ICC Home

With the upcoming transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to feature a blog series on our showrooms’ remodel as well as our expansion to become your one-stop-shop for everything design related.

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Blake Powell, Director of Marketing & Training, to discuss the upcoming changes and what consumers can expect. Here is what Blake had to say:

Q: How long have you been in this industry?

A: “In a sense, I have been in the industry all my life. My father, who now runs our Cabinet Division, taught us young. He owned a few construction/remodeling companies, so we were always helping him with various projects. I spent most of my summers, throughout high school and college, working for him in different facets. The experience was invaluable, and I am very grateful.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry since you have been at ICC?

A: “I have been with ICC for just over three years, and have seen digital printing play a massive role in the industry. The latest craze is Luxury Vinyl products. The manufacturers are able to use digital printing to produce incredibly realistic products, such as a vinyl plank that looks like wood. Most people cannot even delineate real wood from a wood-looking product unless they actually bend down and touch it.”

Q: What changes have you seen at ICC Floors since you have opened?

A: “The most significant change I have seen since I have been here is the massive growth. I believe we were about a 16 million dollar company when I first started, and last year we did 33 million in sales. Another significant change is all the new faces around here. There have been probably 25-30 new hires since I started.”

Q: What excites you about the remodel and transition to ICC Home?

A: “What excites me the most about the remodel is finally being able to showcase what we can offer to our clients. What excites me about the ICC Home transition, especially in regards to marketing, is that we can finally communicate that we are so much more than flooring.”

Q: Why are you expanding/transitioning to ICC Home?

A: “We are transitioning to ICC Home out of necessity. We have done ourselves a great injustice by not having our brand aligned with our offerings. When we are fully transitioned, people will recognize ICC as a leader in not simply flooring and tile, but in cabinets, countertops, paint, and window treatments.”

Q: What is ICC Home’s goal?

A: “There are four main components to ICC Home’s goal:

• Provide a professional and relaxed atmosphere where we will showcase the highest quality products at honest prices.
• Employ, train, and continually educate the best people in the business to facilitate your project.
• Keep up with the latest marketplace design trends to best serve you, the customer.
• Deliver the best possible service, from when you first walk through the door until your project is complete.”

Q: How will ICC Home better serve the customer?

A: “A significant component of the ICC Home rebrand is time. Before, our customers would have to run around town going from place to place to make the majority of their big selections. Then when those decisions were made and the project started, they would have to try and coordinate when each company would start and finish and how all the different companies would work together to make things run smoothly and with no delays. Now, our customers can come into one showroom and select everything. Then they can have the peace of mind knowing that only one company will be in their home during the entire project.”

Q: Why are you passionate about the concept of “ICC Home”?

A: “My passion is rooted in the fact that we are on the road to becoming a one-stop-shop. ICC Home will provide homeowners with a place to select the floors where their kids and pets will play, the cabinets where their family dishes will be stored, the countertops where their family meals will take place, and the paint that will withstand the creative imagination of their five-year old with a crayon.”

Q: Where do you hope to see the company in 10 years?

A: “First, I hope to deliver on everything that was outlined above successfully. Second, I hope to see us expand our offerings – possibly faucets, home automation, doors, etc. as well as open more locations throughout the state and surrounding states.”

A special thank you to Blake for sharing his thoughts with us. If you missed our previous interview, where we sat down with Jeanne Cleek, be sure to check it out here. Thanks for reading, and we will see you next week!

With the upcoming transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to feature a blog series on our showrooms’ remodel as well as our expansion to become your one-stop-shop for everything design related.

Today, we spoke with Jeanne Cleek, ICC Home Bookkeeper, to discuss the upcoming changes and what consumers can expect. Here is what Jeanne had to say:

Q: How long have you been in this industry?

A: “I have been with the company for 15 years.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry since you have opened?

A: “With all the DIY programs that have become so popular, homeowners feel empowered to do more of the work of remodeling themselves.  Because of that, they are looking for a company that can help them with everything they need to do a complete job.  In light of those changes, adding employees who are strong in design, gives ICC the edge because it is just another service we can offer.”

Q: What changes have you seen at ICC Floors since you have opened?

A: “Unbelievable growth.  Owner’s that have their fingers on the pulse of the industry and have made the necessary changes to make sure that the company stays relevant. They have done such a good job of it that we need to re-brand the company so that all the potential customers out there know the best place to come for all your remodeling needs would be ICC!”

Q: What excites you about the remodel and transition to ICC Home?

