Sunshine Foam Co.

Every family business starts with a dream.

Ours began in 1978 when Michael Paul Benedetti (left), a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Italy and Poland, set out to build a better future through hard work and determination. After working as a salesman for a large fabric company, Michael noticed something missing in the upholstery industry. Professional upholsterers and furniture makers didn't have easy access to the supplies they needed, and he wantedt to change that. 

With a passion for serving others and a belief in the American Dream, he founded Sunshine Foam Company alongside his sister Joannah Benedetti-Miller (right). What started as a small upholstery supply business quickly became a trusted name throughout Cincinnati and neighboring states. For nearly five decades, Sunshine Foam served upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, interior designers, commercial businesses, and countless DIY customers. More importantly, it became a place where relationships were built, and every person who walked through the door mattered.

Those values became the foundation of our family.

Continuing a Legacy

In 1993, Michael's daughter, Erin Benedetti-Hockenberry, joined the family business after graduating with two degrees in Merchandizing and Fabric Design. Growing up around the warehouse, fabrics, and foam, she always knew she wanted to continue what her father had started.

In 2008, the upholstery industry was thriving, and after decades of building Sunshine Foam into a trusted business, Michael decided it was time to retire. He sold the company to new ownership, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. While Erin remained with the company as Vice President, the transition was bittersweet. Like many family businesses, timing played a significant role in the path forward.

At the time, Erin was raising two young children and expecting a third. Although she dreamed of one day owning the business her father had built, balancing the demands of a growing family made that opportunity difficult to pursue. As Erin often says, "Timing is everything."

Under new ownership, Sunshine Foam gradually began to change. Erin remained deeply committed to the company and to the customers she had spent years serving, but many of the values that had defined the business started to fade. For years, she worked tirelessly in hopes of preserving her father's legacy and, if given the opportunity, bringing the business back into the family's hands. Despite her dedication, Sunshine Foam was ultimately forced to close its doors in early 2025.

Rather than seeing the closure as the end of her family's story, Erin chose to see it as the beginning of a new one.

A New Name. The Same Heart.

Just months after Sunshine Foam closed, Erin opened Major Foam Company.

Major Foam wasn't created to replace Sunshine; it was created to continue everything Sunshine stood for originally.

Built on the same principles Michael established nearly 50 years ago, Major Foam continues a family legacy rooted in honesty, exceptional customer service, quality products, and genuine relationships. Many longtime customers returned, familiar faces walked back through the doors, and the company was fortunate to continue serving the community from the same warehouse district on Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati.

While the name changed, the heart behind the business never did.

Three Generations, One Family

In 2025, Erin's oldest son, Gino Hockenberry, joined the company as Warehouse Manager. As well has an tremendous amount of support from other family The following year, after graduating from college, her daughter, Vivian Hockenberry, came on board as the Marketing Director. 

When customers stop by, Erin often smiles and says, "It's a TRUE family business now." And it is.

From helping customers find the right form for a DIY project to working with professional upholsterers who have been visiting the warehouse for decades, every member of our family shares the same goal: treating people with honesty, respect, and care.

Looking Ahead

Major Foam may be a new name, but our story is nearly 50 years in the making.

We're proud to continue serving upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, designers, commercial businesses, and DIYers with the quality products and personalized service our family has always believed in.

As we continue to grow, one thing will never change: our commitment to the people who have supported us through every chapter of this journey.

Because at Major Foam, we're not just selling foam and upholstery supplies we're helping people restore furniture, preserve craftsmanship, and bring new life to the things that matter most.

We look forward to being part of your next project and welcoming you to our story.