From Finance to Flooring: Building a New Kind of Local Business
This article was originally published in Patch.com on September 22, 2025. (Silver Spring, Maryland, September 22, 2025) – Floor Coverings International today announced the grand opening of its Silver Spring territory with local owner Sonya Sbar. Serving Silver Spring, Olney, Sandy Spring, Beltsville and Laurel, the new locally owned showroom offers in-home consultations and a full range of contemporary flooring solutions designed for modern family life.
A longtime Washington, D.C. metro resident with nearly 40 years in the region and 23 years in Bethesda, Sonya brings deep community roots and executive leadership experience to her new business. After a 26-year career in financial services — including 15 years at the executive level focused on community impact and responsible investing — Sonya transitions her strategic, client-centered approach to the home improvement space. Her earlier experience as a government contract negotiator and management consultant further shaped her problem-solving and client-relationship skills.
“I’ve wanted to own my own business for a long time,” said Sonya Sbar. “Floor coverings are one of the most visible and transformative home improvements. Helping neighbors make their homes more beautiful and seeing their joy when a project is complete. That’s what motivates me. I chose Floor Coverings International for their commitment to outstanding customer service, strong owner training and a culture of continual learning.”
Floor Coverings International Silver Spring offers a curated selection of flooring options, including advanced stain-resistant carpets, durable and realistic luxury vinyl, and engineered wood that delivers the look and performance of hardwood with improved stability — ideal for families and pet owners. Sonya plans to emphasize product education and personalized service so customers understand the best solutions for their lifestyles and budgets.
Asked what her past experience will bring to this new venture, Sonya shared that she brings deep local connections and community-focused perspective to build trust and partnerships, executive leadership skills in finance and impact investing, strong strategic planning, budgeting, and cross-functional management. She has board and nonprofit experience that supports community engagement along with a consulting background that informs problem solving and exceptional client service.
Looking ahead, Sonya aims to grow the business into a well-known local resource that gives back to the community while delivering five-star home improvement experiences. “In five years, I want this business to be recognized for both its community impact and its outstanding customer experience,” she said. “My focus will be on building relationships and networks so I can work on the business — and not just in it.”
For further info go to: Floor Coverings International — Silver Spring Website: https://floorcoveringsinternational.com/locations/us/md/silver-spring/ Business: 301-960-7787 Email: sonya.sbar@fcifloors.com
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About Floor Coverings International
Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer’s door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 300-plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued expansion. For franchise information, please visit https://flooring-franchise.com/ and to find your closest location go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.
