Abby Cogley
Abby Cogley, the owner of Mattress by Appointment and SunCity Tanning Studio in Aberdeen, South Dakota, holds an undergraduate degree in construction management from SDSU and a Master's in Business (MBA) from USD. Before she became self-employed, she worked with Avera Health, constructing hospitals across eastern South Dakota.
In both of Abby's businesses, her overarching goal is to eliminate 'the fluff' and offer efficient and convenient services. In contrast to larger, more popular furniture establishments often characterized by logistical issues and exorbitant prices, Mattress by Appointment manages its overhead meticulously. This enables Abby to provide more affordable products without compromising on quality compared to competitors. This principle seamlessly aligns with her Avera experience, where she led the construction of lean buildings to ensure efficient nursing, striving to eliminate waste for the safety of staff and patients and maintaining high service standards. Lean processing, derived from Toyota's renowned lean manufacturing system, perfectly describes Abby's commitment to efficiency and waste reduction, allowing her to offer mattresses at significantly lower prices by avoiding real estate, labor, electricity, furniture, and advertising costs other stores bear.
Abby's business acumen shines through in her strategic decision to focus exclusively on selling mattresses rather than a broader range of furniture. Unlike other furniture displayed for trends, mattresses are intended to be covered and kept in the bedroom. Their purchase depends on comfort, preferred size, and quality, rendering them less susceptible to market trends.
Abby's analytical prowess extends beyond her experience at Avera and her mattress store to her second business venture, Sun City Tanning Studio. Recognizing avenues for improvement in the industry, she implemented 24-hour services and a subscription model, departing from the conventional, inconvenient, and 'old-school' pay-per-minute structure. This innovative approach aligns with her commitment to providing stress relief and convenience.
Abby Cogley is a dynamic businesswoman and consistently seeks ways to enhance daily life efficiency and accessibility. Her dedication to lean processing has enabled her to create businesses that guarantee a good night's sleep and a healthy dose of sunshine regardless of the season.
