American Floor and Home is thrilled to celebrate our 50 th anniversary this year, and we’re so glad you are with us as we savor and celebrate this important milestone. When my father, David Arita, founded the company (originally known as The Carpet Shoppe) in 1974, he had no idea that he was planting the seeds for a company that would grow into an employee-owned enterprise with more than 130 employeeowners, and one that would become so deeply interconnected with the community.
We’ve spent the last 50 years building our reputation as one of Hawai‘i’s longest standing and most-trusted flooring and home renovation companies, and our dedication to building relationships and having a positive impact in the lives of Hawai‘i’s people still hasn’t changed. As a second-generation leader of this company, I’m proud of the journey that has brought us this far and look eagerly to the bright future ahead.
We’re extremely proud of our 50-year heritage, and we wouldn’t have achieved this golden milestone without your support. That’s why, in addition to this special magazine, we’re also gearing up for a year-long celebration that will extend through December 2024. The company has an exciting lineup of promotions and captivating events planned to mark this significant milestone, including our “We Love Local” initiative, in which AFH will recognize and support 50 local businesses in various ways throughout the year. Stay tuned for some fun and unique surprises!
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @AmericanFloorAndHome for updates and announcements.
My sincere “mahalo” for your support. Cheers to the next 50 years!
DANIEL ARITA President, American
How it All Began
A lot can happen in 50 years, and that is especially true in the fast-paced world of business. Here is a timeline of some of the biggest events in the history of American Floor and Home.
1968: “2001: A Space Odyssey” was playing at Consolidated Theatres. And Stan Koki, a UH student studying engineering, was making his way through college selling carpets at Wigwam, a department store in Honolulu. The owner of the company saw potential in Stan and promoted him to become the carpet department manager. Koki’s friend and fellow engineering
student, David Arita, started working with Koki, and soon he, too, was smitten with the world of carpeting. Both graduated with engineering degrees – but had already found their calling in flooring.
1973: With just a few thousand dollars, Stan and David decide to start their own business: a shop-at-home carpet company.
Jan. 2, 1974: The Carpet Shoppe opens a small location inside a furniture store called Consumer City in Kalihi (present location of Marukai Wholesale Mart). There are only five employees. But within six months, they were able to upgrade to a bigger space in Consumer City.
1981: The company moves into its present location at 302 Sand Island Access Road, happily enjoying a polished showroom, a huge warehouse and generous office space.
1978: The company opens a showroom in the BJ Furniture Store on Beretania Street. The Carpet Shoppe name becomes the corporation’s name and is phased out on store location names in favor of the American Carpet Company.
1976: Realizing that The Carpet Shoppe was a bit confusing as a name, the two partners open a new location as the American Carpet Company Showroom. It was on Young Street, and the biggest freestanding carpet showroom in Hawai‘i.
1974: The Carpet Shoppe’s installation department begins. They also opened a second location, called DJ’s Interiors, at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange.
1974-1985: Chris Arita, wife of founder David Arita, is an anchor as the business gets going. She works in operations, sales, then as a sales trainer and later was the company’s first HR director. She left when (current president) Daniel Arita was born in 1985.
Company Founders Stanley Koki and David Arita, 1981
1986: Another name change! As the product lines expand, the American Carpet Company is renamed American Carpet & Drapery Company.
1988: The company joins Carpet One, a nationwide hui of independent carpet dealers who collectively purchase together so they can obtain the lowest prices for their customers.
1994: comfortable yet with those business cards! The company name goes from American Carpet & Drapery Company to American Carpet One.
1990: David Arita buys out the company from Stan Koki. The company continues to grow and expand.
2000s: David’s three children, Darin, Jessica and Daniel, all work in the company while growing up. Youngest child Daniel, for example, does jobs in the warehouse, installation department, customer care, sales, and purchasing. After college, he becomes an assistant manager, then v.p. of operations, then company president.
2013: David sells the business to the employees, creating an ESOP, or employee stock ownership plan. This means employees become employeeowners, each with a stake in the company’s success. As business owners, employees now receive business and fi nancial training as part of their other new-hire training.
2024: The company has 130 employee-owners and is still growing strong. Happy 50 th Anniversary!
2021: American Floor & Home becomes the new company moniker, a nod to the fact that the business has expanded into a full-service remodeling center, with kitchen, bath and more. David Arita transitions into a founder position, and Daniel takes the reins as company president.
