Floor Coverings International 

For the past 20 years, Marc Yates’ life has revolved around the military. From being deployed to Bosnia, flying planes and helicopters in both Turkey and Egypt, to an assistant professorship at the U.S. Air Force Academy; the major’s plate was full. As thoughts turned to retirement, Yates decided to put the skills he had obtained over the years to good use by starting his own business.

“I knew that I wouldn’t be in the Army forever and started thinking what my next move would be,” said Yates, 42. “I was bit by the franchise bug about 10 years ago but hadn’t actively pursued it. But when my franchise broker mentioned Floor Coverings International, I knew the timing was finally right.”

In September 2007, Yates opened Floor Coverings International in Colorado Springs, Colo., to end the headaches associated with home improvement once and for all.

VETREPRENEUR ASKS

V:  What do you enjoy most about owning Floor Coverings International?

MY:  For me, FCI had it all – a solid business model, great support and a high level of organization and service. It’s a welcome change to the big-box stores.

V:  Do you plan to grow your business in the future?

MY:  Absolutely. Right now, I am servicing all of El Paso County, but I would love to expand into Castle Rock and Denver in the next few years.

V:  Has your military training helped you succeed in business ownership?

MY:  Without a doubt! There was a transitional period, but the leadership, organization, adaptability and time management skills that I obtained while in the military continue to have a daily presence in both my business and personal life. 

Franchise Facts

Company: Floor Coverings International

Franchise Headquarters: Smyrna, Ga.

Phone: (770) 874-7600

Web site: www.floorcoveringsinternational.com

Company Info: Floor Coverings International is a shop-at-home, floor-covering retailer offering more than 3,000 flooring options from the top brands in flooring at competitive prices. FCI’s products include carpet, hardwood, laminates, luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, area rugs and window coverings. Professional installation services are also provided.

Cost: Between $125,000 and $250,000, including a $40,000 franchise fee. Royalty fee is five percent of gross monthly revenues and a 3 percent contribution is made to a national advertising fund.

Fun Fact: FCI recently launched FCIInspireNet, a unique visualization system that allows customers to upload digital pictures of their homes and view countless flooring options within minutes.

Written by Rhonda Sanderson

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