It’s attention to details at Howmar Carpet

MARSHALLVLLE -- What started as a business in the basement of a rhome in Marshallville, Howmar Carpet Inc. is now entering its 51st year in the floor covering business.

Paul Howard Stevic opened Howmar Upholstery in 1963, having learned the flooring and upholstery trades while at the Wm. Annat Co. in Wooster and Maibach's Furniture in Sterling.

As the small upholstery business grew, so did customer requests for carpeting, enabling Stevic to join into a partnership with his brother-in-law, Ed Kifer.

In 1969 they built a larger facility at the present 55 S. Main St. site and decided to focus more on the carpeting side of the business.

Proper installation of carpeting being so critical, Howmar hired Norman Stevic, David Stevic and Bob Carpenter, operating under the named of BoNo Installation, to insure proper, professional carpet installation.

By 1977 Norman, David and Bob had become part owners in the business. In 1983, following the retirement of Kifer, John Stevic joined the partnership, which has continued for 30 years. More recently, the ownership has changed to include Ernie Smith, Thad Yoho and Larry Schaffter.

Just as the ownership of Howmar Carpet has evolved, so has the scope of the business. Carpet sales remain strong, but the demand for hard surface flooring has grown as well. Ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring now comprise a large portion of the company's business.

Michelle Sheriff, an interior design consultant with 18 years experience in interior design, also adds a new dimension to the Howmar team, allowing for more depth and insight that is needed in today's decorating environment.

Throughout the years, Howmar Carpet's strength has been personal attention to customer's needs -- through quality products and custom installation.

"We've been fortunate to have had extremely loyal employees over the years," said John Stevic. "We've always been 'hands-on' because many of us are part-owners, but our employees have always been dedicated toward good service and customer satisfaction. It's the idea of providing and installing a product that people can enjoy that drives our group."

From its very modest beginning back in 1963, to today, Howmar Carpet has been a consistent force in providing quality floor coverings and service to residential and commercial customers throughout the area.

Hours at Howmar Carpet: Monday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 330-855- 3551; visit their website at howmarcarpet.com.