Bayernhof Museum

Carpet Network’s Bob and Janine Klein have a stellar reputation as flooring professionals in the greater Pittsburgh market.  So, when restoration work was needed at the former home of Charles Brown III, founder and CEO of Gas-Lite Manufacturing, Carpet Network was the company selected to handle the technically challenging installation.  In his will, Charles Brown III directed that his collection of old, rare automatic musical instruments be restored and his house opened to the public as Bayernhof Museum.  This massive collection is displayed in almost every room in the house, making any work in the museum a delicate proposition.

“Our crews exercised extreme care ensuring not to disturb these irreplaceable antique mechanical music machines.  Scheduling of the work required careful planning by our office staff to accommodate the tour schedule of the museum.  In appreciation of the high level of service, our installation crew was treated to a private tour where the curator showed us the many hidden secret staircases and revolving bookcases that exposed secret passageways to an indoor cave complete with stalagmites and stalactites. The passageway eventually lead to an indoor swimming pool and gazebo.  The museum also features an observatory with a fully operational high powered telescope to gaze into the heavens,” says Bob Klein.

Hartwood Mansion

Preserved within the the Allegheny County Park system is Hartwood Acres encompassing 629 acres.  It is one of the largest and most spectacular country estates in the region. Hartwood consists of a stately Tudor Mansion (erected in 1929) which, houses an excellent collection of original English and American antiques.   In 2005 a ceiling collapsed and a major renovation was needed. Not only did the caretakers need quality workmanship but they needed a quick turn around due to their special events planned for the Christmas Holiday season.  They called Bob and Janine Klein from Carpet Network because they knew they were able to make that happen by their deadline.

Customer Appreciation Event

In addition to their work in mansions, the Klein’s also help customers who live more normal lives!  They have worked with countless satisfied customers over the years and show their appreciation of their support by holding their Customer Appreciation Event.  The most recent event, held in 2008, marked the Klein’s 10th Anniversary in business. Held at the Diamond Run Country Club, customers enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and live music.

With their expertise, the Klein’s have been able to allay the concerns of customers such as Mrs. “J” who wanted to be sure that her family would not be exposed to any chemicals as she planned for her carpet replacement.  Bob and Janine were able to show her products that helped her make the best choices for her family and also contributed positively to the environment.  They were able to provide empirical data by the manufacturers so she was comfortable with her decision and extremely satisfied with the outcome.  By providing this kind of personalized service, they are able to handle each customer’s questions and concerns individually and sensitively.

Janine and Bob Klein

It is with that same kind of sensitivity that the Klein’s work with the customers referred to them by Restoration Companies.  Janine empathizes, “These homeowners have endured a loss, and are in emotional distress.  They did not expect to have to make changes in their environment and because of unforeseen circumstances find that they need to replace what was once familiar.”  Bob and Janine take the burden from the homeowner by visiting with them at their convenience and helping the make selections that work within the framework of their insurance claim and getting them back to life as they once knew it.

A couple of local charities that the Klein’s support through personal volunteer work and also by supplying flooring materials at or below cost are:

The Lighthouse

At The Lighthouse, [Come join our community where neighbors help neighbors during times of need] people can find a variety of services that can make their lives easier.   In addition to the Transitional Housing program and  Food Bank, The Lighthouse offers used furniture, appliances, and vehicles; computer classes; and emergency monetary assistance for those in need.

Hosanna Industries new construction and home rehabilitation programs offer safe, habitable housing to low and very low income, elderly and single-parent households without regard to race or creed.  Since 1990, it has served over 1600 households and provided over 100 homes across the nation.  Hosanna Industries interests are  fundamental.  They rebuild roofs where buckets once collected the rainfall, make homes easier for elderly people to care for, paint houses suffering from years of poverty and build wheelchair ramps for the homebound.  They meet the housing needs of families living in old trailers patched together with duct tape and cardboard boxes.  They answer “Hosanna!” cries for help every day.

Lastly, Bob and Janine are active members of the Bakerstown First Presbyterian Church.

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