harley ferguson shuford, jr.
"Buck" Shuford (b.1937) became president of Century Furniture in 1969 at age 32, when his father, Harley F. Shuford, Sr., founder of Century, retired. Buck, who aspired to become an astronaut and a scientist, became a pilot and climbed Mount Matterhorn. He majored in physics at UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.
As Century president, he put his scientific background to work using computer technology to achieve greater efficiencies; moved Century into the production of furniture with quality and style; and added 60,000 square feet of plant space and 5,000 square feet of showrooms. These changes in direction spurred solid growth as Century became one of the premier furniture manufacturers in the country and abroad.
Buck Shuford has dedicated himself to the community and the success of his family's business while playing a major role in the advancement of the entire furniture industry. He led his company to invest, often at great cost, in advancing technologies. He pioneered developments resulting in better methodology at lower cost for other companies. He served as AFMA president in 1980; received the AFMA Distinguished Service Award in 1994; and was instrumental in the creation of the AFMA office in Washington, DC, the International Home Furnishings Marketing Association, the Furniture Foundation to support the N.C. State University furniture program, the Home Furnishings Council, and the first Board of Trustees of the American Furniture Hall of Fame.