Nathan S. Ancell (August 22, 1908 – May 31, 1999) co-founded the Ethan Allen furniture company with his brother-in-law, Theodore Baumritter, in 1932.
Together, the two men pioneered the concept of selling furniture in room-style settings and built the Ethan Allen company.
The two bought a bankrupt furniture manufacturer in Beecher Falls, Vermont a few years later.
[1] The company vision statement illustrates his viewpoint in how to conduct business: "To promote dreams not just furniture-to help consumers have the attractive homes they want, regardless of the station in life.
[7] In 1982, he was honored by Western Connecticut State University, who named the Ancell School of Business after him following his donation of $900,000.