Veteran Entrepreneur Brings Quality Flooring to the Central Valley
This article was originally published in TheBusinessJournal.com on November 7, 2025. A local veteran entrepreneur is drawing on his years of experience in multiple industries and the military with the recent launch of a mobile floor coverings franchise in the Central Valley.
In July, Mike Swope launched his Floor Coverings International franchise, offering mobile services for premium flooring directly to the home of customers. Swope served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a communications officer for more than 11 years, and has a background in data analysis, startup operations and firsthand home services. He has also worked as a financial information systems analyst for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., and later in leadership roles in a restaurant logistics technology company and environmental projects.
Swope’s dedication to home services stems from personal investments in real estate and running a handyman business, spurring him to enter the flooring industry. He said he is excited about the growing popularity of vinyl flooring in the Central Valley, with many homes built on concrete slabs, making vinyl an ideal option for durability and style.
The appeal of the franchise is that the business model is well established, Swope said. “Floor Coverings International matched the leadership style I really enjoyed, and mimicked what I was used to in the military. Having that structure, doing things right and being on time are all the things that resonated me,” Swope said. Swope said the costs for opening a franchise business with Floor Coverings International, depending on the business structure, can range from $250,000 to $400,000 to start.
As the business just opened in July, Swope said he is learning and growing more comfortable with visiting customers’ homes, talking about products and understanding the Floor Coverings International system. He recently hired an office manager, a Marine Corps. veteran, and both are getting their stride to understand what is needed for the business and how to move forward with task management. Swope said he is planning to hire two more team members by the end of next year—a full time salesperson and a project manager. On the installation side, Swope said most flooring companies use third-party companies, with very few companies hiring internally to do the work.
“How we function as a franchise and how we provide a five-star service to our customers is by excelling on the communication part, and also making sure the customers can trust us showing up on time, and do the right thing,” Swope said. Swope said laminate is making a comeback as production technology improves — a trend also playing out in industrial carpeting, vinyl flooring and tile. To get the word out about his business, Swope is attending local events, home shows and being active in the community. He is hopeful to start sponsoring local youth groups and seeing how he could make a positive impact. He is also collaborating with the Salvation Army to help facilitate sports activities and wants to get involved with local organizations that support animal wellbeing. For the future, Swope is hoping to establish his business as a community cornerstone. “Building strong relations and giving back are as important as growing the business,” Swope said.
