Making the Switch From Corporate America to Business Ownership
This article was originally published in Franchise Journal on December 1, 2024. Before venturing into the flooring business, Tim Oswald spent over 20 years in Corporate America, holding strategic roles in Marketing, Strategy, Operations, and New Product Development at renowned companies such as Campbell Soup Company, CVS, and Ocean Spray. His diverse experience and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly propel his new business to the top of the 240 locations operating in the FCI network in the U.S. and Canada.
Tim explained that once he decided it was time to open his own small business and build a legacy for his family, Rhode Island was his choice.
“Rhode Island is not only a wonderful place to raise my grade school children, but I knew and had studied the many advantages for small business owners in this state. We love our Lieutenant Governor’s strong ties to the local small business community, particularly her role as the chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council. I saw this as a key advantage to launching a small business here.”
Indeed, Tim made an impression on Lt. Governor Sabina Matos as well. She visited his office to help launch his new venture and did so with an old-fashioned ribbon-cutting ceremony. Of course, with Tim’s stellar background, Lt. Governor Matos was anxious for him to become a part of her council.
“My previous career honed my skills in marketing, strategy, and consumer insights, so I am focused on ensuring my new business will meet and exceed customer expectations,” shared Tim. “With all of these advantages, this is where my wife Cortney and I decided to change our lives and our children’s futures and become small business owners and active members of a great community.”
Tim’s personal experience renovating a 1962 home further inspired his commitment to providing quality flooring solutions.
“Cortney and I saw everything that could go right with so many contractors on our site but also so many things that could go wrong. Some of our contractors just did the minimal, did their job, but that was it. Others really impressed us with their mindfulness, follow-up, and ongoing check-ins. These are the type of vendors and installers we vowed to attach ourselves to in our Floor Coverings International business here and we’ve already made those partnerships.”
The FCI model distinguishes itself with its unique Mobile Flooring Showroom, bringing a vast selection of flooring samples directly to customers’ doors with a Design Associate to assist in selection.
“Bringing customers flooring samples into their homes among their furnishings, wall colors, and accessories is just an extraordinary plus,” added Tim. “We knew from our total gut and rehab job of our home just how valuable a service this is. Talk about time-saving! It took us years to complete our home. We wish we had this advantage.”
As the top customer-rated (NPR score) flooring company in the country, FCI prioritizes delivering five-star customer service and competitive pricing, leveraging the purchasing power of over 250 franchises nationwide.
The Oswald family is actively involved in the business. Tim’s wife, Cortney, and their children, Sydney (12) and Carter (10), participate in local events, contributing to the company’s community engagement and customer outreach.
The mantra of Tim and his local team is dedicated to: “Delighting Customers every day with Superior Products and Services and creating places that Enhance People’s Lives.”
