Super Performance Flooring Sale

Not only does Independent Carpet One Floor & Home have some great Super heros when it comes to Flooring like Lees Carpet and Invincible Hardwood...We want to hear about "YOUR SUPER HERO".

Visit our website at www.independentcarpetone.com and Enter to WIN a trip to Unviersal's Islands of Adventure. tell us who your Super Hero is!

Helpful Hints From Cathy...How to Keep Your New Carpet Looking Beautiful

Westland's local Community TV station WLND has a new series for homeowners. This edition has helpful hints to keep your carpet cleaned and your warranty in check. It's just a simple liitle remedy that will come in handy! Keep a watchful eye each month.

Cathy has a lot to share about flooring.

Independent Carpet One Floor & Home cares about you, your home, your children and of course the floor you've purchased. So we want to inform you about all the options when it comes to flooring whether it be vinyl, carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic and even area rugs.

Next month in April, Cathy will share with you the different species of wood, their characteristics and the perfect placement in your home.

If there is a question you have, just send it in and we may just answer "your" question on the next TV spot. Email Cathy at cathy@carpetonefh.com or visit our website at www.independentcarpetone.com.

Enlightened Purrs...pective Look On The Bright Side

Look On the Bright Side-

I received an email today from a company in New Jersey that creates clothing items with silk screen, embroidery and graphics for businesses, schools etc. The gentleman that runs the operation sends monthly newsletters pertaining to more than just his specials or what may be new in his business. The newsletter inspires with me with each read and I find myself engulfed with his perspectives on anything and everything from selling, positive thoughts, branding, motivating yourself and your staff and today’s little blurb about Punxsutawney Phil.
I love that name even though I have a hard time saying it but it’s cool!
What? You don’t know who Punxsutawney Phil is?
Sure you don’t! Right!
Everybody knows who this little creature is! He’s our only bright spot in this treacherous time of the year called “winter”.
Ooohhh….I made you shiver there didn’t I?
Sorry…let’s get back to something positive shall we?
Ground Hog Day! Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell stared in this hilarious 1993 movie based on this “most wonderful day” when we are told by this tiny little thing…when Spring is going to be here!! Now, Bill Murray wasn’t too happy during this movie because he kept reliving the same day over and over until finally he got it right. What a waste of time. But for some people…they just don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel until they reach the end.
Phew…. So, let’s just fix it right now shall we!
This Little Ground Hog, or the people who ever thought about this crazy little guy over 125 years ago, had the right idea. Let’s say, Phil baby doesn’t see his shadow, it means we’ve got only two more weeks to trudge through. And Spring will be here early. Yahoo!!! That’s great news!!
Great news!
Did you hear that?
Aren’t you just as happy as can be? I am why aren’t you?
I say….Look on the bright side of things.
Turn off the TV and the radio, just for the day. Stop listening to the negative Nancy’s out there, sing along with Judy Garland.
“Forget your troubles come on get happy you better chase all you cares away. Shout hallelujah come on get happy get ready for the judgement day!
If that’s not your era, and David Cassidy is your crush, how about the Partridge Family.
“Hello world here's a song that we're singing. Come on get happy! A whole lotta lovin' is what we'll be bringing. We'll make you happy.”
Both of these songs came to us during difficult times.
February, the time of year when flu bugs are at the highest peak, least amount of sunshine, at least in Michigan, and yikes hate to share this one, but most suicides. So….why do you think Punxsutawney Phil became so famous on February 2nd? So, everyone could look on the bright side. Be excited for a change and have something to look forward to.
Another article I read last night was how to stay happy. It was called a “Scientifically, Proven way to be Happy”.
Really, it takes a scientist to tell you how?
I do this every day…Breathe slowly, volunteer your time, daydream and spend time with the right people. What they left out in the article is smile, sing a song and find your happy place. Somewhere when “all your troubles seem so far away”…Ooops that’s a Beatle’s verse isn’t it? See…another song. Someone besides Phil has the right idea!
Look….my quest today…my hopes and plan was…”To make you Look On the Bright Side”.
I hope my job is done! No I don’t not really…it never is. I love what I do…every day!
No matter how hard, or negative people are (and we all know retail is a Bi… sometimes), no matter how tired I have become, even if someone is sick, I am happy for who I am, for what I have, for my family and friends , for YOU. And however corny this is, I do breakout in song sometimes and sing to the radio. Hey whatever works right?

Keep climbing!
Cat

Drew...a picture in my mind!

