Design Key For Florida Flooring Store Owner

Port Charlotte, FL, Oct. 7--Marjorie Benson has an eye for design. "I can look at a blueprint and see what it's going to look like," said the owner of Friendly Floors. The business carries porcelain and ceramic tile, marble and stone, wood laminates, bathroom walls and showers, carpet, window treatments, including brands such as Pergo, Mohawk and Karastan, for which the store is an exclusive dealer as reported in the Charlotte, Florida Sun-Herald. That talent has served her well, working with customers to make the best decorating recommendations for their lifestyles. "I love working with the products and putting it together for people," she said. Working with customers is the fun part of her business, despite the struggles during the first few years. Benson has been at the helm of the floor covering design center since buying it from her parents eight years ago. The early years found Benson struggling to run a business and be a single mother to son Daniel, now 11. Benson said there was a lot of crying in the bathroom during those days. "There were days I didn't know how I was going to make ends meet," she said. But Benson has experienced personal and business growth over the years. In fact, she met her husband of three years when he came into the store looking for tile for his home. He had wanted different color tile in each room, she said. They compromised on one color of tile. Benson has tried to distinguish her business through cutting-edge merchandise and good service, giving customers an alternative to driving to Naples for flooring. "It's got to be beautiful and functional, the quality. No junk here," she said. She primarily does work in Charlotte County, although she has done jobs in Sarasota, North Fort Myers and Arcadia, based on people's referrals. "I just do it because I think it's important," Benson said.

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