carpet world flooring america

A publication of

January 13, 2013

2H The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa Sunday, January 13, 2013

Carpet WorldCelebrates 40 Years of Service

Since 1973, people have trusted Carpet World

Flooring America to convert the places where they live

and work into the places they love. We want to thank

the community for this exceptional opportunity.

While we started from small beginnings in downtown

Fort Dodge, we’ve grown steadily through the years.

Today, our beautiful new store at 3026 5th Avenue

South allows us to showcase an array of high quality

carpeting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops and window

treatments to fit any budget.

Customers rely on our experienced team members

to handle a wide range of jobs, including new

construction, home remodeling projects, and small and

large commercial projects, including Fort Dodge’s new

middle school and Friendship Haven’s new health

center. While our trade territory covers about a 60-mile

radius around Fort Dodge, Carpet World Flooring

America has served customers as far away as Africa.

We strive to offer everyone a superior shopping

experience, and we’re pleased to be part of the robust

economy that’s redefining Fort Dodge. As we celebrate

Carpet World Flooring America’s 40th anniversary and

reflect on our history, we’re also focusing on the future

as we look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead.

Thanks for being part of this.

- Pat Leiting, Mark Jorgensen, Tim Doyle, Owners

Carpet World-Flooring Americawould like to thank

American Concrete

Baker Electric

Bemrich Electric

Beisser Lumber

Bianchi Heating & Cooling

Diamond Detailing

Doors, Inc.

Ferguson Enterprises

Jensen Builders

Johnson Law Office

Kesterson Realty &

Appraisal

Kingsgate Insurance

Lage Lines-A-Lot

McClure Engineering

MJM Computer

Mediacom

Mid-Iowa Drywall

Mid-West Construction

Midwest Fence

Northwest Bank

Olde Boston's

Overhead Door

Paint The Town

Pederson Sanitation

R & C Acoustical

Rasch Construction

Rich Woods

Riley - Armstrong

Stone Creek Landscape &

Nursery

Webster Glass

White Transfer

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa Sunday, January 13, 2013 3H

Carpet WorldGrows with the Community

While Carpet World Flooring America is celebratingits 40th anniversary in 2013, the roots of this localbusiness run much deeper.

“We are local people, and our business has evolvedwith the local area through the years,” said LarryLeiting, who began his career at age 18 as an installerfor a Carroll-area flooring contractor.

Leiting was handling a carpet-laying job inCallender when he met Ray Hade, who had started afurniture and funeral business in 1945 in town with hiswife, Betty. In those days, it was common for funeralhome directors to sell home furnishings in their freetime. When Hade moved his shop to Fort Dodge in1960 and began specializing in floor coverings, Leitingaccepted a job on Hade’s flooring installation crew atThe Carpet Store. “In those days, it was unusual to specialize like this, andit was unheard of for a single store to have its owninstallation crew,” said Leiting, who noted that carpetlayers typically contracted their labor to several differentstores. “Times were changing due to the trend of wall-to-wall carpeting, which took off in the late 1950s andearly 1960s.”Growing a family business

After working for The Carpet Store for 13 years,Leiting opened Carpet World in downtown Fort Dodgein1973. As the business grew, Carpet World expandedinto Furniture World, Paint World and Drapery World.

In the early years, Leiting’s wife, Bev, worked part-time at the store, in addition to raising the couple’schildren. “I’ve always liked the work, because it’s funand challenging,” said Bev, a full-time sales consultantwho specializes in flooring and window treatments. The Leiting’s son, Pat, grew up in the business andjoined the company in 1988 after working for theChicago Board Options Exchange. In those days,

Carpet World still negotiated directly with the carpetmills, said Larry Leiting, who noted that the companyjoined the Carpetmax buying group (now FlooringAmerica) in 1994 to offer customers more options andmore competitive prices.

