Empower.Enlighten.
Carpet One Floor & Home Celebrates 25th Anniversary at Winter Convention
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 8, 2010) — The Nation’s Capital played host to Carpet One Floor & Home members as they gather for their Succeeding as ONE, Always Have, Always Will Winter Convention at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington D.C.
This year’s Convention marked the 25th anniversary of the floor covering cooperative which began as an enterprising 13 member group in 1985. Over the past 25 years, Carpet One Floor & Home has grown to include over 1,000 full-service specialty stores and become the single largest floor covering retailer in the country. But no matter how much Carpet One Floor & Home has grown, it has retained the same integrity and camaraderie that it began with 25 years ago.
“Our members have built their businesses with a lot of sweat and tears, but they’ve always known that they’ve never been alone or without an encouraging hand if they needed it,” said Howard Brodsky, an original Carpet One Floor & Home founder. “The opportunity to build on an outstanding 25 year foundation and be a part of something bigger than their own business will allow our members to continue to succeed in the future.”
“The support and targets have not changed from the early days. The focus is still on the entrepreneur. We succeed together. I am a proud member of Carpet One Floor & Home,” says Aaron Pirner of Carpet One Floor & Home in Wichita, Kansas.
Pirner’s comments echoed the theme of unity that was at the forefront of this year’s convention, and is an integral part of the Carpet One Floor & Home experience. Other members share his sentiments, including Mark Wheat of Wheat’s Carpet One Floor & Home in Northport, Alabama. “I knew I had found my home when I attended my first convention. Never had I seen such unity in the industry. We were like the Three Musketeers on a mission; striving to be better retailers by helping each other be better.”
“The support of Carpet One Floor & Home and my fellow members has helped my business survive in times when many family owned businesses had to shut their doors,” added Wayne Wengerd of Bear Carpet One Floor & Home in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
“Like other pioneers, Carpet One Floor & Home started with a belief in an idea that was bigger than any one member could do on their own. The new generation of Carpet One families and members will build on this principle to make us even stronger in the future,” says Eric Demaree, President of Carpet One Floor & Home.
Old members, new members and first-time attendees alike discovered a variety of latest programs during the Convention, along with unbeatable values from major industry suppliers and new product introductions. Featured among them was Tigressá Soft Style™, a new carpet brand possessing long lasting durability with a soft feel. Also revealed were new advertising programs and promotions for the second half of 2010.
“I still look forward to the new programs to generate excitement among my staff and to provide our customers with new, inventive products. This is what separates us from the rest of the flooring retailers. We have the best merchandising, marketing tools, products, training, guarantees and back up from management,” says Catherine Buchanan of Independent Carpet One Floor & Home in Westland, Michigan.
In celebration of Carpet One Floor & Home’s big milestone, members were treated to some special guests. During the upcoming general session meeting, members will be addressed by one of the country’s greatest statesmen, Colin Powell, and during this year’s closing event, and were entertained by the beautiful vocal stylings of one of the world’s greatest performers, Natalie Cole.
About Carpet One Floor & Home
Carpet One Floor & Home (www.CarpetOne.com) is North America’s leading floor covering retailer, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Carpet One Floor & Home stores are known for a broad selection of carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs, including exclusive brands like Good Housekeeping and Lees.