ARNQUIST CARPETS PLUS

Arnquist Carpets Plus, a fourth-generation business, is celebrating 93 years – a feat, says the owners, made possible by the company’s willingness to reinvent itself.

Arnquist Carpets Plus is under the leadership of Tom and Adam Arnquist, a father and son duo who are the third and fourth generations to run the business. They have not only relocated, but have also transitioned methodically yet radically through several different product categories – hardware, furniture, flooring – to see its tenure last to the fourth generation.

The Arnquist family opened a hardware store in Hoffman in 1930. This was Tom’s grandpa and grandma. Tom’s father, Bud Arnquist, managed the business until his early death in 1979.

At this time, their product line was furniture and flooring. After 75 years of business on Hoffman’s main street, they moved their company to Alexandria. They have been at their current location, 805 1st Ave. E., for 10 years. They have 12 employees.

Tom had this to say about his family business: “This is the career I’ve always wanted. I’m proud of our business and know how much work it takes. The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you forget to turn. We have made lots of turns in 93 years, sometimes on two wheels. But a company that’s standing still is dying and not growing.”

Arnquists’ roots as a small business in an intimate community, drives its culture and approach.

“When you’re a fourth generation retailer in a small community, you can focus on relationships,” said Adam.

Ultimately, Adam says he believes that today’s customers aren’t seeking a sleek sales pitch but instead a well-informed sales counselor. Eight out of 10 customers who walk through their door have already been online, he said.

“Customers already know what they want,” said Adam. “They just need our support. Our sales team members are trained to educate.”

Tom says Alexandria has been a great place for their company. He said that there are many multigenerational businesses in the community.

“From Main Street to the manufacturing sector, these families throw everything they have 365 days to keep on their legacy,” Tom said. “You are dealing with people you know and they work hard.”

Four years ago, the business expanded its commercial flooring division to become a regional flooring provider.

A few of the projects the commercial division worked on in 2022 were the Douglas County courthouse expansion, Church of the Harvest, Discovery and Woodland schools, Crosby Ironton schools, McGregor schools, Shakopee schools and several other schools around the state.

Adam attended Alexandria Technical and Community College’s sales program and then started his career. He worked in the wholesale sales area, ultimately serving as district sales manager for Dixie Flooring in over five midwestern states.

Adam and his wife, Jill, have three daughters – Lilly, Emma and Ava, who all attend Alexandria schools. Jill is a designer, who owns a second business called Bord, which manufactures custom furniture.

Ollie’s Service began in 1955 when it was Ray and Ollie’s automobile repair. It was owned by Ray Schultz and Ollie Anderson. Ollie became the sole owner until about 1972, when his son, Earl, became a partner.

In 1983, Ollie retired and Earl and his wife, Sonya, purchased the business. In 2001, it became Ollie’s Service Inc. and Earl and Sonya’s son, Jayme, joined the business as an owner and manager. He continues to own the business today.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AI have four children of my own, three of which currently work here at Ollie’s! I’m hoping one day they will want to take over. All of us here at Ollie’s have a lot of pride providing service to the Alex area.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AOllie’s started at 1213 Broadway and grew at that location. In 2019, we expanded to our current location at 111 Donna Ave. behind Fleet Farm.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AWe have so many generational customers that it’s just plain amazing! Here at Ollie’s, it is very important to stay connected to the community and provide personal service.