A home’s foundation starts at the ground level—literally. But when it comes to floors, it’s not just about durability; it’s about making a statement. Steve Dipollina, owner of Floor Coverings International of Somerset, knows that choosing the right floor can transform a space, adding warmth, character, and style. With a wealth of experience in the home improvement industry, Dipollina’s journey from corporate life to owning a flooring business is a testament to his passion for creating beautiful, functional living spaces.
A Career Turned Entrepreneurial Venture
Dipollina’s path to Floor Coverings International is one of both experience and ambition. Before launching his own franchise in the summer of 2022, Dipollina had an extensive career in corporate sales and management with Sherwin Williams. Having managed teams and overseen multiple stores, he was well-versed in the customer service and operational side of home improvement. But after years in corporate life, he yearned for something more hands-on.
"I was looking for an opportunity where I could have more control and flexibility," Dipollina explains. "Floor Coverings International offered a great business model, and it perfectly aligned with my experience in home improvement."
With a passion for customer service and an eye for quality, Dipollina made the leap into franchising. Two and a half years later, his business is thriving, and he credits much of his success to the scalability and adaptability of FCI’s business model.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home
Whether you're renovating or building from the ground up, selecting the right flooring is no small task. Dipollina emphasized that the key to helping clients choose the right product lies in asking the right questions.
“We take the time to understand our customers' needs. Do they have pets? Are they planning to stay in the home long-term? Do they want something stylish, or are they looking for functionality?” Dipollina shares. "These questions help us narrow down options and recommend products that fit both their lifestyle and budget."
For example, while hardwood floors may add timeless beauty and value to a home, they’re not always the most practical choice for families with pets or young children. In these cases, Dipollina often suggests luxury vinyl plank or waterproof laminate, which offer the aesthetic appeal of hardwood without the vulnerability to scratches or moisture damage.
And for pet owners, FCI offers a special line of pet-friendly flooring that resists the "three P's": pee, puke, and poop. These floors are designed to be easily cleaned, making them an ideal choice for households with furry friends.
Showroom on Wheels: Bringing the Store to You
One of the standout features of Floor Coverings International is its mobile showroom—a service that allows customers to browse thousands of flooring options without ever leaving their homes. The fully stocked van, which houses more than 3,000 samples, brings the showroom experience directly to the customer’s doorstep, making it easy to compare styles, colors, and textures in the context of the space they’re designing.
“We come to you,” Dipollina notes. “Whether you're in the middle of a renovation or just starting to think about new floors, we bring the store to your door. Our mobile showroom lets customers visualize the flooring in their own home, which makes a huge difference in their decision-making process.”
Dipollina considers the mobile showroom to be the backbone of their business. The convenience, paired with a vast selection of high-quality products, allows FCI to deliver personalized service in a way few competitors can match.
Trends in Flooring: What’s Hot and What’s Classic
As flooring styles evolve, Dipollina stays attuned to the latest trends while also keeping an eye on what will stand the test of time.
“Wide planks are definitely trending right now, especially in luxury vinyl and laminate. People are leaning toward seven-inch or wider planks for a more modern, spacious look,” he explains. “When it comes to colors, low to medium browns still dominate. Natural, classic hardwood tones are always a safe bet, especially in homes where people plan to stay long-term.”
As for carpet, soft, warm textures are popular, particularly in bedrooms. But for high-traffic areas, many homeowners opt for low-pile styles like Berber or loop carpet, which are more durable and easier to maintain.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Dipollina is excited about the future of Floor Coverings International. In the short two and a half years since launching, the business has seen rapid growth, and Dipollina’s goals are set high. He’s expanding his team and deepening his presence in the New Jersey market, with plans for continued growth over the next five to ten years.
“We want to be the first name people think of when they need flooring in this area. Our goal is to grow without sacrificing the high level of service that has been the foundation of our success,” Dipollina shares. “We’re all about high-quality service and making sure our customers are completely satisfied.”
He also hopes to maintain the personal touch that defines FCI—whether it’s Dipollina himself answering the phone or his wife, Katie, helping customers directly. “We're a family business, and we treat our customers like family too,” he says.
Investing in Your Home with Floor Coverings International
For homeowners looking to upgrade their space, Dipollina’s advice is simple: Choose what works for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you're installing durable vinyl, refinishing hardwood floors, or installing a pet-friendly carpet, FCI offers a wide range of options to fit every need.
With personalized service, expert advice, and a diverse selection of flooring, Floor Coverings International continues to be a trusted partner for homeowners looking to invest in their home’s future.
Contact Information:
Floor Coverings International of Somerset
Location: 2 Ilene Court, Unit 5, Hillsborough
Phone: (732) 374-3444
Website: floorcoveringsinternational.com/locations/us/nj/somerset