The Grahams - Kandice, Monica, Scott, Payton and Boe

When Scott and Monica Graham were researching businesses back in 2003, they were looking for a franchise model that would allow for growth, support their family, eventually be able to include their three children and would allow time to be active participants in their Loveland, Colorado community.  Carpet Network offered all that they were looking for and more.

Chris Brock

Since their humble beginnings in 2003, they have grown to be recognized as one of the most reputable businesses in Larimer County.   Monica’s area of expertise is in marketing, sales and networking.  She has been tireless in her efforts to make Carpet Network a household name in Larimer County.  Scott takes care of operations, finance and sales.  Their individual skill sets compliment each other amazingly well.  The second generation of the family brings tremendous energy to the company.  Boe, the eldest is the jack-of-all-trades, filling in whether he is needed in the warehouse or on an installation.  He is available to be dispatched at a moments notice helping everyone stay on task.  Kandice, their 21 year old daughter, shows a professional presence and competence beyond her years and is working as one of the Office Managers, sharing responsibilities with long time, loyal employee, Chris Brock.  The youngest, Payton is a senior in high school this year.  She participates on a competitive traveling soft ball team, which Scott carves out time to coach.  Earlier this summer Payton hit a grand slam homerun (on her birthday, no less!) advancing her team by four runs.   She also caught the third out that ended the game.

While many businesses are struggling, the Graham’s Carpet Network franchise is enjoying growth and will close out 2009 with a hearty revenue increase. They have been able to surpass some of their financial goal posts already this year.

Recently their expertise was challenged by participating in the annual “college turns” at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins and at Colorado University in Boulder – a marathon of 25 to 50 units at a time re-carpeted in a matter of hours.   Diligent planning for weeks in advance was the key to the success of this momentous project.  Inventory of carpet and cushion was stockpiled, an assembly line management process was developed and the right amount of people power was secured.   It took incredible team work – 15 crews of installers consisting of 2 to three men each and a team of facilitators to keep everything moving – ensuring that students were able to move into their new living quarters on time and without a hitch.

For the last six years the Grahams have helped many families beautify their homes whether it be a customized project or something more modest, they have thousands of satisfied client advocates.  In addition to their impressive portfolio of Carpet Network’s mainstay business, residential remodeling projects, the Grahams have added a contract division this year.  Heading up that division is Carla McCubbins, a professional with over 12 years of  flooring industry experience.  Since she is meticulous about taking care of the needs of  commercial accounts, Carpet Network has been awarded contracts with the local housing authorities in Loveland and Boulder and the Laramie school district.  Their relationships with property management companies and insurance restoration providers has proven that Carpet Network can indeed provide superior service on many levels.

Close to their hearts is the third criterion for going into business, that they would be active participants in their local community. There are three non-profit organizations that they volunteer with. First is C.L.E.A.R., the Coalition of Loveland for Education, Awareness and Resources in the fight against methamphetamine (meth).   CLEAR is a coalition of individuals, organizations and partnerships created to inform all citizens in Loveland about the devastating impact meth has on not only the user, but on families, the community and society as a whole.

Realities For Children is a marketing and promotional company dedicated to serving the needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County.    Through business membership, they are able to provide ongoing emergency funding, education, sponsorship support and special activities for at-risk children – when there are no other resources available.   This private membership-based organization effectively creates a safety net of services to provide for the most vulnerable members of the community.

Lastly, The Angel House and Angel Village provide shelter, meals, comprehensive case management and mentoring for homeless families with children.   It’s a part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  Funding for The Angel House is obtained through United Way of Larimer County, grants, foundations, fund-raising events, and the generosity of individual and corporate donors.

Monica says it best when she says, “Even though we put a lot of time and energy into this business, to be able to give back is a blessing.”

This blog is brought to you by the people at Carpet Network.

Jan Vanderspek

Spotlight on Carpet Network’s esteemed elder stateman, Jan Vanderspek from Eugene, Oregon.  Enjoy!

What does 78 years old look like?  If we are talking about many of today’s active 78 year olds, it looks younger than ever!  Never content with not ‘being in the game’, Jan Vanderspek, the most senior Carpet Network franchisee, works on his flourishing business in conjunction with his wellness lifestyle.

There is nothing “retiring” about this lively gentleman.  When many individuals of a certain age look to drop out of their working life, Jan embraces it because it affords him the opportunity to engage in a business that he enjoys tremendously.  Jan explains, “With 53 years of experience and knowledge it would be a shame to waste it.  Besides, I just love what I do!  I really enjoy working with people to improve their environments.  Carpet Network also gives me the freedom to enjoy the lifestyle that I want.”

