Los Gatans Larry Arzie and David Stonesifer, in mirror, began the Los Gatos Porch 31 years ago. They recently sold the business to Susan and John Corcoran of Saratoga.
Photograph by Paul Myers
Founders of Los Gatos Porch sell business to new owners
By Shari Kaplan
Frequently busy, frequented by customers of all budgets and a frequent winner of "Best Home Furnishings" in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times' annual Best of Los Gatos survey, the only thing infrequent about the Los Gatos Porch is the number of times it has changed hands in its 31 years of business--zero.
That changed June 26 when founders Larry Arzie and David Stonesifer, both Los Gatans, sold the business to John and Susan Corcoran of Saratoga. Arzie assures customers, many of whom he's known for years, that the change in ownership does not mean a change of name, merchandise or business philosophy.
"We weren't interested in selling the store to someone who wants to change it. We want to perpetuate what The Porch is all about," Arzie explains. "We're both 50-something, but we're still young enough to do other things."
Among those things is staying on board as consultants. For at least a year, Arzie plans to help handle merchandising and go with the Corcorans on buying trips. Stonesifer will help run the Porch's interior design department for at least a year as well.
"We found two other people young enough to stick around for another 20 years who have the interest and creativity to run a business like this. The time is right, the economy has been good to us, and we're just ready to turn it over," says Arzie.
"There's nothing wrong with change; change is inevitable. Luckily we can [ensure] the future of the store with John and Susan," Arzie says.
The Corcorans bring a mix of business experience to The Porch. Susan, who holds a bachelor's of fine arts degree, spent 12 years working for Martino's Interiors and has more than 16 years of experience in interior design. John is a former New York City Police Department investigator and has owned successful businesses in property management, retail floral design and antiques.
"Susan is the artistic side of it, and I'm the business side. If you were to compare us to our predecessors," John says, "Susan would be David and I would be Larry."
"We don't plan to change anything, really; the Porch provides something for everyone. We don't feel the need to change the recipe, because it's a great cake!" John says. "Most people get a little apprehensive with change, but once people look around here and meet us, they see nothing has really changed."
The Porch, which takes up three levels at its cozy, classy digs at 32 N. Santa Cruz Ave., got its name from its first location--the porch area of The Opera House at 140 W. Main St.
Thanks to Arzie's expertise in retail merchandising and Stonesifer's passion for interior design, the business outgrew its humble beginnings and moved into its current home on the Avenue, filled with furniture, lamps, clocks, mirrors, wall art, sculptures, dinnerware, linens, collectibles, antiques, topiaries and an ever-changing array of eclectica.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
