Local Resident Brings Floor Coverings International to Area

(Chicago, Illinois)-Christina Scharer wanted to carry on a family tradition. She just needed the stars to align, and when they did, she didn’t hesitate. Having grown up as the granddaughter and daughter in a family business, Scharer can proudly say she’s a small business owner herself after recently becoming a franchise owner with Floor Coverings International, the brand that’s consistently ranked No. 1 in the mobile flooring category, visiting customers’ homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. Having recently launched operations, Floor Coverings International of Chicago serves customers throughout North Metro Chicago, including the near north neighborhoods of Lincoln Park, Lake View, North Center, Roscoe Village, Logan Square, Bucktown, Buena Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Boys Town, and Wrigleyville.

“I knew I eventually wanted to do something for myself and my family. I just needed to find the right opportunity for me, and I did,” said Scharer, a Lincoln Park resident. “I really wanted to create something that would allow me to spend quality time with my family, but also to build a business to last, so Floor Coverings International was a perfect fit for me.”

A perfect fit, indeed, considering that Scharer previously spent 15 years as a consumer products marketing director, where she designed products, marketing campaigns and packaging with the consumer in mind.

In Floor Coverings International, Scharer found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising, and merchandising. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers’ expectations. For this, Floor Coverings International was given the Innovation Award for Customer Response from Franchise Update Media in 2020, and the same award again in 2021 for Best Use of Technology. Franchise Update is the benchmark publication and conference entity that is the Gold Standard of Franchising.

“Floor Coverings International’s dedication to customer service and satisfaction made it a perfect fit,” Scharer said. “The importance of putting customers first is important in all industries, especially home improvement. I was so ecstatic to find an opportunity to get back to doing what I love and making sure the customer feels confident in everything we are providing.”

The road to small business ownership didn’t come without challenges for Scharer. She was introduced to franchising and its possibilities by a franchise coach after the birth of her second son, when she was searching for a new career opportunity that would provide job satisfaction and upward mobility. “After having a baby and raising a toddler in a pandemic, I thought it was a perfect time to start a company. Why not?!” Scharer said with a chuckle.

And though the U.S. has 12.3 million women-owned businesses, they represent 40 percent of U.S. businesses, according to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Likewise, women own or co-own about 35 percent of all U.S. franchises, according to The Wall Street Journal. “From studying engineering to climbing the corporate ladder, I’m no stranger to a male-dominated field,” Scharer said. “As a woman franchisee, I rely on my past experiences to overcome challenges and maintain focus on results. Although being judged solely on my gender can get frustrating, I remain focused and persevere.

For information, visit https://northmetrochi.floorcoveringsinternational.com/ or call 773-571-0119.

###

About Floor Coverings International

Norcross, GA-based Floor Coverings International has ranked consistently as the No. 1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. The 181 franchisees and their Design Associates offer a unique in-home experience with a mobile showroom that comes directly to the client’s door. More than 3,000 flooring choices are available to view in the home with and alongside the existing lighting, paint, and furniture. The company will open several more locations throughout the U.S. and Canada through franchise expansion in 2022. For franchise information, please visit www.opportunities.flooring-franchise.com and to find your closest location go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.