Couple Finds Their Dream Career with Floor Coverings International

Westerly, RI)-Keith Thomas is traveling in smaller circles now as the owner of Floor Coverings International of Westerly, but he brings with him a wealth of experience and wisdom that he believes will prove invaluable in his new role as a small business owner.

The 58-year-old Ashaway, R.I., resident was formerly an insurance executive at two large foreign global insurance companies and spent the last 10 years working overseas in Switzerland, France, and Hong Kong. It’s also where he met his wife, Vivi, a Swiss citizen. “I learned a great deal about how culture influences the business management approach and how people all around the world have more in common than they have differences,” Thomas said. “My experience made me stop and listen and be fully present when communicating with others. I think those qualities are both really important when working with a customer so that he or she knows you are engaged, listening and on the same wavelength regarding their special home improvement project, no matter how big or small.”

FCI is changing the game for those looking to upgrade their homes with new flooring. With their innovative and award-winning customer service tools and unique mobile showroom experience, customers can now view more than 3,000 flooring options in their own home. Floor Coverings International of Westerly, serves customers throughout Southern Rhode Island via its mobile showroom and a storefront location at 114 Granite St., in Westerly.

Thomas left his previous career as a result of two corporate reorganizations and decided it was the perfect opportunity for a couple to build a business of their own in a state and community that had so much to offer because of their shared loved of the water and the opportunity to be close to universities and participate in the arts.

“For me, it was about being able to build a business with my wife, who like me, loves home improvement and gardening projects that make a home more special and beautiful,” Thomas said. “So far it has been an exciting journey and fun to see how my wife and I make each other better by bringing our different career experiences to the business and each other. And, yes, she is my better half who brings so much positive energy and joy to our business adventure.”

The Design Associates at Floor Coverings International provide personalized assistance in choosing from their extensive collection of flooring styles and materials. The mobile showroom allows clients to see how different options will look with existing furniture, lighting, and paint colors all within the comfort of their home.

Floor Coverings International has already revolutionized the market as it consistently ranks as the No.1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. As projected by Hardware Retailing, home improvement sales are expected to reach $625 billion by 2025 worldwide. The flooring industry is undergoing significant changes and innovations as consumers demand more quality, variety, and sustainability in their flooring choices. According to a recent report by Expert Market Research, the United States flooring market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50 percent between 2023 and 2028, driven by the increasing population, rapid urbanization, and growing investments in renovations and remodeling of infrastructures.

“After looking at seven other franchise concepts, I found that Floor Coverings International was the best fit for me,” Thomas said. “I was extremely impressed with their customer focus, and I was excited to see and feel how the company’s culture and values were the foundation of their business and operating strategy.”

According to the latest figures, there are more than 5.5 million family businesses in the United States contribute to 57 percent of the GDP and employ 63 percent of the workforce. Thomas offered two pieces of advice for working alongside a spouse or other family member.

“Establish clear areas of responsibility for each other and do it where your skill sets or learning approach will help the business and build personal satisfaction for each of you,” Thomas said. “And it’s important to allow time for each of you to do things you love outside of work. We both love racquet sports and taking walks with our Labrador, so we make sure we reserve time for those things.”

For more information about a consultation go to https://southri.floorcoveringsinternational.com or call 401-315-8028.

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About Floor Coverings International

Norcross, GA-based Floor Coverings International has ranked consistently as the No. 1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. The 256 franchisees and their Design Associates offer a unique in-home experience with a mobile showroom that comes directly to the client’s door. More than 3,000 flooring choices are available to view in the home with and alongside the existing lighting, paint, and furniture. The company will open several more locations throughout the U.S. and Canada through franchise expansion. For franchise information, please visit www.flooring-franchise.com. To find your closest location go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.