We recently connected with Kimi Quinn and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimi, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
We are going to get a little deep here. I have been in business in Fuquay-Varina for almost 10 years. It’s a Small Town but can have a big town feel, Last year in our 9th year, we moved to a new showroom in the same building. This was huge for us, We started in an 800 sq foot space in Durham, NC. Moved to a 1200 SQ ft showroom, and with this community’s help and support, we have grown to love. In October, I was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer, and this community has shown just how great they can be. We support local softball teams and give back whenever we can. I believe the most touching and kindest thing of all the things that has happened in the past 10 years is the support and love from these kids. They wear my name with pride and have put the blue coloretal cancer ribbon on their shirts, They have sent cards and gifts. Going through Chemotherapy, attempting to run this company, and trying to stay positive is so hard. This community and its support is nothing short of true kindness.
Kimi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I own a retail flooring store. We sell and install all types of flooring. I have a radio broadcasting background which has actually helped in dealing with the general public as a whole. Flooring is not a business I would ever have thought I would be in, When I moved to North Carolina, I was initially in school for veterinary technology and the opportunity to purchase my father in laws business came up. My husband and I decided at the time it would be a good opportunity, I could continue schooling and he could work for the company, 9 years later, The company is like a child to us. We initially spent every waking hour growing the business. Working through sickness, pregnancy, surgeries, and any obstacle that got in our way. We just persevered. One of my proudest moments was when several years back, our major manufacturer came to us with an invitation to be a part of their Dealer Network, we were overjoyed. We felt we finally made it on the map. I will tell you now that we were not even a dot on that map back then. Every year my staff just crushes the goals we give them. they make me proud.
Flooring is a hard business, very labor intensive, and you are hands-on, in clients’ homes. In their personal lives for sometimes a week or longer, depending on the scope of work that needs to be done. These jobs do not come without issues. We have seen everything there is to see in clients’ homes. Problems happen, I can remember in the beginning years I stressed over the smallest things. I have learned that communication with your clients over the smallest detail will help solve the worst problems there can be. Honesty. Integrity. Communication, these 3 things will get you further with clients than any fast talking in the home sales company. Flooring can be a huge purchase, we tell our clients to take their time. Get more than 1 quote, Do the research you need to do to get the best fit for them. Sometimes my company is not the best fit for clients, but we have learned to admit when this is the case.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I own my business with my husband. I have known my husband my entire life, however, we have only been married for 11 years. Our parents grew up together, we were always camping together, playing sports, and sharing holidays and birthdays together. When I was in my early 20’s his entire family relocated to North Carolina, and as it does, life got in the way and the families grew apart. We would run into each other at occasional weddings, but they would go back to the Carolinas and since I lived in Connecticut, the distance grew. It was only when I was living in Florida, that my husband reached out on Facebook and tried to catch up. After an 8-hour phone call and within a few months, I relocated to North Carolina, purchased his family business, and started running it alongside, my husband.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I look at our current showroom and location and think of just how far we have come. There were so many times we were close to shutting down. But I pushed forward, I wish I could tell you how many times my husband and I didn’t get paid so our staff and installers could. I have faced years of medical issues, but I show up and smile. I am currently going through chemotherapy for stage 3 cancer and I go into the office when I can, and work from my bed on the days I can’t. I owe my staff the most of my time and knowledge so they can succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carpetsplusnc.com
- Instagram: @kimiscarpetsplus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarpetsPlusInc
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/86811532
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/carpetsplusnc
Image Credits
Kimberly Quinn