Enlightened Purrs...pective
Drew…a picture in my mind
Have you had or made a friend so very easily right from the very beginning of meeting them?
Did it just click? You would finish each other’s sentence and laugh at the same stupid jokes. And you’d like the same foods or feel the same emotions.
That’s a gift!
A blessing!
Someone told me that people are brought into our lives for specific reasons and at a particular time in our life and sometimes, when it deems necessary, that person may be taken away for a transfer to another location or possibly death. But their impact on our lives creates who we are today. And we have to be grateful for their coming and for their departure. No matter how hard the loss is, it’s a part of the “blue print of our lives”.
No lie…when I heard this I thought the person’s message was ludicrous, crazy, made up…whatever!
But I have become to believe this to be true.
And I must tell you…I literally despise the departure part of my blue print.
I just want that person, that friend, that certain someone to stay. Stay right there. Don’t move.
But then my world would actually be out of sync. I’d miss something somewhere somehow because I wouldn’t have my eyes open enough to meet the very next person. I’m not saying once someone is gone another person simply takes their place. It’s a matter of allowing the world around me to be open and aware of the endless possibilities. And no one could ever replace that special someone because . . .
That’s it…they’re special.
Just like Drew!
I began working out in October of 2006. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer and I needed an avenue to release negative energy and something for myself to focus on. I started working out at Curves which is an all woman fitness program. Not that I was looking for a Co-Ed facility, it’s just that I didn’t feel challenged enough so I moved on to a Health Club. This is where I met Drew. He was a personal trainer who also held classes in kick-boxing, circuit training and boot camp.
Could I possibly do these things? They looked so hard. I am not strong enough or fit enough or I’d look ridiculous with these people.
Well, according to Drew…I was wrong! There is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it. And hey…that’s what I always used to say and now say again … all the time!!!
So our friendship began.
Working out…a chore? Not with Drew! It was hard, don’t get me wrong and he pushed even when I whined. He understood my whine but plugged along right there with me sometimes even training along side of the rest of the boot camp gals. But we laughed and shared stories even secrets about liking the “Twilight” series or favorite songs heard on the radio. No matter the conversation topic, an hour long training session seemed like only 20 minutes. It didn’t feel like that the next day, but, because of the camaraderie it was simply…a blast!
Now I train one on one with Drew. I’ve left the Health Club and it’s just us! Well for at least the next 3 weeks.
January 2011, Drew is moving to Jacksonville, Florida.
My blue print is smeared with tears. The ink had not even set on the paper and he got a great job offer that he just can’t pass up. His career is off and running with me tripping behind and dropping my step, my dumbbells, weight ball and whatever other type of workout equipment we used to handle.
We wouldn’t just work out. We’d talk about my day at work, or my kids, plans for the weekend, the world around us, favorite musical artists, crazy stories about our friends, my veggie diet, his stigma with blood, Mason his nephew, our families…everything. And it was easy! After the work out, we’d hug say good-bye and say, “see ya Wednesday!”
So…Drew…See ya soon? See ya whenever?

So…my friend for life…my one particular wall of my blueprint…I love you…I can’t wait till we see each other again…good luck to you…I will miss you…but I’m grateful for you…and you’ve changed my life for the best…I am who I am because of you!

Keep climbing!
Cat

Enlightened Purrs…pectives
In 1934, the Good fellows were organized to aid families with children providing them with clothing, shoes and sometimes gifts during the Christmas holiday. Turkey’s were also distributed to families during the Thanksgiving Holiday. My mother, the oldest daughter amongst 6 boys and 2 sisters, shared stories of when she was a little girl growing up in Detroit during the early 1930’s. My Grandfather worked for Chrysler at the time and my Grandmother stayed home with the children. The depression had hit hard and the family just made due with love, Catholic faith and the food that either my Grandfather was able to provide or the support of the Good Fellows. People knew that when school began the next day that the Good fellows came to their homes because they would wear their shiny new shoes, hats and gloves.
Today, 76 years later, the Good Fellows are still making sure that there is “No Child Without a Christmas”.
From the brief bit of family history, this is where my purrs…pective begins.
Christmas…my favorite time of year.
A time for caroling, for fresh fallen snow and children’s laughter, sharing stories of past, and a time for love, gift giving and wishes for a new year to come. But for some families it is the scariest time of the year. There may not be food on the table or heat to keep them warm. Gifts won’t be placed under the tree nor stockings by the fireplace. Unimaginable!
The opportunity arose with a letter from the Westland Good Fellows. There are families in our area without food, clothing and gifts for their children.
“Will you help?”
No question! I continued to read about a particular grandmother who has had her grandchildren living with her from birth. The 12 year old little girl and her 10 year old brother had a mother in a Detroit jail for drug solicitation and other fines. It has been over a year since they’ve seen or talked with her. Nightmares, tears and abandonment filled their tiny hearts and the thoughts of Christmas were far away. I asked our family here at Carpet One if in place of drawing names and buying gifts for our Christmas exchange if we could adopt this family and provide them with clothes, food and toys so their Christmas could become a reality. And they stepped up without hesitation. Before long our Christmas Giving Tree was adorned with packages wrapped with love and anticipation of smiling happy faces.
This past Saturday was set aside for the Good Fellow’s drop off and pick up program. Over 800 families came and picked up items that were donated from the Westland Community. Canned good, hats, gloves, school supplies, Grocery Gift Certificates, clothing and toys had been bagged up according to each family’s individual needs.
I arrived shortly after lunch with the gifts we had collected. I came with not a single concept of what I would encounter. I was overwhelmed with the graciousness of people and the volunteers that were made up of all age groups.
Heartwarming!
Then Judy walked in the door with 10 year old Adrien. A beautiful little brown eyed boy with feverous anticipation of seeing his gifts. He said he didn’t believe in Santa, which broke my heart a bit. But I said, “Adrien, I’m Santa along with my friends from Carpet One. Santa is someone who loves children and wants them to have a wonderful Christmas. And all of us want that for you and Arion.”
He said with the tiniest smirk, “But, you’re not fat!”
I love that boy!!! Gave him the biggest hug and said “thank you, you made my day!”
I also told him he had to wait to open the presents until Christmas day and made sure that they had a tree to place them under which they did. Adrien and his Grandmother presented me with a card for all the gang at Independent Carpet One wishing us a very Merry Christmas.
This is what this time of year is all about.
Christmas…
Sharing with others a little bit of who we are, sharing our time, our gifts, our love and helping each other when there isn’t anyone else to turn to.
Judy, Arion and Adrien are now a part of the Carpet One family. We’ve adopted them for as long as they’ll have us.

