How This Young Entrepreneur Brings Fresh Energy to Flooring
This article was originally published on Patch.com on March 31, 2026. (NW Dayton, OH. April 2026) A new flooring business is bringing fresh style and convenience to homeowners across the Dayton area, and it is being led by a young local entrepreneur with a passion for helping people love where they live. Englewood resident Missy Barnette, 34, recently opened Floor Coverings International of Northwest Dayton, serving communities spanning from Troy and Springfield all the way down to Oxford, Ohio.
Barnette, who lives in Englewood within her service area, launched the business last month after spending 10 years in telecommunications sales, including leadership roles managing Spectrum stores and business accounts. Over the course of her corporate career, she oversaw teams of 100 employees, navigated the challenges of running stores during the pandemic and built a strong background in sales leadership, resilience, and project management. But after earning her MBA and reflecting on what she wanted next, Barnette decided it was time for a more personal and rewarding path.
For Barnette, flooring was not just a business opportunity. It was a chance to help homeowners transform their spaces in a meaningful way. She said she was drawn to Floor Coverings International’s business model because it gives her the opportunity to help people turn their houses into homes, one project at a time. Seeing customers getting excited about new floors, she said, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
That customer-first approach is reflected in one of the company’s most innovative features: the Mobile Flooring Showroom™, which brings the store directly to the customer’s door. Instead of driving from store to store and hauling home samples, homeowners can browse more than 3,000 flooring options right in their own living rooms, comparing materials and colors against their furniture, wall colors, and natural lighting. The process makes shopping easier, more personalized, and often far less stressful for busy families.
Barnette’s early projects already reflect a growing demand for both style and practicality. She has completed a patterned carpet installation and already has additional carpet projects scheduled, along with a hardwood repair. She said many homeowners are gravitating toward luxury vinyl plank flooring for its durability, easy maintenance, and realistic wood appearance. Design preferences are also shifting, with many consumers moving away from cooler gray tones and embracing warmer hues such as honey and chestnut to create a cozier, more inviting feel.
Across the industry, homeowners continue to look for floors that balance beauty, durability, and ease of care. Waterproof laminate and luxury vinyl products remain especially popular for active households with children and pets, offering the appearance of natural wood or stone with simple cleanup. Engineered hardwood continues to appeal to those seeking a more upscale finish, while carpet remains a favorite for consumers who want softness, warmth, and comfort, particularly in updated flat-pile, textured and patterned styles. Sustainable flooring products made with eco-friendly materials are also drawing interest from buyers who want attractive options with a lighter environmental footprint.
As a young female entrepreneur entering the home services and flooring space, Barnette brings a perspective that stands out in the market. Her blend of corporate leadership experience, local roots, and enthusiasm for design positions her as a fresh new resource for homeowners looking to update their interiors with confidence.
With Floor Coverings International Northwest Dayton, Barnette is introducing a modern way to shop for floors while giving local consumers access to expert guidance, thousands of product choices, and a more convenient experience from start to finish.
For more information, visit floorcoveringsinternational.com/locations/us/oh/northwest-dayton or contact Missy Barnette at (937) 719-8983.
###
ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL
Floor Coverings International is the #1 flooring franchise in North America with over 300 locations between the U.S. and Canada. Known for its unique customer experience and Mobile Flooring Showroom™, the business model brings over 3000 flooring samples to the customer’s door. For more information, please go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.
