Alumna Combines New Vision with Traditional Values in Family Business
Next time you sit in a booth at Panera or in a Hyatt lobby, know that the furniture may come from Soft Touch Furniture™, a company founded by Terrie and Bob Chudakoff. Their work ethic, integrity and people-first values shaped their daughter Megan. After graduating from Kent State University, her father asked her to come work at the family business. She started in the shop, learning the entire furniture making process, and took over as president in 2020. Four years later, her hard work was recognized by the Better Business Bureau, when she received the Torch Award for Ethics in 2024.
A proud Kent State alumna, Megan’s college experience gave her the problem-solving and communication skills that guide her leadership today. She still values the friendships she formed during her time at Allen Hall.
Family is Megan’s greatest achievement. She is raising 13-year-old twins with her husband Jeff, all while leading with empathy and integrity. Megan also views employees as an extension of her family and strives to make a positive impact in the community one relationship at a time. Get to know Megan in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
MV: My idea of perfect happiness is having a healthy, happy family and running a successful business I'm proud of. It’s being able to grow something meaningful, take care of my team and customers, and still have the balance to be fully present at home.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
MV: My favorite trait in others is genuine kindness. I really value people who treat everyone with respect and warmth, regardless of the situation.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
MV: I can be a little impatient at times, especially when I know what needs to be done and I’m eager to move forward.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
MV: The people who have had the greatest influence on my life are my parents. They founded Soft Touch Furniture™ and recently retired, but I still look up to them and turn to them for guidance every day. Their work ethic, dedication and values shaped who I am, both personally and professionally, and I truly wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
MV: I have so many amazing memories from my time at Kent, but this one always sticks in my mind. There was something so special about all of us crowded into my Allen Hall dorm room, watching American Idol together and just enjoying being with each other. It’s one of those simple moments that stayed with me.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
MV: My favorite journey has been building a life with my husband, Jeff. We’ve been married for 15 years and have 13-year-old twins, and what a journey that has been! I’ve loved every moment–the challenges, the growth and all the joy in between.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
MV: I would have to say my guilty pleasure is online shopping. I just "look" which somehow never stays just looking.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
MV: I consider taking over and growing Soft Touch Furniture™ to be one of my proudest achievements. It has challenged me, strengthened me and allowed me to carry on something my parents built with so much heart.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
MV: This is such a difficult question because there are so many people I look up to, but honestly, I would choose to come back as myself - just a better version. I’d want the wisdom and perspective to learn from my past, make stronger choices and grow even more into the person I’m meant to be.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
MV: My entire college experience played a major role in shaping who I am today. The friendships I built at Kent remain some of my closest relationships, and those years helped me grow in independence, confidence and self-awareness. Kent taught me how to navigate new challenges, step outside my comfort zone and become the person I wanted to be. It will always hold a special place in my life - and I still speak about it often. In fact, my kids tease me because I tell them they’re going to Kent some day… whether they like it or not!