“As part of a cooperative that includes 2,000 otherstores nationwide, we gain significant buying power thatprovides exceptional value for our customers,” notedPat Leiting, who purchased Carpet World FlooringAmerica from his parents in 2003 with Mark Jorgensenof Fort Dodge. Moving to the Corridor of Commerce

To provide customers with even more options,Carpet World Flooring America merged in 2010 withBuilder’s Showcase, whose roots date back to 1954,when owner Tim Doyle’s father opened Chuck’s FloorService in Fort Dodge.

“If you’re going to grow, you need good people,”said Pat Leiting, who noted that this opportunityallowed Carpet World Flooring America to offercabinetry and expand its interior design services.

Carpet World Flooring America’s growth continuedin December of 2011, when the company purchasedthe Floor to Ceiling Store in Fort Dodge from Bob andBarb Courtney. The team began remodeling the storeon Fifth Avenue South into a spacious, 12,800-square-foot showroom and added a new 5,000-square-footwarehouse northwest of the store. Carpet World Flooring America moved into its spaciousnew facility in November of 2012 and hosted a ribboncutting celebration on December 5, 2012. The newlocation is positioning the business for future growth,Pat Leiting said. “We are invested in the localcommunity, and we’re pleased we can make a positivedifference by helping people fulfill their dreams.”

For Pat Leiting, Mark Jorgensen and Tim Doyle, Carpet WorldFlooring America is more than a business—it’s a passion. They offertheir unique perspectives on why they are proud to play a key role inthe community.

What sets Carpet World Flooring America apart from thecompetition?Pat Leiting: A lot of times customers come in here with a dream. Theymight have flipped through a magazine and found the perfect kitchenor living room. Our team of experts can help fulfill those dreams. Mark Jorgensen: With our affiliation with Flooring America, we havebuying power that’s second to none and beats the big-box stores.Tim Doyle: We live and breathe this business, stay current on the lateststyles, and offer one-stop shopping.

Why does local ownership make a difference? Pat Leiting: Not only can we offer a superior shopping experience,thanks to our skilled team and our high-quality products, but we arehere for service calls after the sale. We want to provide completesolutions that are customized to each customer’s needs. Mark Jorgensen: It’s such a personal thing to go into people’s homes,

churches, offices and schools to create the spaces where they’ll live andwork. We want to give our customers the best quality at the mostcompetitive price. Tim Doyle: We all have our area of expertise. Pat handles inventory andnegotiates prices, Mark manages the finances and I handle schedulingand installation. We work hard to do the best job for our customers,who are also our friends and neighbors.

What excites you about future opportunities for Carpet WorldFlooring America?Pat Leiting: We’re glad to be in Fort Dodge, which is a progressivecommunity. We also want to keep evolving with the industry as we growour business. Mark Jorgensen: We’re working on projects that will serve localresidents for years to come, like the new middle school. It’s also excitingto make a positive difference by giving back to the community throughour team’s volunteer efforts and contributions to local fundraisers.Tim Doyle: There’s room for expansion, and we’re always looking atways to take the next steps to grow our customer base as we focus onthe future.


w w w .ston ecreek ln .com 515-574-9532 • 2620 200th Street, Fort D od ge

Stone Creek L an d scape & N ursery, In c. �

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s on your beautiful

n ew store!

Congratulations on your new location!

BIANCHI Heating & Cooling

15 South 17th St • 955-6680

Of Fort Dodge, Inc. TROY D. ANDERSON

Broker / Co-owner 515-570-2488

Congratulations Flooring America and staff on your new store.

BBeesstt WWiisshheess BBeesstt WWiisshheess Best Wishes oonn YYoouurr GGRRAANNDD OOPPEENNIINNGG!! oonn YYoouurr GGRRAANNDD OOPPEENNIINNGG!! on Your GRAND OPENING!

T han k you for you r bu sin ess!

Fort D odge 515-571-5106 T im Averill

Investedin the Community


Fort Dodge 10 N. 29th Street 955-3331 ◆ 723 1st Avenue 573-1900

www.Bank-Northwest.com

Congratulations From your Northwest Bank Team!