A: “I think I am as excited as I hope all the customers that are familiar with ICC Floors are because we have a beautiful new showroom that will showcase cabinets and so much more.  Every day I have to go and see what has been added.  There are so many new and interesting materials, colors, etc. out there that people have no idea.  With the expanded showroom at ICC, they will get to see them in a way that will make it easy for them to picture it in their home.  They will see the latest styles.  Not only in cabinets but in tiles, wood, carpet.  There are just so many new exciting changes to the industry in general and ICC is right there making sure the customer has access to all those new, exciting changes and additions.”

Q: Why are you expanding/transitioning to ICC Home?

A: “It is absolutely necessary!  If we stay with ICC Floors, we will be selling ourselves short.  A customer will see the name and make the assumption that all we have to offer is floors.  We are SO MUCH MORE!  We have paint, blinds, shower doors, cabinets, it goes on and all.  We have to open ourselves up to the public in a way that they will grasp that we are a real one-stop-shop for all your remodeling or new home building needs.”

Q: What is ICC Home’s goal?

A: “To be THE PLACE for customers to come and find everything they need to take the picture in their mind of that beautiful new floor, new room, new home and make it happen in a manageable and exciting way.  We have the design staff, the sales staff, the service staff, the administrative staff… we have it all.”

Q: How will ICC Home better serve the customer?

A: “The customer will come here and find everything they need.  We have examples of all the latest and greatest materials that are being used today.  We are a very fluid company that has grown with the industry in a way that has kept us at the forefront of the industry.  We will never be “stale” because we are constantly updating and reviewing all the materials – all the latest and greatest and we bring them right here to the store for everyone to be able to see them in a great environment.”

Q: Where do you hope to see the company in 10 years?

A: “It is impossible to stop us 😊.  We will be in different states!  I see ICC as a leader in this industry.”

Thank you, Jeanne, for taking the time to talk with us about the upcoming transition at ICC Home. If you missed last week’s interview with Dave, click here to view it. Thanks for reading, and we will see you next week!

With the upcoming transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to feature a blog series on our showrooms’ remodel as well as our expansion to become your one-stop-shop for everything design related.

Today, we sat down with Kristyn Monceski, Kitchen and Bath Designer, to discuss the upcoming changes and what consumers can expect. Here is what Kristyn had to say:

Q: How long have you been in this industry?

A: “I have been in the industry for seven years, specializing mainly in residential design. I graduated during the 2008 economic crisis, so finding a job in my field was challenging. When I found a job, I started in kitchen and bath design as a CAD drafter and Design Assistant then left and started my own freelance company while working for a local florist. I then worked for a local furniture and flooring store as a Designer and managed any job pertaining to furniture and flooring. Finally found a place, ICC Floors, where my true passion can shine.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry since you have started? 

A: “It is amazing the style trends and innovations in regards to storage and technology that have come up in the last ten years, and how quickly they become out of date. Technology is becoming more and more of an integrated necessity in the home and workplace, homeowners and business owners are opting for cleaner design approaches which are more flexible with style trends. Storage seems to be a never-ending battle; companies are coming up with better ways to utilize cabinets and minimize dead/unused space. Trends have blended instead of being singular. For example Farmhouse style is a blend of industrial and rustic, industrial being metal elements, brick accents and Edison light fixtures, and rustic being natural elements like shiplap or raw wood edge table, accents like faux or fresh greenery, farmhouse sinks, white shaker door-styles with a stained wood accent like shelving or island.”

Q: What excites you about the remodel and transition to ICC Home? 

A: “I am overwhelmed with excitement about the remodel and our transition to ICC Home. Since I started, it has been a struggle to communicate ICC Floors does more than flooring. The name itself is deceiving, and many of our clients do not understand the products and services we offer. With the remodel and rebranding it will show potential and existing clients we really can do more than flooring. We have offered cabinetry for several years and never had anyone with the knowledge to design and sell cabinetry until now. Rodger and I make a great team, and we are excited about the future.”

Q: As a professional designer, what is your favorite part of the design process and why?

A: “I love every aspect of the design process, but once the plans have been drawn and the construction begins, my favorite part is seeing the design come to life. The unfortunate part with any residential client, it is usually the most stressful part of the project because we have interrupted their day to day life. The construction part is often the most emotional, and we try our best to console the client during this time, remedy any hiccups that come our way, that by the end the reward is so much more satisfying once the project is completed.”

Q: What was your favorite past design project and why? 

