. “We try to shop where their budget is; we’ve always been very respectful of that.”

Edgar said that’s all due to her father’s humble upbringing.

“He still feels for the person who needs something that is inexpensive,” she said. “He never lost sight of his roots, to keep it inexpensive for people who need it.”

Edgar said the business especially helps fire victims and veterans with special pricing.

She said they offer interest refinancing, and accept major credit cards and cash.

In 1989, Ahner’s son, Ron Ahner Jr., joined, and in 1994, Don Edgar, Rhonda’s husband, joined. Brandon Edgar, Don and Rhonda’s son, represents the third generation.

“We are family; we don’t outsource anything,” Rhonda said. “Our customers come here and we’re it; we’re family and we do it all.”

Ahner explained why he believes the business has survived.

“Lots of hard work, dedication,” Ahner said.

Edgar agreed, and added, “My dad is the secret sauce.”

“His work ethic is unparalleled, incredible; his drive and his passion to grow it, and my husband, Don, to grow the new addition, they are two of the hardest working men you will ever find,” she said. “He (Ronald Ahner) still feels for the person who needs something that is inexpensive; he never lost sight of his roots, to keep it inexpensive for people who need it.”

The business is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10-7 Wednesday, and 10-4 Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

For more information, call 570-386-4758, email ahner57@ptd.net, or visit ahnerfurniture.com.