CINCINNATI—Kurt Weisbacher, founder of Carpetland, one of the industry’s most successful chains, was known throughout the industry as a wise and helpful man. He laid the groundwork for successful careers for numerous flooring professionals by mentoring generations of salesmen. Weisbacher passed away here after a battle with cancer on July 26, at age 88.
He was born Dec. 15, 1920 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Weisbacher fled the Nazis with his family, and moved to Cincinnati in 1933. Weisbacher interrupted his college studies in civil engineering to join the Allied Forces in World War II. Back in Frankfurt, he used his collegiate knowledge to rebuild bridges and roads as an Army engineer. Weisbacher returned to Cincinnati in 1946 and founded Carpetland.
New to the flooring industry— his prior experience in the field was “cleaning tile floors for Kroger’s grocery stores,” shared his son Ken—it didn’t take long to establish himself in the field. “He was an innovator,” Ken continued. “He was among the first in our industry to use TV advertising. In carpet cleaning, Ken pioneered pricing by the room rather than by the square foot.”
From its post-war beginnings, Carpetland has been growing steadily, first expanding into commercial during the late 1970s. In 1988, it expanded with Big Bob’s Flooring Outlets, Carpet One followed the next year and in 1997, Weisbacher opened a ProSource Wholesale location. Today, it operates under KW Flooring with an estimated $50 million in annual sales and 23 specialty and wholesale stores.
Those who worked for Weisbacher recall him as less of a boss and more as a buddy. “Kurt said, ‘Think of me as your friend,’” said Bert Pleatman, a Carpetland employee for 30 years. “We had lunch together every Tuesday. I never thought of Kurt as an employer.”
A member of the Big Brothers program, Weisbacher was a natural mentor to many. “Kurt was a great man; he took interest in young salesmen and gave advice on growing your business,” said Van Nianouris, a 20-year business associate. “This included speaking to every one in the business, from the owner to the guy who cleaned up the warehouse.”
Business associate John Lunsford recalled, “When I opened my own flooring business, I used much of what Kurt had taught me. No manufacturer taught me how to be a professional salesman. It was Kurt.”
His mentoring brought out the best in people. “He made you be a better person, a better supplier,” said Bruce Stacey, an associate of 30 years.
Part of his approach was challenging young sellers. Steve Contois, a Carpetland employee and friend of 31 years, remembered Weisbacher telling him, “Don’t be afraid to try something new. You will make plenty of mistakes but learn from every one and we will grow a nice business.”
Success never changed Weisbacher’s desire to help. “Kurt was my second sales call over 30 years ago,” said Stacey. “I was a little intimated. He was already successful with several beautiful locations, and a very professional sales staff. Kurt did not talk about business. He wanted to know about me and my background. I left feeling great; grateful that this successful businessman was interested in me and my success.”
Along with a passion for his work, family was also very important. His son Ken recalled the point at which he joined his father at Carpetland in 1982. “I realized our management styles were very different. He said it was my future more than his and gave me the authority to set the direction for our company. We worked side by side in that capacity for the next 20 years and never had a harsh word with one another, although we frequently disagreed.”
He remained active within the company until 2006 when health restrictions limited his involvement.
Weisbacher is survived by his children, Ken and Debra; brother-in-law, Bernard Levine of Denver; sister-in-law, Ellen Romberg of Boynton Beach, Fla; and grandchildren Kevin and Amy Weisbacher of Wyoming.
Memorials can be sent to Springer School and Center, 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45208 or Hospice of Cincinnati 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242.
He was born Dec. 15, 1920 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Weisbacher fled the Nazis with his family, and moved to Cincinnati in 1933. Weisbacher interrupted his college studies in civil engineering to join the Allied Forces in World War II. Back in Frankfurt, he used his collegiate knowledge to rebuild bridges and roads as an Army engineer. Weisbacher returned to Cincinnati in 1946 and founded Carpetland.
New to the flooring industry— his prior experience in the field was “cleaning tile floors for Kroger’s grocery stores,” shared his son Ken—it didn’t take long to establish himself in the field. “He was an innovator,” Ken continued. “He was among the first in our industry to use TV advertising. In carpet cleaning, Ken pioneered pricing by the room rather than by the square foot.”
From its post-war beginnings, Carpetland has been growing steadily, first expanding into commercial during the late 1970s. In 1988, it expanded with Big Bob’s Flooring Outlets, Carpet One followed the next year and in 1997, Weisbacher opened a ProSource Wholesale location. Today, it operates under KW Flooring with an estimated $50 million in annual sales and 23 specialty and wholesale stores.
Those who worked for Weisbacher recall him as less of a boss and more as a buddy. “Kurt said, ‘Think of me as your friend,’” said Bert Pleatman, a Carpetland employee for 30 years. “We had lunch together every Tuesday. I never thought of Kurt as an employer.”
A member of the Big Brothers program, Weisbacher was a natural mentor to many. “Kurt was a great man; he took interest in young salesmen and gave advice on growing your business,” said Van Nianouris, a 20-year business associate. “This included speaking to every one in the business, from the owner to the guy who cleaned up the warehouse.”
Business associate John Lunsford recalled, “When I opened my own flooring business, I used much of what Kurt had taught me. No manufacturer taught me how to be a professional salesman. It was Kurt.”
His mentoring brought out the best in people. “He made you be a better person, a better supplier,” said Bruce Stacey, an associate of 30 years.
Part of his approach was challenging young sellers. Steve Contois, a Carpetland employee and friend of 31 years, remembered Weisbacher telling him, “Don’t be afraid to try something new. You will make plenty of mistakes but learn from every one and we will grow a nice business.”
Success never changed Weisbacher’s desire to help. “Kurt was my second sales call over 30 years ago,” said Stacey. “I was a little intimated. He was already successful with several beautiful locations, and a very professional sales staff. Kurt did not talk about business. He wanted to know about me and my background. I left feeling great; grateful that this successful businessman was interested in me and my success.”
Along with a passion for his work, family was also very important. His son Ken recalled the point at which he joined his father at Carpetland in 1982. “I realized our management styles were very different. He said it was my future more than his and gave me the authority to set the direction for our company. We worked side by side in that capacity for the next 20 years and never had a harsh word with one another, although we frequently disagreed.”
He remained active within the company until 2006 when health restrictions limited his involvement.
Weisbacher is survived by his children, Ken and Debra; brother-in-law, Bernard Levine of Denver; sister-in-law, Ellen Romberg of Boynton Beach, Fla; and grandchildren Kevin and Amy Weisbacher of Wyoming.
Memorials can be sent to Springer School and Center, 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45208 or Hospice of Cincinnati 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242.
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