Community service events include carpet giveaways for school classrooms (top) and Aloha United Way donations.
2019: Returning to the company’s at-home-shopping origins, American Carpet One re-introduces Shop@Home.
Some of the Arita ‘ohana, circa 1990s.
From left to right: Celebrating 10 years in 1984; The American Carpet & Drapery crew with Mrs. Hawai‘i 1988; American Carpet One Goes Ape Sale in the 1990s.
All in the Family
In 2013, The Carpet Shoppe founder David Arita made a transition, selling the company to his employees via an employee stock ownership plan, or “ESOP.” This means that the employees become employee-owners, sharing in the benefits as the company prospers.
Once an employee has been with the company for one year, they can start earning shares in the business.
The company is also very transparent with its owner-employees, sharing information such as cash flow and balance sheets, and encouraging questions on business performance.
“Our employees are an investment,” says current company president Daniel Arita. “It’s where we want to put our time and effort into growing.” But Daniel and David are not the only family members behind the success of the company. Let’s meet some of the other families that help make up the team.
Skylar, Lori & Kody
SKYLAR AGENA (LEFT) IS AN INSTALLER/HELPER. Skylar loves the sense of completion once a job is done, “being able to provide our customers with what they had envisioned their flooring to look like,” he says. He’s a newer employee, and his mother is the HR manager. In addition to the company’s excellent service and professionalism, he says the ESOP “helps everyone to understand the business, and benefits the team while having a competitive and teamwork-focused mindset.”
Lori Agena started with the company in 2017, rising from HR/payroll specialist to HR manager. “It’s been an enriching journey,” she says. “I’ve had the chance to shape and influence the organizational landscape by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.” She is delighted her son joined the company. “He
chose to explore a trade and was seeking a workplace that resonates with his values. His desire to work for a company that he can take pride in reflects his commitment to not just a job, but to a career path that aligns with his principles.” Another son, Kody, works part time for the company.
& Liz
FOR ALYSSA DAMO (ABOVE LEFT), American Floor and Home led to not only a career, but a spouse. Her mom, Liz Alarcio, has been with the company for 36 years. Alyssa’s mom worked closely with her future husband prior to her coming aboard. “I would hint to her before on how cute he was when I would be in her office,” says Alyssa. “Then one thing led to another, and we’ve been happily married for 10 years with our son, Chance, and daughter, Alyiah.”
Alyssa has been with the company 11 years now, starting as a part-timer in the accounting department, then customer care, and now, is in her role in the purchasing department. In addition to fi nding her soul mate, she’s made wonderful friends within the company,
Alyssa
“He chose to explore a trade and was seeking a workplace that resonates with his values. His desire to work for a company that he can take pride in reflects his commitment to not just a job, but to a career path that aligns with his principles.”
–LORI AGENA
and enjoys working with all the vendors. “We strive to be the best that we can be as a company, but we are also like an ‘ohana. We have our normal ‘ohana we go
home to at the end of the day, but come the next morning, we are coming to our work ‘ohana since we are in our offices the majority of the week.”
Liz is currently the production assistant, working with 30-plus installers. She says working with coworkers of different ages and maturity “keeps me on my toes.” She enjoys being an employee-owner. “It gives me that sense of pride, and it will be a good part of my retirement plan.”
Kay & Dominic
“I STARTED WORKING HERE after trying to figure out what I wanted to do after college, and I found a home here,” reflects Kay Leafa, who is the company’s customer care supervisor and claims manager. She is also the vice chair of the Owners Council
(for the ESOP). “I love the camaraderie of the team and the fact that we have management that sincerely cares about us.”
“My younger sister, Korina, worked with the company before joining the military and my younger brother, Ben, worked warehouse before leaving for college. Their time here is cherished and we have a lot of great memories together here. Then I also brought on my cousin, Dominic. He’s become a vital member of our warehouse and brings a lot of positive, fun energy.”
Dominic Fiatoa (previous page, right) has been a warehouse operator for more than a year. He says, “After months of being unemployed, it was Kay who saved my life. Kay is the most reliable leader and there is nothing I won’t do for her.” Working with a company that has an ESOP, he says, makes him feel appreciated. “My opinion on the company has validity. My input matters.”
