WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Back in the dusty summer of 1973, Jacob “Big Jake” Callahan was workin’ grueling hours as a long-haul trucker, luggin’ everything from tractor parts to canned beans across Texas. One night in El Paso, after sleepin’ on a lumpy motel mattress that felt like a sack of horseshoes, Jake had a dream — not the kind with tumbleweeds and saloons — but a vision of bringing real comfort to regular folk.
He scraped together what little savings he had, bought a truckload of overstock mattresses off a warehouse foreman he knew from the road, and set up shop in an old feed barn just outside of Dusty Creek. A hand-painted sign read:
BIG JAKE'S MATTRESS SURPLUS - FAIR PRICES, NO BULL
Jake figured if he could sell five mattresses a week, he’d be sittin’ pretty. Instead, he sold twenty in his first weekend. Word spread like wildfire — about the low prices, the no-pressure service, and that big ol’ cowboy behind the counter offering fresh coffee and honest deals.
BUILT THE COWBOY WAY
Jake didn’t believe in fancy marketing or fast talk. He believed in firm mattresses and firm handshakes. Over the years, Big Jake’s Mattress Surplus grew from a dusty barn to a full-on warehouse operation, but the heart of it stayed the same:
1. Respect the customer
2. Keep prices low
3. Respect the customer
He hired local high schoolers and old ranch hands alike. Some of ‘em still work there today. And if you ask ‘em about Jake, they’ll tell you he’s part businessman, part folk hero — and all Cowboy.
STILL RIDIN' TODAY
These days, Jake’s hangin’ around the store less — semi-retired and spendin’ more time fishin’ with his grandkids — but you’ll still see his boots propped up on the front porch most Saturday mornings, sippin’ coffee and swappin’ stories with customers.
His son, Jesse Callahan, now runs the day-to-day operations, carryin’ on the Big Jake legacy with the same grit, humor, and sense of service that made the store a legend.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Comfort without Compromise
We sell new, name-brand mattresses at prices that won’t make your wallet whimper.
Honesty Over Hype
We don’t run sales games or “limited-time” gimmicks. Every day’s a deal at Big Jake’s.
Community Roots
We support local causes, sponsor the Dusty Creek Rodeo, and know our regulars by name.
So whether you're new to town or just passin’ through, know this: At Big Jake’s Mattress Surplus, there’s always a place to rest your weary bones.