USA – Paul S. Bush, the visionary founder of Bush Industries, Inc., and a prominent figure in the American Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) furniture industry, has passed away.

Born on May 5, 1936, in Olean, NY, Bush’s life was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to community service, and unwavering family values.

After joining his family’s business in 1959, Bush guided the company through major transformations, recognizing the potential of the emerging electronics furniture sector in the mid-1970s. By 1979, Bush Industries became the first RTA manufacturer to integrate wood solids and panels, positioning the company among the top ten furniture manufacturers in the U.S.

In 2020, Novacap, a leading Canadian private equity firm, announced that Bestar, one of its portfolio companies specializing in ready-to-assemble furniture, acquired Bush Industries.

Bush’s business philosophy was rooted in empowering employees and fostering teamwork, which he believed were key to the company’s success.

His personal and professional life also included significant philanthropic efforts, including the creation of two YMCA centers in Jamestown, NY, and Fort Myers, FL. He was also deeply involved in the Mi Refugio project in Guatemala, which provides education and social services in one of the city’s largest garbage dumps.