06/01/2026
As May comes to a close, so does my 50th year in the flooring business.
It all started in 1976, when I was a 13-year-old climbing into an old van full of tools I didn’t know the names of, not to mention no idea how to use. The guy driving that van was Billy Paul. He gave me a chance, and I never looked back. Incredibly, Billy is still installing today and serves as a lead on one of our installation teams.
That first summer turned into several years working alongside Billy and a group of skilled installers at Powell’s Carpet. I had the opportunity to learn from men like Joe Randolph, Sam Mollica, Eddie Hopton-Jones, Grey Dillard, and Craig Armstrong. Later, I worked alongside David Thrasher as well. Those early years taught me a lesson I’ve carried ever since: there is always more than one way to do a job well.
Fifty years is a long stretch, and along the way, I’ve had the chance to work with a number of local companies in a variety of roles, most notably Powell Carpet, Billy Paul Flooring, Contract Systems, Carpet Contractors, Eastwood Carpets, Don’s Carpet (and Don’s Carpet One), Carpet Gallery, Flooring Specialties, and currently Carpet Specialties, where I’ve been since 1998.
When I look back, I think about the people, projects, challenges, and places that shaped this journey. While I haven’t liked everyone I’ve met or worked with, those encounters helped me learn how I want to conduct myself, do business, and treat people. Likewise, l’ve been fortunate to meet even more people who are ethical, creative, energetic, caring and challenging. They make me want to stay and see what’s next.
The flooring business has changed dramatically since 1976, but one thing has stayed the same: there is always something new to learn.
I don’t expect another 50 years, but I’m still here, still learning, and still genuinely excited about what comes next.
