Denver’s Floor Coverings International is on the move
[Centennial, Colo.] When Michael “Mick” McKenny, who worked previously in real estate and home improvement, embarked on a career change search, “I looked for a franchise and didn’t know if I was going to be baking muffins or what,” he told FCW.
He found his passion in flooring and in June 2019 opened the doors as a Floor Coverings International franchise — a model that is primarily shop-at-home. And when we visited him earlier this month, he was moving into a new space that would allow his sales associates to select just the right product to deliver to the customer.
“I’m not trying to drive walk in traffic here,” he explained. “But it’s really nice to put together what we take to the home.” The new space is just five miles south from the original location. “We’ve grown and didn’t have room,” he offered. “This space is 3,000 square feet with a garage.”
With all the available opportunities, McKenny said he landed here at Floor Coverings International because “it had better support and trust and I could count on them.” For example, the organization offers business coaching, something he has taken advantage of. “It makes me set goals,” he said, adding, “We have marketing support.”
He also uses the software provided, saying, “It makes it easier to create proposals in the home.” But the biggest value, he asserted, “the comradery and sharing with other franchisee owners — share ideas, best practices, failures.”
Finding Success
With three vans serving as mobile showrooms, McKenny’s team takes the flooring right to the customer. “We go to their home, determine the scope, show the product in their light,” he explained. “We walk through the home and can see the furniture and paint. It helps them make the decision. We can hone in on what will go well in their home.”
Most of his business is residential remodel and some light commercial. “Homes from $750,000 to $1.5 million is our sweet spot,” McKenny offered.
The business is located in the Southeast Metro area of Denver which, he said, “is fairly affluent,” adding that he recently added territory north of this location. “This is the most exciting time right now. It’s a huge transition because we added territory.”
He is quick to share his enthusiasm for his business and its future — his associates and team building. “We have an amazing team. Right now I am stoked about the people here.”
The flooring industry also hits a passion of his. “I love home improvement — taking something in disrepair and making it look amazing,” shared McKenny.
Product Perfect
McKinney said that if a product is in his showroom, it sells. He added that he is aligned with the franchise when it comes to the assortment. That includes luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and “a lot of carpet. We are getting into higher end wood as well. We don’t drive low-end product. We aren’t bargain basement.”
But there are also obstacles to face. “We are committed to finding the perfect product for our customers. We have over 3,000 options in the mobile showroom, but at times we don’t have the perfect option [and] a second visit may be required to find the perfect match for the project and the client,” McKenny shared, acknowledging that while it is a small disadvantage, “the ability to look at options in the home far outweighs this challenge.”
And the team here is also top-notch, he shared. “They are strong with a natural ability to work with design and drive customer service.”