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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Years ago, Robert Maxwell never imagined owning his own carpet company. But today carpet is his business. In fact it has been for more than 30 years. Robert began his career as a young, struggling college student who needed a job to pay for school. That part-time job as a carpet helper eventually became his life-long career. Now, Robert has built up a well-respected business called Maxwell Carpets.
Robert currently serves customers throughout the Salt Lake Valley. He originally started in Draper and still has a store there. Now, he has another new store in South Jordan, which has allowed him to expand his product to better serve all of his customers.
Robert has also brought in four of his sons and trained them in the carpet business so they can continue the tradition. They can all tell stories about going to work with Dad to help him lay carpet while growing up. Because of this, Robert's sons have learned to be exceptional installers, and they each strive to satisfy any customer request.
Robert told me that Maxwell Carpets doesn't just install carpet but has grown to offer vinyl, hardwood and laminate flooring, tile and even window coverings. And his installation projects include everything from private homes to large businesses.
Robert has stayed competitive by keeping prices at or better than those of large competitors. As most small business owners know, that's not always easy. Over the years, Robert and his sons have heard customers say they like the fact that they always deal with a member of the Maxwell family. Sales, installation and all customer relations are handled by someone within the family. And for that reason, Robert said his customers feel that they are treated on a more personal basis. I noted during our conversation that 75 percent of his business is repeat customers.
I was impressed to learn that Robert doesn't just focus on competitive prices and customer service. He said supporting community affairs is also important to his company. Maxwell Carpets continually sponsors and participates in local pageants and sporting events. Robert said he wants to give back to the community all of the support that the community has shown him over the years. Well, with that kind of appreciation and business philosophy, we hope Maxwell Carpets will keep us carpeted for another 30 years.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
