Making the Switch from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship
Residential Real Estate is Her Forte: She is Now Applying Those Skills to Providing the Best in Design with Floor Coverings International
This article was originally published in Patch on September 23, 2024. (Marietta, GA) If one is looking for an example of an individual who made a seamless transition from Corporate America to a new career, look no further than Cindy Krampetz. With more than 20 years of combined executive leadership experience in the residential real estate and home building industries, Krampetz launched Floor Coverings International of Lost Mountain, serving a wide territory including Cobb, Paulding, and Douglas counties in Georgia.
The 42-year-old Krampetz, a Powder Springs resident, was most recently senior vice president of sales operations for a real estate company recognized as one of the top brokerages in the U.S. for seven consecutive years.
“After 20 years in Corporate America growing companies in executive leadership positions, I felt I had acquired the skills to build something of my own and make a bigger impact in my local community,” Krampetz said. “I’m experienced in scaling businesses, leading sales and operations, and delivering excellent customer service… skills which I have already been putting to use.”
With Floor Coverings International having already revolutionized the market, the flooring industry is undergoing significant changes and innovations as well, as consumers demand more quality, variety, and sustainability in their flooring choices. Current market conditions are also factoring into when and why consumers decide to invest in new flooring. According to U.S. Bank, the housing market continues to be strongly affected by elevated interest rates.
Higher rates, combined with rising home values, means housing is now a much costlier expense for potential buyers than was the case only a few years ago, it reported. As a result, people might be choosing to stay in their current homes and remodel, rather than move.
The big flooring favorites throughout the system? Pet-and kid-friendly floors that clean up with one mopping and look like genuine wood. Favorites in the Atlanta market include:
- Sustainable Materials: Homeowners are turning to laminate flooring crafted from eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood fibers.
- Authentic Wood Look: The demand for realistic-looking wood floors continues to soar.
- Waterproof Performance: Given recent erratic weather conditions, waterproof laminate floors are hot!
- Vinyl Flooring: As technology advances, vinyl flooring gets close to natural wood and stone looks that are easily cleaned with a damp mop.
- Carpet: There are still die-hard carpet lovers because of the feeling and look of cozy and warm. Not so much shag. More flat piles, textures and patterned looks are available.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring: This is the best luxury flooring offering real wood veneers with remarkably high quality and detail.
Krampetz’s background in Corporate America emphasizing leadership, sales and operations, and other skills has uniquely positioned her to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Her advice to aspiring franchisees is grounded in honesty and realism, “You will miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Commit to providing a top-notch client experience. Think big and do the work. You can make the impossible possible if you work hard and maintain a growth mindset!”
When it comes to working with her clients, Krampetz couldn’t be more enthused about the limitless flooring options available to them. “The constantly evolving design trends and ability to make a home feel brand new always make me excited to collaborate with my clients and show them what we can accomplish,” she said.