Tai Chi

Yoga and Tai Chi play a large role in Jan’s lifestyle of fitness.  Yoga, with its primary health benefits being flexibility, strength and balance, is how he spends the first half hour of each day.  At least three or four days per week, Jan incorporates the slow and fluid movements of Tai Chi, which requires concentration, control, co-ordination and balance. This combination of mental and physical activity works to harmonize the mind, body and spirit and promotes feelings of well-being.  After years of practicing, Jan is able to balance on one foot for 10 to 15 minutes, an incredible feat at any age!

Eugene, Oregon boasts that it is the “world’s greatest city for the arts and outdoors”.  Jan takes every bit of that to heart.  He spends one afternoon each week at painting classes at the Emerald Arts Center.  Weekends will often find him bicycling on the path along the Willamette River.   At the health club Jan swims for 45 minutes twice a week.

Eugene is also a very environmentally conscious region, so Carpet Network’s focus on eco-friendly floor covering definitely suits the local home and business owners who want to preserve the beauty of the area for generations to come.

Jan is just as committed to community involvement.  He is involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club and volunteers with Meals on Wheels.

Jan was born in Holland and survived the German occupation there in his early years.   He came to the United States in 1957 to Illinois where he began his career in floorcovering.  He has lived in Eugene for over 15 years with his wife, Barbara.  They have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  They are devoted to their family and spend quality time with them whenever possible.

Jan Vanderspek teaches us to live every moment to the fullest, he will tell you there is not enough time in each day to accomplish all of the wonderful things that he wants to do.  Who wouldn’t want to live a life so full of joy and productivity?

Jan can be reached at 541-302-8000.

This article is brought to you by the people at Carpet Network.

Christine Rankin, Lisbeth Calandrino and Lenny Rankin

This blog was written by Lisbeth Calandrino, guest speaker at Carpet Network’s Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Several weeks ago I was invited to speak at Carpet Network’s Homecoming 2009 in San Antonio Texas. Carpet Network is a shop at home franchise founded in the early 90’s by Christine and Lenny Rankin. At the time they had a very successful Floorcovering store and decided to take their concept to the next level. It was obvious to Chris that it was often difficult for customers to make decisions in the store. It was much easier when the customer looked at the products in their own home. “With that”, says Chris, “the shop at home concept, which was to be Carpet Network was born.”

Carpet Network Unicell

“At the time when retail stores are struggling to survive, our mobile concept is booming, says President Chris Rankin. Our state-of-the art Unicell vans allow our customers to view thousands of carpet, floor and window covering selections from the comfort of their homes or business.”

Just a note about franchised businesses, they are successful for one main reason: they have a proven system in place. There is no question, McDonalds and Dunkin’ Donuts have survived because of their systems. Franchise businesses have a failure rate of only 25% within the first five years, and traditional businesses have a failure rate of about 80%. Why? It’s the system that works. By buying a franchise you are buying into a set system of rules and regulations that have been tested and work.

Military Band in the Night Parade

What better place to hold a “homecoming” but in San Antonio, Texas during Fiesta time. A local nonprofit group or military organization sponsors every one of the 107 official Fiesta events of 2009. Fiesta is one of America’s truly great festivals. Fiesta began as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. For over 100 years Fiesta celebrates the diversity and culture of San Antonio.

The theme of Homecoming 2009 for Carpet Network was all about how franchise members could take advantage of new ways to build their business. Social networking with Facebook and Blogging, spurred much great discussion. Facebook seems to be a way of communicating for everyone these days including the Fiesta with their page hosting hundreds of comments as well as information on events. With golf events, carnival, great food and music, San Antonio at Fiesta is a wonderful place for a convention.  Speaking of social networking, Lenny Rankin, CEO of Carpet Network gave some interesting facts on social media.

• 85% of Americans believe a company should not only be present via social media but also interact with its consumers.

• 60% of Americans interact with companies on a social medial web site, and one in four interacts more than once a week.

• 56% of American consumers feel both a strong connections with and better serviced by companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.

Christine, Dave, Debbie and Lenny

Of course no business event is compete without its stars. Dave Fitzwater was chosen for the President’s Award, Carpet Network’s highest achievement. I had the opportunity to talk with Dave and get his thoughts about Carpet Network’s mobile business and why they are so effective.

• The ability to go to the customer is key. You don’t have to wait for the customer to come to your place; you have been invited to theirs. It’s important to be professional and organized.

• Without a storefront your overhead is greatly reduced. Having a well-equipped mobile showroom is just as effective as a brick and mortar business.

• People get connected to the person with the products. Not the products or the storefront—but the person. Often times this gets misinterpreted by salespeople. They push their products instead of building their own credibility.

• You must have good training and support from your home office. Having a good franchise behind you keeping up with trends and providing good back up is key.

Great weather, wonderful town and great people; what could be better?

To contact Lisbeth e-mail her at lcalandrino@nycap.rr.com or call (518) 495-5380.

This article is brought to you by the people at Carpet Network.