About Us
Our Story
Nashville Murphy Beds was born in 2014 by longtime friends, Billy Simon and Pete Strayer. After weeks of brainstorming during coffee breaks, these two employees of General Dynamics had a plan. Billy had built a woodshop behind his home in south Nashville with the belief that fold away, comfortable beds would be an excellent product for the growing city. Pete agreed and put his website/marketing skills to work to make customers aware.
Slowly, but surely the news was spreading and people’s needs for spare bedrooms were being solved consistently by their excellent solution. The time came when growth required help and in 2019, another trusted friend on a similar path was leaving his corporate past behind for the scent of sawdust and fulfillment of craftsmanship. Allan Hicks joined forces to help take Nashville Murphy Beds to the next level.
These three risk takers have traded offices for aprons and are determined to supply Nashville and beyond with the most rugged, beautiful and comfortable hide-a-way sleep solutions imaginable.
Meet Our Team
Founder & Co-owner
Billy Simon
Billy grew up on a farm in Oklahoma where efficiency and resourcefulness went hand in hand. While on the farm, he learned carpentry from various family members who were carpenters. In the 80's, Billy moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He has recently stepped aside from the daily operations of Nashville Murphy Beds to return to his love of writing music and speaking engagements.
CEO & Co-owner
Allan Hicks
While growing up in Atlanta, Allan learned how to work with wood as a youth while helping his dad with various projects around the house and for others. As he got older, he found himself in the corporate arena where he acquired various business and leadership skills. When not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife and enjoying the various food scenes around Nashville.
Master Carpenter
Ethan DuBois
Ethan grew up in Southern California learning about woodworking from his dad who was a High School Wood Shop teacher. Ethan's professional background is film production, but he has always had an interest in making things with his hands. Outside of Nashville Murphy Beds, Ethan is married, enjoys traveling, and is a licensed Realtor and freelance videographer.