aLL under ‘ONE’

Roof

boasting a bLend of seasoned, saVVy staff

Wh en a prospective customer walks into the Floor to Ceiling Carpet One store in Fargo, she might feel overwhelmed at the myriad choices, but she won’t leave feeling that way.

T he store embraces a unique business model designed to simplify decisions and guide the customer through a project from start to finish — a process that has evolved over time through consumer directive.

“ Our business model focuses on project coordination, so we’re not general contractors, we’re general coordinators,” said co-owner Steve Hoffman.

A general coordinator helps the customer think through a project, from exterior to interior, assisting in everything from color, lighting, and plumbing choices to forging connections with contractors and builders.

T he consultation “is just part of our service,” Hoffman added, “with the goal of selling our main products — cabinets, flooring, countertops, and window treatments.”

A t Floor to Ceiling Carpet One, projects range from entry-level apartment remodels to million-dollarhome construction consultation.

T he target consumer, according to co-owner Marcus Roman, is Mrs. Consumer. “And she’s got no time. She’s too busy taking the kids to soccer and running the family house. So we provide that idea of coming to one place and helping her with her project start to finish.”

B randi Youngmark, designer, added that it’s natural for women to take the lead in such projects since they tend to be more expressive and inclined toward taking pride in their homes.

A mother herself, Youngmark understands the dilemma of the modern woman. “I don’t have time to go from store to store to select things and figure out what company will best fit my project,” she said. “Here, we have so many options and we work with so many people in the industry that we can guide the customer from beginning to end.”

E ach house tells a story, she added, noting that in the eight years she’s been with the company, consumer needs have changed dramatically. Formal dining rooms are disappearing, and kitchens are becoming dynamic gathering spots for families, sporting features like varying levels of countertops to meet emerging needs.

T he store also boasts a unique staff, from the more seasoned to the younger, tech-savvy professionals, giving the store an edge. “You can make a project look nice, but you also need to consider whether it will function well,” Youngmark said. “We’re not afraid to consolidate with our co-workers to make sure we’re providing our best for our clients.”

T he consumer is also more connected these days due to the Internet and might come in armed with more information but looking for guidance. With the cooperation of its suppliers, the store updates its showrooms frequently to allow helpful in-person looks at the product.

F inally, through its partnership with Carpet One, the store offers the Beautiful Guarantee. For qualified products, if the customer is not completely satisfied with her new floor, it will be replaced at no charge.

A ccording to Roman, project consistency, quality, and value are all possible through Floor to Ceiling Carpet One. [AWM]

To learn more, visit floortoceilingcarpetone.com, or find the company’s new Facebook page, “Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Fargo.”