THE HISTORY OF FAIRLANE

Fairlane Furniture Restorers was founded in 1958 by Bill Godfrey, an eccentric and forward-thinking entrepreneur. Initially, the company was focused on cleaning and selling carpets, working directly with customers. However, a game-changing partnership with State Farm Insurance marked the beginning of Fairlane’s true evolution. State Farm introduced a concept that would later become known as content restoration, a strategy aimed at minimizing the cost of insurance claims by restoring damaged personal property rather than replacing it entirely.

In those early days, insurance companies were spending billions on replacing items damaged in fires and other disasters. The shift to content restoration allowed them to reduce those costs significantly, helping boost their profits. But there was a challenge: how could they prove that items could be restored to their original condition? And who would be trusted to perform this intricate work? The solution lay in finding credible experts who could restore items back to “pre-loss condition or better”—the now-standard phrase included in most insurance policies. This innovation would become the foundation of a new industry, with Fairlane at its forefront.

The impact on the insurance industry was profound. Costs dropped, balance sheets improved, and insurance companies—who had once been hemorrhaging money—flourished, becoming some of the largest conglomerates in the world. Fairlane Furniture Restorers, under Bill Godfrey’s guidance, became a trusted partner to these insurers and a pioneer in the content restoration industry.

In the 1980s, Mr. Godfrey brought Gail Johnson into the company. Unlike most businesswomen of the time, Gail was known for her hands-on approach and deep commitment to the work, quickly earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Recognizing her leadership potential, Godfrey granted her full autonomy over the business's operations. Gail’s most impactful decision came when she hired her son, Ken Johnson, setting the stage for the company’s future success.

When Bill Godfrey retired in the early 1990s, Gail and Ken took ownership of Fairlane Furniture Restorers, marking a new era. Despite the uncertainties of the time, their leadership was immediately recognized as they were inundated with work from a growing client base. Their solid work ethic, strong leadership, and commitment to the core values established under Godfrey’s guidance ensured that Fairlane thrived. The company’s reputation for excellence became a hallmark of the restoration industry.

As technology advanced and the insurance restoration landscape evolved, Fairlane adapted, embracing new methodologies and staying ahead of industry trends. This adaptability helped Fairlane remain one of the most respected companies in the industry, even as third-party administrators and consolidation became more common.

After decades of dedication, Gail retired, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled growth and success. Ken continued to lead the company, supported by his wife Debbie and sons Phil and Drew. The Johnson family’s leadership became synonymous with the Fairlane name, ensuring the company’s future while staying true to its familial roots and commitment to personal service.

The next chapter in Fairlane’s history began when Ken began mentoring a young entrepreneur, Ryley Austyn. Their shared values and close personal bond led to Ryley’s eventual acquisition of the company in 2021, securing Fairlane’s future for the next generation. Under Ryley’s leadership, along with key team members Phil Johnson, Drew Johnson, and Stephanie Canales, Fairlane Furniture Restorers is poised to expand and modernize, all while staying grounded in the principles that have defined the company since its founding.

In January 2025, James VanCouwenberghe was promoted to President, bringing his extensive experience and strategic vision to the company. At the same time, Stephanie Canales, who has been with Fairlane for over two decades, was appointed Vice President, strengthening the leadership team. Together, they will continue to drive Fairlane’s success and growth, ensuring that the company remains the longest-standing and most trusted name in content restoration.

To this day, Fairlane Furniture Restorers has helped tens of thousands of families restore their homes and belongings, earning a distinguished reputation for reliability, quality, and commitment to excellence. We are proud of our legacy and excited for the future as we continue to set the standard in the content restoration industry.