6 minute read
Business Spotlight - Carpet Maven
from 08840 Metuchen | June 2022
by nmg
SINCE 1948
10, 20, 30 YARD CONTAINERS COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL - INDUSTRIAL STONE . SAND . GRAVEL . TOPSOIL ROLL-OFF DUMPSTERS (732) 254 - 1795
NM-00495575
491 Cranbury Road East Brunswick, NJ 08816 OPEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY • 7 AM - 4 PM www.abailes.com
BY DEBRA WALLACE
When shoppers walk into Carpet Maven and Carpet Maven II, they quickly feel like they are members of the Schwartz family.
In fact, Carpet Maven owners Leon and Sherri Schwartz are currently assisting multigenerations of customers and enjoying every moment of the experience.
Running two mom-and-pop shops (one in Woodbridge for 33 years and the other in Metuchen for six years) is still a labor of love after more than three decades in the business that helps people make their decorating needs come true.
With online options and larger stores that sell carpet and other flooring, window treatments and a wide range of accessories, Sherri explains that there are clear benefits to buying local from a mom-and-pop shop. She and her husband, who are clearly passionate about the business, have expert knowledge of products, colors, patterns and fibers.
This couple has been married for nearly 38 years, and their romance goes way back.
“I have had a crush on Leon since I was 12. I can’t imagine living our lives any other way. There is no magic wand; this just works for us. We are living our dream.”
There are many life lessons to be learned from Leon and Sherri, including the strong work ethic they passed on to their daughter Dr. Morissa Schwartz, who grew up in the family business. She now runs an online publishing company and has received honors including being named one of Forbes 30 Under 30.
The key to their business success, the couple agrees, is exemplary customer service and sticking to the game plan of not over-growing Carpet Maven. Customers are always treated with kindness and respect.
“We know our products inside and out because we take courses and classes to stay up-to-date,” Sherri explains. “When people tell me in just a few words what they want I know exactly where to direct them; it’s easy when you know your products.
People bring in colors, paint swatches and fabric samples all the time, and I easily guide
abailes@comcast.net rocksandrolloffs@gmail.com
NJ State Certified Public Weigher and Truck Scale Registration #01-015900-16
please see CARPET, page 9
them to the choices that I feel will fit their ideas and designs.” What truly sets this business apart from others is that customers will gain knowledge on all of the products that they are inquiring about, Sherri said, adding “our customers agree they have a delightful experience with the installation of the flooring and window treatments. The installation team is known for always being professional, neat and courteous.”
“I always wanted to operate my own business, even during my school days,” explains Leon. “We are proud to say that we don’t get any complaints; just compliments. This is how you properly grow your business.”
For Sherri, who is also an experienced interior decorator, “Carpet Maven is not just how we make a living. Some of my best friends started out as customers. It is my social life. As soon as someone comes in there is this bond that forms between us.” Sherri says she gets “the warmest feelings” helping a grandmom, mom and daughter in the same family and being invited to the daughter’s baby shower.
“How can I not feel great to be friends with our customers and share their joyous occasions. I feel very fortunate to have this in my life.” “We’ve had one customer’s son marry another customer’s daughter and we knew both of the families before they knew one another,” says Leon. “That is really something, don’t you think?”
Adding a second location, called Carpet Maven II, is something that Leon says they considered for many years, and then the perfect opportunity took place with the revitalization and growth going on in downtown Metuchen.
“It was the right time to be part of this new phase,” he said. Along with owning and operating a thriving flooring business, Leon says that he greatly enjoys giving back to the communities where his businesses are based and as such was involved with the Metuchen Downtown Alliance and the former Metuchen Chamber of Commerce, in which he was honored with a distinguished business award.
In Woodbridge, they have been involved in many community activities for years, including the Downtown Cruise, which they have chaired for the last 22 years, and Leon is the president of the Main Street Merchants Association.
CARPET continued from page 8 “We are involved with the car shows, parades, art fests, theater groups and street fairs,” he proudly explains. “We have also been involved in local sports teams and donated to the local schools. When you are part of a community, people come to you seeking help for their project or cause and you want to give back.” For Sherri, their ongoing community designs.” involvement “is something that touches my heart. We have years of car shows and student scholarships. Why wouldn’t we? When you are part of a community like Metuchen, which has opened its arms to us and made us feel welcome, you have to help out. It just feels good to do so.” For those who wonder how Sherri and Leon work side-by-side and then go home to spend more time together after work, they reveal that there is very little friction. “We have everything in common,” says Leon. “When we talk about our day, we have that shared bond and interest. I love that my wife is an equal partner. We’re just one of those corny couples who enjoy one another.” For further information go to the Carpet Maven website: www.carpetmaven.com. ■
PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE It’s a labor of love for mom-and-pop shop owners Leon and Sherri Schwartz of Carpet Maven and Carpet Maven II.
Carpet Maven #1 Local Flooring Store for over 32 years! Flooring, Window Treatments & Carpeting LET US HELP YOU DECORATE YOUR HOME OR OFFICE
See the latest styles, patterns and colors Our Installation Team is courteous, professional and neat! Call today for store hours or to schedule your appointment with Sherri & Leon
Leon & Sherri Schwartz, the owners, will take care of you personally for all of your Flooring, Window Treatment and Carpeting needs!
Two Great Locations for your convenience Carpet Maven II, LLC 450 Main Street Metuchen (732) 372-7599