I want to take this moment to wish my dearest friends… A Very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy New Year.
When asked…Will you help?
Don’t hesitate. You may be the one asking one day
Keep Climbing!
Cat

Healthier Living Installation

Welcome to a better world of flooring installation!

Carpet One Floor & Home's installations offer a superior level of care and health benefits for your family. Our installation process minimizes allergens, dust, mold and odors and encourages better air quality in your home. Our cushion is hypo-allergenic and 100% recyclable. You and the planet can breathe easier!

Enlightened Purrs...pectives
T.E.A.M.
Ok … now don’t get all ‘skitzed” out because you recognize the format of the word team in my title.
“Here we go another motivational discussion from little miss cheerleader.”
Ok … well maybe a little bit of motivation.
I just returned from a Carpet One RNG Coordinators meeting in Phoenix. I have the honor to assist David Smith from Skaff’s Carpet One in Flint, Michigan. I have always returned from gatherings like this with so much more insight than my brain can normally handle. But I am also always excited to take what I’ve learned and institute the ideas into my store or to my peers.
It has amazed me that we’ve been members of the Carpet One Co-Op now for over 13 years and there is so much to learn with every contact I make. The brilliant and devoted men and woman in the flooring industry inspire me at every turn. Taking time out of their schedules to improve not only their store’s environment but those of all the Carpet One members is an unselfish act. “Together we are ONE” is a strong and constant message we all must believe and live by if we wish to build our brand and succeed in this tough and trying economy.
I remember joining Carpet One in 1997 and participating in numerous seminars over the years with John Umbaugh, Liz Calendrino, Sally Kelly, Ronnie Thomason, Brian Metcalf, Bob Hutter, Jonathon Trivers, Sam Allman, Tim Landry, Jim Aaron and other brilliant facilitators. The overall message has always resonated…
”Together Everyone Achieves More!”
During the coordinators meeting in Phoenix, the message continued and to me, stronger than I’ve ever felt.
“How do we get more people involved?”
“How do we engage the members more?”
“What tools can we provide to assist with getting more people into our stores?”
“What’s the best format of advertising?”
“The Product selection that we have, is it enough?”
“How do we stay above the competition?”
The initiatives and the ideas and the “how to’s” kept coming and the answers were all being shared in an overwhelmingly dynamic network.
No matter if you belong to a Co-Op like Carpet One, Abbey or Flooring America, no matter if you have a business with a sizeable staff and no matter if you have families to care for…we all have to work together, support each other learn from each other to keep our lives functioning. To keep our lives focused with faith and trust and believe that each member has a purpose and a belonging. Let’s face it, it’s tough out there guys and we have to stay tough and maybe get even tougher, smarter, challenge ourselves everyday and “not give up the ship.”
Sorry, I still have the ship posters in my store. I am a product of the BHAG!
I don’t know about you, but I am geeked about January’s Convention in Dallas. I can’t wait to see my friends, to learn something new, to share great ideas, to find new and better ways to raise my margin, to achieve a higher average ticket, find another avenue of advertising, compete better with the box stores and Empire and basically to get the consumer to realize we are the best answer for their flooring needs.
We are it! We are ONE!
And…we have so many wonderful tools to prove it!
So, whether or not you’re on the Advisory Council or a RNG Coordinator, Marketing Committee member, larger store or smaller store, mom or dad, sister or brother, your input is always needed. Your presence is important to the growth of our group and to your business and to your family.
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” – Luke 21:5-19

Until we meet again, thank those around you this Thanksgiving holiday for supporting you this far and creating a life worth living. And when the Christmas and New Year festivities arrive take a moment to breathe and appreciate your teammates, co-workers and family.

“There is greatness all around you- welcome it! It is easy to be great when you get around great people.”

Keep Climbing!
Cat