Huffman Flooring Design Center makes a move – but not far
Published 8:05 am Tuesday, October 9, 2018
- Joe and Ellie Huffman opened Huffman Flooring Design Center in its new location on Oct. 1, at 101 11th St. NE. The expansion provides more lines of flooring, as well as design products such as backsplashes and countertops. Photos by Deb Nicklay/deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com
Flooring, tile shop expands in new location across the street
Owners of Huffman Flooring Design Center have moved and expanded their business – but don’t worry; you won’t have to go far to check out the new location.
Joe and Ellie Huffman have moved their operation right across the street from their former location on 11th Street. Their shop, formerly known as Thoroughbred Carpets and Flooring, is now located at 101 11th St. SE. The Huffman’s began remodeling the new space in July and opened the doors on Oct. 1.
Joe and Ellie Huffman opened Huffman Flooring Design Center in its new location on Oct. 1, at 101 11th St. NE. The expansion provides more lines of flooring, as well as design products such as backsplashes and countertops.
The new location – including showroom and warehouse – provides almost 2,000 square feet more space than in the previous location. The additional space will provide more on-site inventory.
“The showroom is about the same size as in the old location, but we have a lot more warehouse space now,” said Joe.
That extra space is needed for the growing business. Today, calling the business “a flooring store” alone hardly does justice to all the product lines.
With the move, the Huffman’s are now participating in a Floors-To-Go program, a nationwide chain of locally-owned flooring showrooms that offers a wide selection of top quality carpet, hard flooring (laminate, wood, luxury vinyl, some sheet vinyl, ceramic and porcelain tile and area rugs) that includes manufacturers rangine from Mohawk to Mannington to Karndean Design Flooring, just to name a few.
The move also meant the expansion of decorative tile and stone lines that includes Glazzio Tile backsplashes and Cambria countertops. Those lines meet a growing customer interest. Other design products may be added in the future, Joe said.
Joe’s father, Rich, established the business with two others in 1993. Joe and Ellie carry on the tradition in their new location. Rich continues to work in the business. From left, Ellie and Joe Huffman, and Rich Huffman.
The operation – which was responsible for the installation of new flooring in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church’s recent renovation project — carries on a tradition established by Joe’s dad, Rich Huffman.
Rich, the late Doug Murphy and Mike Heise established the business in 1993; later, Rich and Murphy owned and operated the business. Joe began as an installer for the business in 2003 and later became more involved in the sales and management side, and purchased the business in 2015. Rich, however, remains actively involved in the business as a consultant.
Ellie serves as marketing consultant, while Jen Mansker is a newly-welcomed sales associate. Three crews keep busy with residential and commercial installation.
The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and by appointment. Call 507-433-6440 for more information.