Delfi n, Dioniso, & Chris Tabije
“MY TWIN AND MY OLDER BROTHER are working for the company,” says Delfin Tabije (previous page, left). He’s been with American Floor and Home for about two years as an installer. “I have only one thing to say about the business: It is preeminent.”
Dioniso Tabije (previous page, center) is also on the hard surface installation team. “I’m working my way up,” he says. “I love the hands-on work. This is a friendly, loving company. They encourage you to work hard and grow.”
Older brother Chris Tabije (previous page, right) has been working with the company for more than two years as a carpet installer. Chris calls the American Floor and Home a “well-known and top performing company,” and enjoys meeting with clients and working in so many different places.
Erica & Jenny
JENNY SIAANA (ABOVE, RIGHT) HAS BEEN WORKING for American Floor and Home for 14 years. She is in the contract sales division, and originally started off as a flooring specialist. “There are so many op-
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portunities within the company to advance your career. The leadership and training have led me to where I am today.”
She enjoyed working for American Floor and Home so much, she invited her younger sister to join the team. “My sister Erica is very hardworking and enjoys our company. This place has allowed me to provide for my family. To have my sister experience the joy that I experience is indescribable. We work for different departments and don’t get to spend much time together at work. We do, however, support each other at our children’s sports activities.”
Erica Casarez has been with the company for 10 years, and is currently in the
“It was a sincere labor of love, a profound testament to our commitment to our island, and a powerful reflection of the warmth and generosity within our community.”
–SHEYNA LEI BAYSA
account manager/sales team department. She likes that the company is locally owned and operated, an ESOP, and “is always fi nding more ways in which we
can improve and grow.”
Jenny adds that during the Covid lockdowns, that “Not one person was laid off … Many within the company have children that attend schools that were shut down. The company provided the opportunity to work from home to take care of our families. I am forever grateful; my sister is as well.”
Sheyna Lei, Chastity & Makayla
“MY
SISTERS AND I DON’T WORK IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT; however, whenever we are together at work our co-workers
always refer to us as ‘Da Sistaz’,” says Makayla Cha-Shey Yanos (right, opposite page). “Although our personalities are different, we act goofy in the same way.”
Makayla has been with American Floor and Home for two years and serves as a kitchen and bath project coordinator. “There are a lot of moving parts that are high in demand and although it can be overwhelming, we always fi nd a way to have a laugh.” Renovating homes can be daunting, she notes, “but by providing the customer the right information and assurance in the services we do, helps homeowners feel less stressed.”
Her sister, Chastity Baysa-Chun (center, opposite page), says, “My
absolute favorite thing is working with my sisters. The family culture in our company is like no other I’ve experienced.” It was her sister, Sheyna Lei Baysa (left, previous page), who first suggested she consider joining the company.
“One of my favorite memories is my fi rst meeting with our general manager, Aaron,” says Chastity. “It was just a meeting to see where and how I’d fit into the company. I was at the time on sabbatical and had no intention of going back into sales, especially management. In fact, I had been offered a different position in the travel industry and was pretty set on that direction. Toward the end, Aaron said, ‘You’re going to choose us!’ I answered, ‘I don’t think so.’ Well, here I am! This is the environment I wanted to be in. I absolutely love and believe in the vision of American Floor and Home and I am so excited to be a part of it.”
Sheyna Lei, the creative design specialist in the marketing department, has been with the company for five years. “My most cherished aspect of my job is the chance to practice graphic design, a passion I’ve nurtured since high school. Unleashing my creative talents to transform visions and ideas into vivid visual creations is a constant source of joy and fulfillment for me.”
The three sisters were born and raised on Maui. After the wildfi res of
August 2023, “We felt a deep connection to our island when it needed our support most,” Sheyna Lei says. “In unity, we partnered with another vendor to organize an event we called ‘Mochi for Maui.’ This gathering brought together a diverse group of vendors, and the most remarkable part was that every dollar earned was donated to Maui United Way, resulting in an impressive donation of $11,000. It was a sincere labor of love, a profound testament of our commitment to our island, and a powerful reflection of the warmth and generosity within our community.”
