Debbie Gaby
Co-Founder of Sleep America

Debbie Gaby is the highly recognizable spokesperson for Valleybased mattress retailer Sleep America, but she says it’s not normally her appearance that gets her noticed: More often it is her distinct Southern accent.

“My voice is more recognizable than I am,” the Texas native says. “Sometimes when I go out people will recognize me because of all the advertising that I do, but if I open my mouth they definitely know who I am. I can get by until I speak.”

In 1997, Gaby and her husband, Len, founded Sleep America with just one location and a determination to change the way mattresses are sold. Today, Sleep America is Arizona’s largest mattress retailer, with 45 stores statewide and plans for a nationwide launch in 2009.

While Gaby says working for Sleep America has become her “dream job,” initially she had little interest in opening a mattress store.

It was only after she and her husband created a business plan that involved being active in the community that Gaby says she finally changed her mind. These days, Gaby spends about 80 percent of her time working with charities, including one setting Sleep America apart—its mattress recycling program. To date the company has recycled over 100,000 mattresses by offering free pick-up and donation to clients.

“Giving back to the community and being successful go hand in hand. They are not mutually exclusive,” Gaby says. This month the Open Door Policy crew paid a visit to the south Phoenix warehouse that houses the administrative offices and is home to the epicenter of the growing company. Mrs. Gaby’s private office is filled with an assortment of sports memorabilia and dozens of awards, providing a glimpse into her creative ambition and unique personality.