Manchester, NH, October 20, 2006--Through fires, floods, and down years in-between, Flooring America of Houston has endured with extraordinary grace and a special generosity of spirit.
This landmark operation in the bay area - known affectionately as Buddy and Wanda’s Flooring America after founders Buddy and Wanda Steel - has persevered during lean times and tragedies and has always, always prevailed!
And second-generation owner Scott Steel says he thinks he knows why:
“It’s not very sophisticated, but it works,” said Scott of the business plan that’s based on the way he and his parents have lived their lives. “We built our business around our values - that’s all we did - because for us, they simply go hand-in-hand. And we work hard to demonstrate those values every day with lots of community involvement. It’s really the most important thing we do.
When the business burned down years ago, we counted on the trust we’d built up with our customers to get back on our feet. And in return, we want people to know that they can always count on us – in business and in the day-to-day needs of the people and causes of our hometown.”
That’s the philosophy that drives Scott to add 10 hours of community volunteer work to his 45-hour work week – most recently as chairman of the annual fund-raising gala for the local school district where he owns two Flooring America stores with a third on the way. Scott not only leads the gala committee, but contributed the largest donation to the event in the school’s history.
“We are so grateful to Scott and Flooring America,” said school superintendent Dr. Sandra Mossman. “The funds that are raised at the gala truly help students reach for the stars by providing programs that strengthen the skills necessary to maximize their potential.”
And that values philosophy extends to any Flooring America member in need.
In the aftermath of last year’s Hurricane Katrina, Scott moved heaven and earth to send two generators more than 250 miles over night to inaccessible New Orleans to a fellow FA member, Gary Canizaro, whose store was bludgeoned by the storm, and left without power.
And those two generators proved the difference between standing still and Gary being able to ready his store to re-open, which in-turn, was desperately needed to serve the devastated community.
“I was happy to help, and I wish I could have done more,” said Scott. “I know what he was going through because it happened to my family.
“The dedication of my parents inspired me to join the business, and it’s their dedication, prevailing through natural disasters and a fire that destroyed the store, that keeps our customers coming back. People know that we are going to be here no matter what the obstacle.”
Scott’s parents founded Buddy’s Carpets and Wanda’s Interiors in 1974. Through their leadership, the business endured a devastating fire, and Scott’s own test of perseverance came in the wake of the Maxim Group bankruptcy when he kept a core group of members together and forged a new relationship with CCA that thrives today.
Among Scott’s numerous corporate contributions are substantial time and effort toward the ongoing Revelation project and service on the Flooring America Advisory Council in six of the last seven years. All that, plus a 52 percent growth rate over the last two years, and 18 percent so far in 2006.
Scott is married to Lori, and the Steel’s have four children: Ashley – 13, Kyle – 10, Ryan – 7, and Bryce – 5.
“What I am most proud of is that I have been able to be successful in business, while maintaining a quality family life with my wife and four kids. There have been sacrifices, but if a choice has to be made between my business and my family it is very easy to put my family first and let the business situation resolve itself.
