Best Practices: Atlantic Flooring OBX
Amanda and Josh Deal, a dynamic couple with a diverse background in customer service, sales, and building supplies, embarked on a new business venture in the flooring industry. They took over Atlantic Flooring OBX in January 2020, transforming it into a successful venture in just a couple of years.
Finding Flooring
The Deals’ journey into the flooring business began in Manteo, a community on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. After spending some years in different cities and testing waters in various career paths, Amanda Deal applied for a job in her husband’s hometown through Monster, a job portal. She was hired as a management executive at J. Crew in Nags Head, and the family moved to North Carolina.
However, the demanding retail schedule was becoming too much for Amanda, who had two young children. Driven by her passion for interiors and a desire for a better work-life balance, she joined Atlantic Flooring as an interior design consultant in late 2014.
Island Life
Atlantic Flooring serves the North Carolina Outer Banks, offering a unique variety of styles suitable for both modest and luxurious accommodations. Despite the logistical challenges of operating in an island community, the Atlantic Flooring team prides itself on its commitment to its customers and responsive service.
This business is primarily involved in assisting homeowners with their flooring needs for second homes and rental properties. Understanding the high standards of their clientele, Atlantic Flooring provides an extensive selection of high-quality floorings, leading the trend with Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and ceramics, alongside carpets and hardwood.
Business Operations
When Josh Deal joined Atlantic Flooring, he recognized the need for more efficient modes of operation. He focused on revamping the company’s outdated systems, introducing new software, improving filing systems, and modernizing measurement processes. The impact of these changes was evident in the consistent growth that Atlantic Flooring OBX experienced year after year.
A large part of Atlantic Flooring’s operations is the rapport it has with its dedicated installers. In a region where it’s difficult to find skilled workers, the Deals considers themselves lucky to have a loyal team of installers who meet their high standards.
Despite having a seamless transition when a couple of employees left to pursue their own ventures recently, the company acknowledges that replacing skilled workers is an uphill task.
Community Engagement
Atlantic Flooring values community bonding and is an active participant in school events, charity events, and social causes. Their quality service and customer-centric approach have also earned them recommendations in neighborhood and community Facebook groups, further affirming their reputable standing in the Outer Banks community.
Moving forward, Amanda is optimistic about navigating the changing economic landscape. She expresses, “We have been able to grow year after year since we took over, but with the way things are going economically, that may change a little. If that happens, we’ll just continue to focus on making each customer experience the best it can be.”