A: “My favorite design project was one I did with another designer. The clients were undergoing a major remodel, so they had a temporary residence while construction was taking place. This job, including their kitchen which has a pass-thru bar to the outdoor patio, office, master bathroom and closet, laundry room, guest bathrooms, and entertainment room bar, was a blend of contemporary, modern, and eclectic, very artistic. The finishes were colorful and simple, suspended glass shelving, floating vanities in the master bathroom with pass-thru fireplace into the master bedroom. We saw the project from start to finish, and even after it had been completed, the clients invited us back to see how they had adjusted to their newly renovated home.”

Q: As a designer, what advice would you give to a customer starting their design project? 

A: “First, turn off HGTV, TLC, really any home renovating shows. There is not anything I dislike more than the shows on those channels, because while they are exciting to watch, more often than not they are misleading to the everyday client. The budgets are not realistic, which can be a significant problem when consulting on a project. Instead, turn to Houzz for information and inspiration, or magazines like Traditional Home, Better Homes & Garden, and  Architectural Digest just to name a few for inspiration. Pinterest is great for design inspiration, but not information.

Second, make sure you do a little research before you start looking around. Say you sre about to start a kitchen remodel, what do you envision your kitchen looking like? Explore finishes you would not have thought to do while keeping it realistic to your lifestyle. How does it make you feel? Are you a chef or an avid cook/baker? Do you have a family, if so how big or growing? Do you entertain? Do you have pets? Most companies offer a variety of products from different brands, so make sure you understand the differences between those brands so you can better determine the estimate you want to go with. If you are unsure, ask your sales representative or consultant to explain the differences. Do not always want to go with the cheaper estimate, for one thing, you may not be comparing apples to apples, and you may be compromising those savings with a poor install which leads to more headaches.

Lastly, remember to relax and have fun. Starting a design project should be fun and exciting, not overwhelming and aggravating. If you need direction, ask your designer. Once the construction begins, hiccups will arise, and most of the time your designer or contractor is already taking care of the problem that came up before you told them. We have your best interests at heart, and we want to make this experience the best we can. Remember, it will be a long process, but there is an end in sight.”

A special thank you to Kristyn for sharing her expert knowledge on the design industry with us. If you missed last week’s post, where we sat down with Rodger Powell, be sure to check it out here. Thanks for reading, and we will see you next week!

With the upcoming transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to feature a blog series on our showrooms’ remodel as well as our expansion to become your one-stop-shop for everything design related.

Today, we sat down with Rodger Powell, Director of Cabinet Operations, to discuss the upcoming changes and what consumers can expect. Here is what Rodger had to say:

Q: How long have you been in this industry?

A: “I have been in the residential construction business in some shape or form for 41 years. I went through 2 years of technical training, learning the fundamentals of construction and home building and 2 years in architectural engineering. I have owned two remodeling companies and also spent 21 years in corporate management prior to taking over the cabinet department for ICC Floors.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry since you have started?

A: “It really is amazing how much has changed. When I started, you had a handful of door styles and stain colors, now there are so many it Is hard to keep track of them, especially paints which have taken over the industry. Options inside cabinetry also have been a game changer.”

Q: What changes have you seen at ICC Floors since you have started?

A: “I have been with ICC for 2 ½ years, the growth of the company in that time is amazing. We have some really great and talented people who are a testament to the owners, considering where they started.”

Q: What excites you about the remodel and transition to ICC Home?

A: “There has been ‘talk’ of a new cabinet showroom since I started, to see it come to together is awesome. Almost daily someone tells me “I did not know you sold cabinets!” This buildout should change that! The rebranding will put us on the map as being more, much more than just flooring.”

Q: Why are you expanding/transitioning to ICC Home?

A: “I believe customers and builders like the idea of a one-stop shop. Changing from ICC Floors to ICC Home shows we offer more than just flooring. We are going to have a beautiful new showroom with cabinets, countertops, tile, hardware, flooring even window coverings, who knows what we will offer next!”

Q: What is ICC Home’s goal?

A: “We are already a major player in the market. With our branding, massive selection, service, buying power and a great team. We will provide the customer with an awesome experience at an affordable price point.”

Q: How will ICC Home better serve the customer?

A: “Most of our recent hires have been project managers and service folks, as you know every job will have its share of problems, hopefully with more eyes on the project we catch them before they become problems. We are also working on software that provides better communication to the customer throughout their project.”

Q: Where do you hope to see the company in 10 years?

A: “I foresee expansion in our future with more locations, products, and services not only throughout the state but in additional states.”

Be sure to come back next week, where we will sit down with Kristyn Monceski, a Kitchen and Bath Designer for ICC Home. Thanks for reading!