Minneapolis—Steady growth while maintaining its close feeling of family is just how Floor To Ceiling has continued its success. With record numbers of participants showing up for the buying group’s Showcase 2003, Success In Action, the Radisson South Hotel here was, “busting at the seams,” noted Steve Sindlinger, president. Over 500 attendees saturated the hotel grounds along with an additional 17 prospective members. “We invited 17 prospective members to this year’s convention to give them a feel of what we, as a group, are all about,” said Ray Shrader, vice president. “This has been our highest turn out yet,” noted Mike Bitton, board member. “And, no matter how large we grow—a slow, steady, controlled growth—we will continue to have that close knit feeling. That’s why we’ve done so well. The prospects see this, like it and want to join us.” A number of the prospects said that they were “really impressed” and that they “made the right decision.”

Members enjoyed a multitude of sales training breakout sessions from such manufacturers as Tri-Lite, Milliken, Wilsonart, Bertch Bath, Dakota Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry and Floor To Ceiling’s own program offerings. And, due to the many accolades he received last year, motivational speaker, Scott Humphrey was brought back for entertainment and education sessions. “Scott brought down the house last year so we decided to bring him back,” explained Sindlinger. “This year he and Dan Thurmon were the highlights.” “Both speakers were exceptional,” added Sam Ramaekers, owner of a Floor To Ceiling store in Fairbault, Minn. “The idea is to work hard but also have fun.” Humphrey spoke to the group on personality selling and leadership skills training and told the crowd, “Stagnency is not an option, don’t let life pass you by, where you stretch you grow and don’t expect others to change without you, yourself leading the way.”

Thurmon, in his own unique approach, related his juggling act to that of juggling work and life situations. In a year that many businesses didn’t fair so well, “we had growth in a year that had no real growth,” said Shrader. “We added 11 new vendors to our market. Some from all categories to offer our members more to choose from.” “I wanted to expand my current offerings to increase my market share,” explained Teresa Jennings, Floor To Ceiling, Lake Ozarks. “I really thought it would be a slower year for us but it hasn’t been. Figuring it would be a slow winter, I had planned on redecorating the showroom but we have been so busy I haven’t been able to start that process. “The contractors who shop here are excited to see me offering more choices,” she continued “For instance, along with the various flooring products I already have, I’ve ordered some area rugs and cabinetry and window treatments.”

Scott Crawford of Manchester Floors and Interiors, Manchester, Mich., is new to the Floor To Ceiling group and said he has, “gathered all I could here. There are so many great deals to take advantage of. “I’ve been in and out of the flooring business over the last 12 years and this is the best thing I’ve seen,” he continued. “With the addition of designers to my team, when I came across Floor To Ceiling it made for a perfect fit and Floor To Ceiling made it so easy to make the transition. They don’t pressure you to take on everything, just what works for your market, but, of course, by offering more I can capture more of my market. “In the short time I’ve spent with the group I’ve experienced a great deal of networking and comradery. And, the leardership behind everything is exceptional—their skills and backgrounds are second to none. While they’re doing their jobs, providing us with additional selling opportunities, professional marketing materials and special product deals, it allows me to concentrate more on my day-to-day business.”

Floor To Ceiling is a, “great group to work with,” noted LeAnn Fulda, sales rep for All Tile, a distributor which represents a full line of products including Kährs, Columbia and Bruce. “This showcase is a great opportunity for us because the members are here to buy and make decisions for the year. They were open to seeing and learning about the new products we had. Plus, we had the time to talk and share some knowledge with them. It wasn’t one of those rush-rush type of conventions where their is no one-on-one time.” Daltile’s, Jeff Baldwin, agreed that, “we had a great show. Many members were looking for new, fresh looks and we were able to spend a large amount of time with the new and perspective franchisees. “The trend is going towards glass and metal accents,” he continued. “Our new products seem to have made a big hit here. First, the members asked us what’s new, then they wanted to know when they could get samples. As far as business goes, some have been a little hesitant but, for the most part, everyone is upbeat and positive.”

Even with the new vendors, Floor To Ceiling’s programs can be taken on fully or al la carte. “That’s the nice thing about this group,” explained Ramaekers. “You aren’t pressured to take it all on. Whatever works for your market, that’s what you take. I’m fortunate to have a larger showroom than most—14,000-sq.-ft.—so I have room to take it all—flooring, kitchen and bath and wall and window treatments. Of course, the more you can offer the customer the better off you are. “Education is another huge aspect of being here,” he continued. “Many of the dealers close by leave a skeleton staff or even close down for the couple days. I’ve done that too because I believe the knowledge my staff gains justifies the cost. Training is the biggest tool in the industry today and Ken Krick, who organizes the programs, has been a godsend.” A full day of educational seminars gave members and the employees they brought with them the chance to update themselves on the newest products out there. “The tradeshow and day of education just keeps getting better each year and the response from the dealers mirrors that,” concluded Shrader. For more information on Floor To Ceiling, contact the corporate offices at 592/890-8979.