Lito & Aris
ARIS OSORIO (ABOVE) AND LITO OSORIO ARE COUSINS. “Lito works for the kitchen and bath department. I’ve known him my whole life and he’s a very quiet, but hardworking man.” Aris has been with the company for 16 years, starting out as a helper in the hard surface installation team. He’s now a journeyman. “As installers, we’re the last people to meet with the customer, so we work hard to give the best service and work, he says. “I love that I get to meet new people with each job.”
Lito (left) and Aris Osorio
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Meet the Originals
For these long-time employees, decades of work have flown by, while job satisfaction, personal development, and strong friendships have only grown.
David Arita, founder START DATE: 1/1/1974
“I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in the flooring industry,” says David Arita, the company founder. He’s seen the business grow from a humble, five-person operation to a thriving enterprise with over 130 employees. “Embracing technology and staying ahead of trends has allowed us to not only survive but thrive in this ever-changing landscape.”
What do you love most about your work?
“The tangible impact we have on people’s lives. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for our customers. The excitement of providing flooring solutions that truly make a difference, both aesthetically and functionally, keeps me passionate about our work. The ability to continuously improve, adapt, and offer a wide range of products ensures that we remain relevant and connected to our customers.”
Any favorite memory you’d like to share?
“Witnessing my son, Daniel,
take on a leadership role within the company. Seeing him grow from starting in the back office at the age of 14 to becoming the president, fills me with immense pride. My second top memory was the decision to sell the company back to our dedicated employees [via the Employee Stock Ownership Plan], the very people who contributed to its growth. It’s a testament to the sense of family and community we’ve fostered within our company, ensuring that those who helped build our company have a stake in its future success.”
Guy Kunitake, flooring estimator START DATE: 8/6/1974
Tell us about the early days.
“I began as a delivery person, managing residential deliveries and material pickups from various suppliers. Starting at age 17, the early days were tough, dealing with tight schedules and deliveries. When Mr. Arita suggested a move to the installation department, I eagerly embraced the change. Over the years, his
growing appreciation for employees, evident in the transition of our company to an ESOP, has been a key factor in my long-term commitment.”
Aaron Okamoto, vp of sales START DATE: 6/1/2004
“What keeps me dedicated to this company is the people, our rich 50-year history as a premier flooring and home renovation company in Hawai‘i, and our strong culture.”
Above, from left to right: JaDawn Perez, Maureen Silva and Roy Korenaga
JaDawn Perez, contract sales manager
START DATE: 9/8/2003
“There is a strong internal environment within our organization that is both engaging
and rewarding. It has allowed me to thrive by doing what I love over the years, bringing dreams to life in our client’s homes, businesses and gathering places.”
Maureen “Mo” Silva, sales START DATE: 11/14/2001
“It’s more than just a workplace to me; it’s my family. I find satisfaction in working for a company with a secure foundation that genuinely cares about its employees, providing the tools and support necessary for personal and professional growth.”
Roy Korenaga, sales START DATE: 4/29/2002
“I appreciate the ongoing training opportunities. Every day is a chance for personal development, and I take pride in becoming a better person for both my team and clients.”
George Lopez, accounts payable START DATE: 4/30/2002
“The combination of good pay, excellent benefits, and supportive supervisors makes it a rewarding environment.”
Jonathan Chong, sales START DATE: 4/30/2004
“I’m grateful to everyone involved for their well-coordinated communication and organizational skills, which contribute to a seamless and enjoyable work environment. The collaborative spirit across departments makes every day here satisfying.”
Eleanor Asuncion, front desk administrator
START DATE: 8/1/1989
“There’s a strong sense of family here, making me feel right at home with my team. And, I always say, as long as I enjoy what I’m doing, I see myself staying here happily.”
Helen Tinai, revenue bookkeeper START DATE: 8/11/1980
“The sense of camaraderie and support makes it feel like a second family, creating a warm and welcoming environment.”
Tony Lau, accountant START DATE: 4/20/1987
“The challenging nature of my job keeps me engaged, and I constantly get the opportunity to learn, expanding my skill set. Having supportive supervisors adds to my satisfaction.”
Lisa Andaya-Barron, sales START DATE: 5/5/1999
“I fi nd joy in making people happy. And, the company’s investment in teaching and training ensures I’m always learning and growing.”
Deborah Holbrook, sales START DATE: 9/8/2003
“My job allows me to express my creativity and passion for colors. These aspects of my work add vibrancy and dynamism to my daily tasks.”
