Banner Image
Section Branding
Header Content
Landmark Family Business Sharian Rugs: The Original Decatur 8
Primary Content
Parking my vehicle this week, chasing a cup of coffee at Dancing Goat in bustling downtown Decatur, I spot a display out front of a landmark local business.
At 368 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, a memorial stand, placard, and roses arranged in the shape of a crucifix mark the passing of 98-year-old Paul Sharian, who, along with his 100-year-old brother Bedros Sharian Jr., owned and operated Sharian Rugs for decades.
“My father lived to be 101, and my mother died young,” Sharian Jr. told me — with a crystal-clear recollection of his long life while sitting in an office chair in the family business compound. “I’m now, as of last week, the only one left from what I refer to as the original eight (Sharians).
It’s an American immigrant story — a rare generational family business still prospering a century after Bedros Sharian Sr. began with a backyard rug-cleaning operation. He was born in the 1890s, an orphan raised by Mennonites before the Armenian Genocide in 1915, and he made his way to the United States in the 1920s.
“We, the original eight, lived right down the street on Drexel Avenue. My uncle bought the house in 1927, we were all there: grandparents, parents, uncle, aunt, my brother Paul, and me — full blooded Armenians."
Today seven of the eight are buried a few blocks away in the Decatur Cemetery.
On this February afternoon, Sharian Jr. was flipping through a century-old leather-bound scrapbook framed with tissue paper containing yellowing photos of the brothers as young men.
I asked Sharian Jr. to share his reflections while viewing old photos with his brother from 80 years ago in Decatur.
Displaying a smile and offering no hesitation, “I’m thinking about the next customer. My main concern remains, the success and the survival of this business.”
The Sharian boys attended Ponce Elementary School (where the Post Office currently stands), Decatur Boys High School, served in the military (Bedros witnessed surrender of Japan from his ship in Tokyo Bay in 1945), graduated from Emory, and enjoyed Georgia Tech football.
“My brother and I were able to work together for years. Many brothers can’t do that. We did have differences approaching business, but other than that, we were able to coexist until the next generation took over.”
I followed up with a question of rivalry. “Was there ever a time when you two weren’t getting along? Relationships can have ups and downs.”
Sharian laughed, “Yes, there were times when he was frustrated with my approach. I’m more aggressive.”
In America, family businesses once ruled. But that has changed in this country. One continuous family operation of a business is exceedingly rare. Many companies are gobbled up by corporate entities and retain the name to give the illusion of continuity.
Sharian Rugs was making money when Babe Ruth was hitting home runs, Calvin Coolidge was in the White House and before Margaret Mitchell published her Atlanta novel.
The Sharian brothers are generationally community anchored.
“Jeff, I attended your speech before the Decatur Rotary Club two years ago and your other appearance 30 years ago,” offered Mr. Sharian Jr.
Aside from their business life, the Sharian brothers have been deeply involved in civic life. Bedros serving as president of the Decatur Rotary Club and Executive Club of Decatur, maintaining 50 years of service to both.
But now only one brother remains.
“My father (Paul) was a kind, Christian man who made a difference in Decatur,” said daughter Lydia. “The last months in hospice were difficult for him and all of us.”
Decatur has had a remarkable evolution over the last 40 years, but the one constant has always been Sharian’s business, and the “Original 8” wouldn’t have it any other way.
Secondary Content
Author
Bottom Content