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa Sunday, January 13, 2013 7H6H The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa Sunday, January 13, 2013

1960 Larry and Bev Leiting move to Fort Dodge, where Larry (an

experienced carpet layer) works for Ray Hade at The Carpet Store.

1973 In May the Leiting family opens Carpet World in downtown

Fort Dodge at 529 1st Avenue South.

1988 Larry and Bev Leiting’s son, Pat, joins the business full-time.

1994 Carpet World becomes associated with Carpetmax (now

known as Flooring America) and also transitions to a sample

showroom operation.

2002 Carpet World merges with Hade Carpet and Furniture and

Bob Hade joins the team.

2003 Larry Leiting retires from Carpet World after Pat Leiting and

Mark Jorgensen become the new owners of the business.

2005 The Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce honors Carpet

World Flooring America with the 2005 Small Business of the Year

Award.

2010 Builder’s Showcase of Fort Dodge joins forces with Carpet

World Flooring America. Tim Doyle with Builder’s Showcase

becomes an owner of Carpet World Flooring America, along with

Pat Leiting and Mark Jorgensen.

2011 In December, Carpet World Flooring America integrates Fort

Dodge’s Floor to Ceiling Store, which Bob Courtney and his wife,

Barb, had owned since June of 1995.

2012 The business moves into its new 12,800-square-foot home

at 3026 5th Avenue South in late November, and the

company celebrates a ribbon cutting on December 5.

When you walk through the front doors of Carpet WorldFlooring America, be prepared for the “wow factor.”

“We designed the showroom so you can see the productsin action,” said Pat Leiting, owner of Carpet WorldFlooring America, which is located along Fort Dodge’s“Corridor of Commerce” on Fifth Avenue South.

The 12,800-square-foot facility has doubled CarpetWorld Flooring America’s space from its previous 6,700-square-foot facility downtown. “We’ve created acomfortable, spacious showroom filled with flooringdisplays, kitchen and bath vignettes, and more to inspirepeople and help them create the look they want.”

Congratulations Carpet World-Flooring America!

With You Every Step of the Way

Throughout the Years...L-R: Susan Doyle, Deb Jorgensen, Jen Leiting


www.championofiowa.com Rockwell City, IA

Where Everybody Wins! RAM

Congratulations! Best Wishes at Your New

Building & Location!

Congratulations On Your New Store!

LaVerne DassRecalls 40 Year of Carpet World History

When LaVerne Dass was hired as one of Carpet World’s firstemployees when the store opened in 1973, he never expected tobe with the company 40 years later.

“I like the people, including my co-workers and ourcustomers, and I like to keep busy,” said Dass, 78, a salesconsultant who normally works from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.

When Larry Leiting hired Dass 40 years ago, Carpet Worldhad just moved into a former machine shop at 529 1st AvenueSouth in Fort Dodge. The Carpet World team transformed thegreasy, grimy building into a showroom for the latest flooringstyles.

“We were all salespeople in those days,” said Dass, whorecalled how the store had 12 rolls of carpet on hand. “Our bigselling point back then was rubber-backed carpet, which had thecarpet and pad all in one.”

That was also the era when Carpet World had one company

station wagon, employees used CB radios to communicate witheach other and popular interior design trends included carpetedkitchens, recalled Dass, who sold carpeting and furniture at Searsin Fort Dodge before joining Carpet World. Be honest and do a good jobWhile styles and flooring options have changed dramaticallythrough the years, one thing remains the same. “Be honest, do agood job, and people will come back to you,” said Dass, whoretired at age 65 for two days but decided that he’d rather beworking.

Today, Dass enjoys designing displays, keeping the newCarpet World Flooring America store clean and organized, anddoing a little selling now and then. “The business is growing, butwe’re still small enough to provide personalized service. We’relike family here.”