“I started as an installer and eventually became a supervisor. As an installer, I cherished the diversity of my work, covering different parts of the island. Transitioning into a supervisor role brought new challenges, but each step has contributed to my personal growth, and I feel truly valued.”
Elizabeth Alarcio, production assistant START DATE: 7/13/1987
“The incredible people around me that have kept me grounded, making the workplace feel like my extended family. The sense of belonging and support makes every day here special.”
“I love my team and leaders. They’re incredibly nice and I feel valued and respected. The supportive environment makes my job truly enjoyable.”
Randall Raquel, production assistant START DATE: 8/5/2003
“The company’s openness to change ensures continuous growth, and collaborating
with motivated and supportive colleagues is a highlight. [This is] a unique and progressive work environment.”
Vincent Flores, warehouse START DATE: 10/30/1993
“The friendships formed with co-workers, who I now consider family, coupled with the chance to expand my skills through company sponsored training like Dale Carnegie and Leadership Works, have made my journey fulfilling.”
Danny Ballador, journeyman-carpet START DATE: 4/18/1994
“It’s been my longest job outside the military, and what kept me here is not just the job I enjoy but the strong friendships with my team and witnessing the company’s growth fi rsthand.”
“I love working here because integrity and honesty have always been core values, with a commitment to putting the customer fi rst.”
Above: Lisa Andaya-Barron and Deborah Holbrook
Above: Erin Murakami
Above, from left to right: George Lopez, Jonathan Chong, Eleanor Asuncion, Helen Tinai and Tony Lau
Right: Glen Takahashi, Danny Ballador, Randall Raquel, Guy Kunitake, Vincent Flores, and Burt Celebre
Top: Scholarship recipients.
Below: The AFH team AdoptA-Highway team, in 2023.
Giving Back to the Community
Philanthropy is one of American Floor and Home’s core values.
THEY SAY THE THREE PILLARS OF GIVING are time, talent and treasure. American Floor and Home embraces that concept, supporting local causes and organizations in a variety of ways, from donations of money or materials, by volunteering and by supporting scholarships. “My dad, who started the company, always felt it was his duty to
give back to the community, because the community blesses us with business,” says Daniel Arita, American Floor and Home’s president. “Once the company’s employees became owners through the employee stock ownership program, that mindset of wanting to give back carried over to the employees and really grew.”
In 2024, a “We Love Local” initiative will provide a boost to 50 local businesses, to express gratitude for the 50th anniversary of American Floor and
Home. Picture renting out a whole taco truck and inviting the community to try a taco, for example. Arita says, “We’re on a mission to help get other local businesses to 50 years, to get local businesses to support each other, and to get the community to support the local businesses.”
Another of Arita’s goals is to have 100% participation in the Aloha United Way’s workplace campaign. “And for the past 10 years we have made that goal.”
In fact, in 2023, American Floor and Home employee-owners raised $65,000. “Through Aloha United Way, our employees are able to choose and can support many different organizations,” says Arita. “For example, some picked a food bank or Big Brothers and Sisters because they were helped by those growing up and now want to give back.”
For more than 10 years, the company has been keeping Sand Island Access Road tidy, via the State of Hawai‘i’s Dept. of Transportation “Adopt-A-Highway” program. Four times a year, sales, installation, warehouse and the customer service departments walk up and down Sand Island Access Road fi lling rubbish bags. “We wanted to keep the area clean, and also ensure any trash and debris is kept out of the ocean,” says Arita.
Twice a year, the company hosts pet adoption events with the Hawaiian Humane Society. “When I was a kid, we would adopt dogs from the Humane Society, so I feel nostalgic about it,” says Arita. “We wanted to help families adopt a dog or cat by paying for their adoption fees.”
The company also funds scholarships at HPU, Chaminade University and the University of Hawai‘i. And speaking of scholars, an annual rug giveaway gives more than 400 area rugs to deserving public and private school teachers, brightening the lives of both students and educators. “Teachers often use their own money to supply their classrooms,” says Arita. “It breaks my heart to hear that. There’s just so much joy and love at these events.”
