Sam Kinnaird, Founder of Sam Kinnaird’s Flooring, Has Died

Louisville, KY, March 1, 2016—Sam Kinnaird, founder of Kinnaird & Francke Interiors and Sam Kinnaird’s Flooring, has died at the age of 84 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Kinnaird’s career included working for Reisz Furniture in New Albany, Indiana in the late 50s into the mid 60s. In August of 1967, Kinnaird, his wife Pat and Doug Francke formed Kinnaird & Francke Interiors in Louisville. From 1970 through 1982, Kinnaird opened 12 more locations, throughout Kentucky, southern Indiana and Georgia.

Kinnaird was known for his promotional endeavors for the business, including hot air ballooning. In 1983, the Kinnaird & Francke Interiors business was sold to a group of employees, and Kinnaird considered himself retired.

In 1989, Sam met young entrepreneur Jim Mudd, who had approached him about opening a new floorcovering business. In partnership with Mudd, they opened Sam Kinnaird's Flooring. In 1999, Kinnaird retired again, when Jim Mudd bought Sam's interest in the business.

Kinnaird is survived by Pat, his wife of 59 years, and two children.