114 North 25th Street Fort Dodge, IA 50501

515-576-4321 800-657-8065

www.kingsgateinsurance.com

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Follow us on facebook at Iowa Central Community College

515-576-7201 or 800-362-2793 www.iowacentral.edu

Design SolutionsMade Simple

With all the options available for flooring, carpeting,

window treatments, cabinets and hardware, selecting the right

styles, colors and materials for a project can be almost

overwhelming. That’s why Carpet World Flooring America

has two interior designers on staff, including Wendy Anderson

and Kelsie Dickey.

“We can offer a new perspective to make the decision-

making process easier,” said Anderson, who offered the

following tips for working with a designer:

• Develop a budget. There are many options available

to fit a wide range of budgets, whether you’re a “Design on a

Dime” person or you prefer more of a high-end style,

Anderson said.

• Think in pictures. Bring in photographs and

magazine features that show rooms you like, and bring along

color swatches, to help the designer get a feel for the styles and

colors you prefer.

• Make a wish list. Let the designer know the kinds of

things you’d like to have in your new space. Also, tell the

designer what displeases you about your current space, such as

a lack of storage, so these challenges can be addressed.

While current design trends include darker woods like

cherry and alder, neutral colors like gray, and streamlined,

contemporary styles, Anderson enjoys helping customers find

the right options for their lifestyle, Anderson said. “The best

part of our job is helping people achieve their goals.”


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Congratulations on your GRAND OPENING!

515-576-5429 22636 Old Hwy 169 • Fort Dodge

Wishing you continued success in your NEW BUILDING

at your NEW LOCATION!

Owned & Operated By Sonny & Shirley Pederson

CONGRATULATIONS CARPET WORLD FLOORING AMERICA!

515-955-4190 Serving The Area Since 1950

PEDERSON SANITATION ROLL OFF & COMPACTOR SERVICE

� Industrial � Residential

� Commercial � Rural

3014 5th Ave South • Ste B 877-835-6570

www.iowafirecontrol.com

since 1980

Congratulations!

576-4440

More than just a flooring store or a home improvement

center, Carpet World Flooring America offers:

• One-stop shopping. With full service from

design expertise to installation, Carpet World Flooring

America offers high-quality carpeting, hardwood flooring,

luxury vinyl tile, ceramic tile, cabinets, countertops

(including laminates, granite and quartz), and an array of

distinctive drawer pulls and window treatments. In addition,

Carpet World Flooring America is one of Iowa’s few

suppliers of Karastan, whose flooring products are known

for their exceptional quality, beauty and durability.

• Options to fit any budget. Thanks to an

affiliation with a major national buying cooperative, Carpet

World Flooring America offers competitive prices that can

suit any budget.

• Personalized service. Carpet World Flooring

America’s experienced sales professionals and interior

designers know that great service starts by asking great

questions. By understanding their customers’ needs, the

team steers customers away from potential pitfalls and

provides the best solutions to meet their goals.

• Convenience. While Carpet World Flooring

America can order a wide range of products, the store also

stocks a large selection of floor coverings and works with

eight to 12 installation crews to provide fast service.

• A unique resource for the local community.Carpet World Flooring America’s owners and employees are

proud supporters of the local community who volunteer

their time to many civic activities and contribute to

numerous fundraisers each year.

5 ThingsYou May Not Know


www.jensenbuilders.com

Design-Build General Contractor

Fort Dodge 1175 S. 32nd St.

515-573-3292

Ames 2182 231st Lane

515-292-5000

Q U A L I T Y DEPENDABILITY I N T E G R I T Y D I V E R S I T Y

• CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION • STEEL ERECTION • CARPENTRY CONSTRUCTION

• PRE-ENGINEERED CHIEF BUILDINGS

• GSI GRAIN BINS

Congratulations On Your New Building Thank you Carpet World-Flooring America for choosing us as your General Contractor.


Visit us online to see what others are saying about us!

www.carpetworld-flooringamerica.com

We’ve Moved!Visit Our Beautiful New Showroom!

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carpet world flooring america

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