Indianapolis, IN, January 9, 2006-- Late last month, Doug Pope reached a milestone: He and his wife, Polly, became owners of Clyde's Carpet in Avon, a company founded by his stepfather, Clyde Millhorn, in 1976, according to the Star.
Pope said his stepfather, former Clyde's Carpet owner Clyde Millhorn, always told him that hard work would pay off and that he'd be able to run the business one day.
"When I met him, he'd work his behind off," said Polly, his wife of nine years. "He'd say, 'Hey, I'm paying my dues.' Now look."
Clyde's Carpet is just off Rockville Road, tucked in the strip center adjacent to Mike's Express Carwash. The business started in 1976 and once was located where Mike's is today.
When Millhorn moved to Florida three years ago, Pope took over managing the business, so he's gotten used to handling the day-to-day operations, he said. His ownership of the business became official Dec. 31 when he and his wife bought the company for $375,000.
Pope said Clyde's grosses about $1.5 million in revenue a year and has four full-time employees including his brother Greg, 33.
"I wouldn't buy my carpet anywhere else," said longtime customer Pam Rose, Brownsburg. "They are trustworthy and have been very good to us."
Rose, 51, said she prefers that the business be sold to a family member because it only translates to better service for customers.
"I think it will carry on the quality of the product they are selling and the customer service. I would say they are carrying on the tradition."
Next month, the Popes will travel to Las Vegas to attend Surfaces 2006, a trade show known for bringing together the largest gathering of buyers and sellers in the floor covering industry. The couple said they plan to look at new flooring trends and area rugs.
"We've talked about adding things, but nothing is set in stone," said Doug Pope. "Area rugs is one segment we really want to get into, though."
The couple's son, Nathan, a tall and amicable boy, said he has no plans of carrying on the family business and would rather be a basketball star. But then again, he's 6.
"When we told him we were going to buy the business, he was like, 'We're going to own a business,' " said Polly Pope, smiling. "And he will be put to work one day."
