About Us
Our Business Today
Welcome to Goedecke Design Center, where quality products and exceptional customer service have been our hallmark for over a century. We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of services through our four main departments:
Paint: Our paint department provides a vast selection of premium paints and finishes, ensuring your spaces get the perfect color and protection. We supply several professional painters and can refer a painter for anyone who prefers not to do it themselves. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you in selecting the right products for your project.
Flooring: Discover a wide array of flooring options, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and more. Our flooring department is dedicated to helping you find the ideal solution that combines durability, style, and functionality.
Window Treatments: Enhance your home's aesthetics and energy efficiency with our custom window treatments. From blinds and shades to draperies and shutters, we offer a variety of high-quality options tailored to your needs and preferences.
Remodeling: Our remodeling department provides comprehensive design and renovation services, transforming your vision into reality. Whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, our experienced team ensures meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.
At Goedecke Design Center, our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our exceptional employees. We are committed to delivering the finest products and unparalleled customer service, continuing the legacy of excellence established by our founder.
We look forward to working with you and making your design dreams come true.
100 Years of Goedecke Decorating
Goedecke Design Center has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded by George Goedecke, a master painter from Germany, the company began in 1923 when George immigrated to Manchester, NH, after World War I. He started his business with a bicycle, balancing painting supplies on the handlebars. Over the years, the business expanded, and George's son, Herbert Goedecke, joined the company at the age of 16.
The company continued to grow, even surviving the Great Depression and various economic challenges. In 1971, Alan Goedecke, George's grandson, took over the business after Herbert's sudden passing. Alan expanded the company's services to include interior design and moved the business to Bedford, New Hampshire.
Today, Goedecke Design Center is run by the fourth generation of the Goedecke family, Herb and Peter, offering a wide range of products and services including paint, flooring, window treatments, design, and remodeling. The company remains committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service, continuing the legacy of its founder.
Chapter 1 - Our founder, George Goedecke and his story from prisoner of war to entrepreneur.
Chapter 2 - The story of George Goedecke’s continues as we focus on the early years of the business.
Chapter 3 - Herbert Goedecke takes an active role in the company starting at age 16.
Chapter 4 - Following Herbert's untimely passing, Alan takes over the business and faces several challenges.
Chapter 5 - Alan and Nancy's struggle to sustain the business in the 1990s and how Herb and Peter decided to join and contribute to its success.
Here are a few closing notes about this documentary and Alan Goedecke's life.
After World War 2, the Goedeckes worked from a 1942 Chevy truck. This video tells the story of finding a similar truck and bringing it home to New Hampshire.
100 years decorating New England’s finest homes.
Our History
1923
1st Generation: George Goedecke achieved “Meister Maler” (Master Painter) status in the decorative arts at the Kaiser’s Palace in Berlin, Germany, but when rampant inflation between the World Wars destroyed his previously flourishing business, he decided to move his family to America. In those early years, he was often seen tenaciously pushing a bicycle with no tires through the streets of Manchester with painting supplies slung over the handlebars. Thanks to his industrious nature, George was able to not only establish Goedecke Painting, but expand his business by training a crew in painting, wallpapering, gold leaf, and elaborate faux finishes.
1932
2nd Generation: In the decades that followed, the Goedecke family steadfastly maintained their work ethic and attention to detail. Herbert Goedecke joined his Dad at the age of 16, after completing his sophomore year at the West High School. Father and son soon expanded the business to include more than 20 employees, and when Herbert was called to serve in the US Army at the end of WW2, “Great-great-grandpa” George kept the company moving forward until his son’s return.
1969
3rd Generation: As the business reputation grew, so did the specialized requests from their clientele. After finishing a business degree and serving in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1st Lieutenant Alan Goedecke returned home and formed a partnership with his father, Hebert. Sadly, before the final papers could be signed, Alan’s dad died of a massive heart attack and Alan suddenly found himself in charge of the company. Alan used his business knowledge to expand the business from primarily contracting services, to an interior design showroom.
1999
4th Generation: Over the years, the Goedecke family has remained resolutely committed to providing their customers with high quality products and artisan installation. Today, siblings Herb and Peter have joined their parents on the Board of Directors and the family continues to increase the variety of products and services that they offer. They are proud to be recognized throughout New England for not only beautiful products, but unwavering dedication to personal service.
Present Day
5th generation: The family legacy continues as the next generation of Goedeckes entertain themselves with sweeping floors and crushing boxes when they visit the store. We are excited to see what the future will bring.
Goedecke Paint, Flooring & Design Center has a rich history of giving back to the community. Our values, which have remained unchanged since the company’s founding in 1923, support building a stronger, more well-connected, and more generous community. We strive to improve everything we touch whether it be a home, or a heart.
Community
Charitable Partnerships
As long-standing members of multiple service foundations, and leaders in nonprofit organizations, the Goedecke family lives out their belief that service is the cornerstone of community. We proudly support the following organizations among many others:
Charitable Contributions
In search of donations for your local charitable organization? Contact us! We strive to be as generous as possible. We are proud to be part of this community. If you see us at the ski trails, grocery store, or anywhere else in town, please say hello!
Environment
Goedecke family assisted in the design, development and construction of the cross country ski trails at Earl Legacy Park. This ski area has become the premier x-c skiing and racing venue in southern New Hampshire. Goedecke Paint, Flooring & Design Center continues to support the ski area by annually sponsoring the trail grooming equipment and fuel.
Youth Sports
Our deep commitment to active volunteering means that we not only sponsor multiple local sports teams, but the family actively coaches too. A few of our favorite teams:
Bill Koch Junior Ski Team
Manchester High School ski teams
Bedford Little League
Bedford Cross Country Ski Club
Bedford Crew Club
Bedford Barracudas
Gate City Charter school