From Corporate Sales to Business Ownership: Bertha Sanchez’s Successful Franchising Journey with Floor Coverings International
This article was originally published in Franchise Journal on July 1, 2024. (Littleton, CO, June 2024) After fifteen years in corporate sales administration and international event planning, Bertha Sanchez has followed her passion, enrolled in the Heritage School of Interior Design in 2018, and became an interior designer. She now wears a business owner hat and applies her vast customer service skills and her design knowledge to happily operate Floor Coverings International of Southwest Denver. She services Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Roxborough Park, Evergreen, Golden, and Morrison.
Floor Coverings International (FCI) offers a wide variety of flooring options, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, engineered wood, and vinyl. The Design Associates at Floor Coverings International provide personalized assistance in making selections. The mobile showroom allows clients to see how different options will look with existing furniture, lighting, and paint colors all within the comfort of their home.
“My professional background includes extensive experience in international event management and sales support, further enhancing my adaptability and cross-cultural competency,” said Sanchez. “Being bilingual in English and Spanish has allowed me to communicate and understand individuals from diverse backgrounds effectively.”
FCI is the top brand in flooring in 2024 with growth exceeding all other home improvement franchises in North America. In 2023 FCI awarded 95 franchise locations covering more than 160 territories with awards from top publications and business brokers for being “Best in Class”.
“In the end, I chose Floor Coverings International because I was impressed with the Leadership, Philosophy, Training, Tools, Resources, and their focus on doing the right things, AND primarily a true and sincere commitment to delivering “Real Solutions” and not just ‘selling’ flooring. They do this by providing the best In-Home Flooring Experience in North America, producing raving fans. I believe that the support and domain knowledge from our Corporate Partner specifically in the flooring industry is second to none,” adds Sanchez.
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. Local preferences 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.
“I’m thrilled by the continuous advancements in hardwood, carpet, vinyl, and laminate products. These materials are becoming increasingly durable with features like enhanced scratch-resistance and stain-resistance becoming standard,” Sanchez said. The industry’s ongoing innovation and improvement in its products is thrilling and I’m eager to bring these high-quality, innovative options to my community. Plus, my journey encapsulates the transformative power of following one’s passion and the endless possibilities that arise when passion meets purpose.”
For more information about a consultation go to https://swden.floorcoveringsinternational.com/