Organizations We Donated To:
• Aloha Diaper Bank
• Aloha United Way
• ASSETS
• Bible Institute of Hawai‘i
• Blood Bank of Hawai‘i
• Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders
• Chaminade University
• Good News Jail and Prison Ministry
• Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i
• Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
• Hawai‘i Pacific University
• Hawai‘i Prayer Breakfast
• Hawaiian Humane Society
• Kaimuki Christian School
• Kama‘āina Kids
• Make-A-Wish
• March of Dimes
• Miss Hawai‘i Organization
• New Home Christian College
• Outdoor Circle
• Pali Momi Foundation
• Punahou School
• Rotary District 5000 Foundation
• St. Louis High School
• The Kroc Center
• The Salvation Army
• The Salvation Army Kids to Camp
• The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary
• Wellspring Covenant Church
• Women Speaking Out
• YMCA of Honolulu
• Youth for Christ
Organizations That Received Materials:
• Adult Friends for Youth
• Associa Hawai‘i
• Big Brothers & Big Sisters
• Boys and Girls Club
P roducts Crafted with People + the Planet in Mind
• Hawaiian Girls Golf Club
• Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
• HUGS
• Kanoelani Elementary School
• Manawale‘a Riding Center
• Mānoa Elementary School
• Miss Hawai‘i Organization
• Moanalua High School
• 95.5 The Word
• New Hope Children’s Ministry
• Touch A Heart
• Trinity Christian School
• Trinity Christian Society
• UH Shidler College of Business
• Waipahu Konko Mission
Anderson Tuftex® is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation® to restore U.S forests of great need and will plant a tree for every hardwood product sold Together, we will make a one tree at a time.
Real-Life Before and Afters
Who doesn’t love that final reveal? These examples of American Floor and Home projects will provide inspiration for your next home or commercial renovation.
From Dark and Dated to Airy
The Project: A complete rebirth for a rundown, 1,920-square-foot, three-bedroom, twobath house.
Why: This Mililani home was purchased as a “fl ip” project to showcase the quality and beauty of American Floor and Home’s flooring, kitchen and bathroom products.
The Process: The company installed in-stock white, shaker cabinets for the kitchen from its private line, Island Pro, not only to complement the modern, neutral tones of the Cali Geowood engineered wood flooring, but also to highlight the Viatera quartz countertop, known for its durability and
high heat resistance.
In the bathroom, a brand-new, waterproof luxury vinyl shower wall tile product from American Floor and Home’s Pacifica collection was installed, combining timeless elegance with easy maintenance, creating a stunning and long-lasting shower space.
The Results: A modern family home with an inviting, open layout that seamlessly integrates the newly renovated kitchen, living room, dining area and family room.
A Hardworking TV Studio
The Project: New flooring for KHON2’s studio. This 6,000-square-foot open space is used for shooting all the station’s newscasts.
Why: “It’s the side of KHON our viewer sees every day,” says Jassen Hansken, director of engineering/chief engineer for KHON-TV/Nexstar Media. “The leadership team and I felt collectively that updated flooring would be a nice accent to the intended new look and design of the KHON2 News Studio.”
The Process: At fi rst, choosing a flooring was a challenge. “Durability, presentation and cost are all major factors when flooring a live television space,” says Hansken. “American Floor
and Home did a great job walking us through our options, making the choice relatively simple.”
The install was also not a typical floor installation, according to Hansken. “We had to grind down the old epoxy and make sure we were dealing with a 100% level floor. We don’t want our cameras on an uneven surface. This process took over a week to accomplish. The flooring installation, after the prep, went much faster.”
The Results: “I had given them a tight schedule with many requirements,” says Hansken. “They hit every deadline and were prepared and professional. I would advise anyone with a difficult or standard commercial project to call American Floor and Home. They won’t disappoint.”
Empty Nesters Get Their Dream Home
The Project: A retired, empty nest couple got a home makeover, including new vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen, powder room, pantry and master bathroom. New carpet was installed in the living room, family room, dining room, hallway, stairs and master bath.
Why: “We moved into this home in 1973,” says homeowner Carol Shiroma. Other than a few smaller projects over the years, the home had not been redone since. “We would say it was a long awaited renovation.”
The Process: The couple thought that choosing materials and colors was going to take forever. However, “they brought us to their showroom and brought out material and color swatches, hardware samples, countertop samples and other items. We were able to do a comprehensive comparison of the samples and combinations right then
and there,” says Carol. “Also, prior to the project we did a little homework of what finishes we might want to have in our renovated home. We conveyed this to the design team and they were able to not only accommodate our choices, but also to make suggestions that even bettered the project.”
