Steve Dipollina worked in sales and upper management for a major paint manufacturer for more than 18 years but eventually tired of toiling for others. “I always wanted to start my own business,” he said. “I always wanted to take my career into my own hands.” He was looking at franchises in the paint world when a friend told him about Floor Coverings International. By Patty Horansky
Steve Dipollina worked in sales and upper management for a major paint manufacturer for more than 18 years but eventually tired of toiling for others.
“I always wanted to start my own business,” he said. “I always wanted to take my career into my own hands.” He was looking at franchises in the paint world when a friend told him about Floor Coverings International.
Ranked by Entrepreneur as one of the fastest-growing franchises for 2023, the brand differs from big-box stores by delivering samples and personal service to clients’ homes by way of its mobile showrooms. It offers more than 3,000 flooring options, including name-brand carpet, hardwood, laminate and tile.
“I liked the sound of it,” Dipollina said, adding that it dovetailed with his past experience. The brand’s robust training, support and scalability appealed to his desire to build a business.
Dipollina met with the Floor Coverings team in February 2022 and launched his Hillsborough, New Jersey, franchise the following July. The franchisor’s discovery process included Zoom meetings with the corporate team and calls with franchisees, who spoke highly of the brand.
Training involved six weeks of virtual meetings, followed by one week of in-person training at the franchisor’s Atlanta headquarters. Franchisees learn everything about the business, Dipollina said, including the features and benefits of key floor coverings. The franchisor also gives guidance on hiring quality craftsmen, and support is ongoing, including weekly calls with a coach and training in Atlanta three or four times a year.
With franchisee success in mind, Floor Coverings International delivered Dipollina’s first van right to his doorstep. “It was turnkey. It was wrapped. It was fully loaded with all samples. Everything was done,” he said.
Dipollina hired an office manager and a design associate, and he plans to add a second mobile showroom and a third design associate this year. He makes several appointments weekly and closed nearly 100 sales in his first eight months.
While the brand provides lead aggregators, such as Google Ads, Dipollina said referrals, networking and the vans are among his best advertising.
Dipollina’s five-year plan is to be a lucrative franchise owner, not an employee. “I want to build a business,” he said, adding, “I want a well-oiled machine.”
Patty Horansky