Rafael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center Comparative Summary

Rafael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center has been installing floor coverings for Marin County residents since 1957. The company offers a complete line of flooring materials, including carpet, hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Independently owned and operated by Ron Leach and Steve Villa, Rafael Floors is a franchise of the nationwide Abbey Carpet chain. “Our customers get the best of both worlds,” says Mr. Leach. “We’re locally owned and run, so we provide the personal attention and customer care of a small business, but we’re backed by a nationwide company that provides training and maintains a high level of quality assurance.”

Mr. Leach says Rafael Floors’ employees distinguish it from its competition. “Our installers are professionals; we don’t subcontract out our carpet, vinyl and laminate installations. This approach gives us more control over who’s doing the job, and we can quickly respond to any problems.” All of Rafael Floors’ installers are Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFIs), an independent organization that provides training and maintains standards of quality in the industry.

Rafael Floors prides itself on offering longevity to its customers. “I’ve been in this business for 48 years,” says Mr. Leach, “and my partner, Steve Villa, has been in the business for 30 years.” The company’s installation foreman has been with the firm for 30 years as well, and most of its installers have more than 10 years of company loyalty. “No matter what a customer’s concern or question, we have employees with the experience to handle it.”