How a Career Shift Led This New Orleans Entrepreneur to Flooring

This article was originally published in Patch.com September 2025. (Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana, September 2025) – Floor Coverings International of Uptown New Orleans officially opened its doors recently and is offering homeowners and businesses in the Greater New Orleans area a single source for flooring selection, design guidance, and professional installation. Owned and operated by New Orleans native Michael Cain, the new location delivers a one-stop-shop customer experience that simplifies what is often a fragmented flooring process.

After a 23-year career with Caterpillar working in the heavy equipment and diesel engine market, Mike chose to launch his own business following an involuntary job separation. His background includes broad experience across marketing, sales, operations, human resources, training and development, and executive leadership—skills he will apply to run a customer-centered flooring business that manages projects from product selection through installation and final walkthrough.

“I went through a typical flooring project in my home and saw how disconnected the process can be: retailers sell product, installers install, and the homeowner is left navigating the middle,” Cain said. “At Floor Coverings International of Uptown New Orleans, we bring everything together so customers can feel at ease when taking on a major flooring project.”

A native of the New Orleans area, Cain returned home to build a business that serves his community and plans to hire locals as well. For now, he will be joined by Erin Raymond, who serves as a design associate and marketing/sales director. Erin also helps clients with design choices and project coordination.

Floor Coverings International (FCI) is a fresh addition to the area. One of its most innovative features is the Mobile Showroom, which brings the flooring store directly to customers’ homes or businesses. This eliminates the need for customers to transport heavy samples, as FCI arrives fully prepared to display an array of products for all flooring projects and investments. No more running to different stores—the mobile showroom comes right to the customer’s door with over 3000 flooring options. The homeowner can peruse samples next to their existing decor and lighting. This has revolutionized the way people buy floors.

The most popular floors being selected today are pet and kid-friendly floors that clean up with one mopping and look like genuine wood. Favorites are:

• 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 everywhere, 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. Many more flat pile, textures and patterned looks are available.

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring: This is the best in luxury flooring offering real wood veneers with remarkably high quality and detail.

Services and specialties Floor Coverings International of Uptown New Orleans provides:

• In-home consultations with samples for accurate color and lighting evaluation
• Professional measurement and project estimates
• Full-service installation by vetted insured installers
• A wide selection of flooring products, including hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and ceramic/porcelain and natural stone tile. Cain expresses a particular enthusiasm for stone, ceramic, and porcelain work, noting the distinct beauty and durability those materials bring to homes and commercial spaces in the region.

• Outdoor flooring options of natural stone, tile, and turf to create beautiful outdoor spaces.
• Tiling walls such as walk-in showers and custom kitchen backsplashes.

Cain aims to make Floor Coverings International of Uptown New Orleans the provider of choice in the New Orleans market within five years, with expansion into the Baton Rouge area thereafter. For project inquiries, media requests, or to schedule an in-home consultation: mike.cain@fcifloors.com
Website: https://floorcoveringsinternational.com/locations/us/la/uptown-new-orleans