09/22/2026
Today is American Business Women's Day and we're celebrating Lindsey, who's steering Bell's into its third generation! She grew up right here in Rockford, and after college she joined her dad, Steve, at the store. Now she runs Bell's alongside her husband, Thomas, all while keeping up with their three kids.
We asked Lindsey a few questions about life at Bell's, from lessons learned to the women who've shaped her along the way. Here's what she shared:
• What do you hope the next generation of Bell's looks like?
As we look into the future, we want to continue partnering with local organizations and nearby schools to help our community thrive. Our community is beautiful, and we take pride in supporting a community that gives so much to us.
We want Bell's to keep being innovative and fresh in the furniture and appliance market. While we want to offer the latest products and trends, quality and customer service will always be our top priority.
• What's the biggest lesson you've learned running Bell's day to day?
There's a lot to learn running a small, family-owned business. You wear a lot of hats every day. For me, that meant being confident making impactful business decisions as my father, Stephen, phased out of the day to day. In the past, I could rely on my dad's advice, but since he passed away last year, I've leaned into the wisdom he taught me over 15 years instead. I'm confident our generation will continue stewarding the legacy that the ones before us worked so hard to build.
• What advice would you give another woman thinking about taking over or starting a family business?
Be confident. There are plenty of times I'm the only woman in the room, and being in a predominantly male-centered industry, I've had to learn to make my voice heard. Managing both the front end of the business and our warehouse and delivery crew isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding.
• Who are the women, mentors, staff, family, who've shaped how you run Bell's?
One of the closest women in my life is Elaine (pictured). She was my nanny for 16 years growing up, and I still talk to her almost daily. Our whole family calls her "Ginga," the name my sister and I nicknamed her as toddlers.
She stood up in my wedding. She nannied my kids, in her 80s, until they were past the toddler stage. Honestly, she has been there for every stage of my life, and I am so grateful for her.
She doesn't have a background in business, but she's someone who reminds me to stay grounded. She always says, "Remember, God comes first, your family comes second, and your business can wait." I go back to that advice often, especially when life gets busy and hard to balance.
• Outside of Bell's, what's something people would be surprised to know about you?
Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that I was born and raised right here in this community. After graduating from Michigan State University with a completely different degree, I ultimately decided to work with my dad, Steve Bell, at Bell's.
Since then, my husband, Thomas, and I have taken over as the third generation. Now we split our time running the business and chasing around our three elementary-aged kids, Bell, Addison, and Flynn. When we're not at Bell's, you'll find us on the sidelines cheering on our kids' sports, or spending time in the community.
❤️ Happy American Business Women's Day!