The Results: Four months later, the project was complete. “The team at American Floor and Home works diligently,” says Carol. “There was quick turnaround on concept drawings. They are very knowledgeable. The designer and construction team were always available if we had questions or concerns.”
Her advice to fellow home renovators? “Know your design and construction team. Do a little research. Read Google and Yelp reviews. Ask for customer references and follow up with the references.”
Shaw is Proud to Serve the People of Hawaii
Shaw is honored to deliver industry-leading brands, products and services that make a
Growing our businesses, supporting our communities, and building relationships that connect us — you are the reason.
The Project: The client desired a modern transformation for her kitchen and master bathroom.
Why: Before the renovation, the home had a traditional kitchen, and the client wanted a new design to incorporate large glass sliding doors for the pantry. Meanwhile, the master bathroom had a cluttered, locker room-like appearance, with underutilized cabinets, a cramped shower and a bypass closet.
The Process: In the kitchen, American Floor and Home introduced a light color palette, incorporating wood, gold and black accents. The design also embraced minimalistic elements, including sleek slab Omega cabinets, open shelving to minimize the visual clutter of cabinet boxes and a clean color Viatera quartz countertop. In the master bathroom, the team transformed it into a serene oasis,
expanding the shower, incorporating a luxurious soaking tub, transforming the bypass closet into a spacious walk-in and utilizing a calming, light palette accented by gold. To introduce visual interest to the almost monochromatic design, 3D hexagon tile was installed on the accent wall.
The Results: A spacious, contemporary oasis, with serene yet on-trend vibes, made coming home a true joy for the homeowner.
Kitchen and Bath Transformation
The Next 50 Years
MY FIRST JOB AT AMERICAN FLOOR AND HOME was a summer gig when I was 14 years old. I got fi red my fi rst day from the accounting department. My dad, company founder David Arita, then put me into the warehouse to work instead, and I was very happy to be there. Over the years, I worked my way up through every position, from hauling around carpet padding containers, to installing carpet, to managing the sales floor. I’m honored to be president of the company today— and to help celebrate our 50 th anniversary is a true privilege.
There’s a lot of benefits working for your dad, but also a lot of challenges. (If you’ve ever worked with your family, you know what I mean.) But over the years, we learned to stop talking shop at dinner. I discovered how to balance being a son and being an employee. My dad is amazing and he’s still there to coach me.
I have a family of my own now: My wife, Torey, and our daughter, Arlo, who is 1, and son, Ezekiel, age 3. We’d love for them to someday go into the business, but they’re so young now, it’s hard to know what careers will appeal to them as they grow.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years of American Floor and Home, I know we’ll continue to invest in our 130+ employees. We truly care about them and want them to be successful, and we want managers and supervisors who love their people, too.
My goal is to continue to grow the
company, and that will be by diversifying in other industries that connect with what we are doing. We first expanded past floors into kitchen and bath, including cabinets, fi xtures, and lighting. Now we’re looking into other remodeling categories.
We’ve also just started offering synthetic turf, which we think will be the future of landscaping. It saves resources spent on water and electricity—and it’s pet- and kid-friendly. If you’re picturing fake green putt-putt grass, nope, it’s much more realistic. In fact, in the past 10 years, the flooring industry has had a lot of innovations, such as vinyl that is harder and more scratch resistant, and carpets that are waterproof, so spills or accidents with a pet don’t flow down into the padding or the subfloor.
In Hawai‘i, we have a lot of rain and
humidity, and then also lot of sun, so we provide products that are fadeproof as well as water resistant. Did you know that we work with manufacturers to make products specifically for us? That’s how we get the vibrant colors people want in the Islands, such as our Pacifica line with Shaw Floors. It’s been a bestselling product.
This year, we’re also creating a shirt line of “aloha polos,” through our “grateFUL” lifestyle brand. FUL stands for “Flooring yoU Love.” They’re just happy shirts; you can’t be negative when you are wearing one. We live in Hawai‘i and have a lot to be grateful for.
Thank you for being a part of my family’s story. And here’s to 50 more years of learning, success, and gratitude. May it all be fade resistant.
