If you spend an afternoon with Lane Brettschneider of Lane's Floor
Covering & Interiors, you'll get your fortune told by a carnival
game featuring a teller that looks eerily like Brettschneider; you'll
walk through a photo gallery that includes religious and political
leaders as well as Hollywood personalities, and by the way, clearly the
largest wine collection of any carpet contractor in N.Y. There is WWII
memorabilia and untold treasures bought at auction over a lifetime of
collecting. And that only scratches the surface.
But you'll also see an expansive display of carpet samples — some 7,000
samples. The camaraderie of the Lane's Floor Coverings & Interiors
team is palpable — many have been with the company for decades. And it
becomes clear why the company has successfully been in business for
more than 45 years and what has led to the contract flooring company's
big win at the annual Starnet conference held last month. The company
won two Starnet awards for its work with the Museum of the Moving Image
in Astoria, N.Y.
"Our philosophy is the same as Starnet — to show clients what's
available and make recommendations,•bCrLf said Brettschneider. "That's why
we try to concentrate on our certified vendor partners that are clearly
the best in the industry.•bCrLf
Umberto
Aponte, partner in the business, said that during the economic
downturn, Starnet provided great support to its members. "The
cooperative itself is one for all and all for one. What is special is
that we share war stories and situations. It is the cream of the crop
of installers across the country that we are able to call fellow
Starnet members.•bCrLf Starnet, said Aponte, is among the highest volume
groups worldwide, with over $2 billion in annual revenue, matching the
likes of Campbells, Mattel and Facebook.
With a vast set of samples — 18 x 27s and 13 1/2 x 18s — stellar
installation, according to the company, and a solid business history,
Lane's calling card is its service and the support of its clients. The
showroom also boasts a few thousand architect folders from every carpet
mill to round out the assortment.
"We
think that our style — which we've had this style or direction for over
45 years in business — is where we bring the best product for a job to
a client,•bCrLf said Brettschneider. "We are able to give choices of a
number of products that we will recommend and if it is taken, we
guarantee the project for as long as they have it. We will go back 10,
15 years and stretch a carpet or repair a seam and at no charge,•bCrLf said
Brettschneider.
Quality, indeed, is a hallmark of Lane's Floor Covering. The company
has its own warehouse in Mineola, N.Y. where every project is brought
and scrutinized before it is shipped to the customer. Aponte said, "One
thing that we are known for and great at is installation. We've
maintained relationships, one for more than 40 years. We are
face-to-face with them and let them know that we are here to stay.•bCrLf
During the economic downturn, Aponte said that the company used the
time to solidify current relationships. "A lot of businesses
streamlined. We also reinforced existing business. It was a great time
to reinforce relationships and get a great base for when things turn.•bCrLf