Staying Ahead of the Curve
Randy’s commitment to maintaining manufacturer’s suggested guidelines and procedures is at the core of RD Weis. Being deeply involved in the flooring industry on a manufacturing level has always been important to him. “I’ve been active in Starnet since the late 90’s and that’s given me a lot of exposure to the manufacturers,” he adds.
“There’s a lot of mutual respect there,” Randy notes, when asked about his relationships with manufacturers. From traditional sales, marketing and design functions to more specified roles – like working with tech services or developing maintenance plans – manufacturers know that Randy is a truly valuable asset. Because RD Weis touches people at every point along a product’s life cycle, manufacturers gain a unique perspective into different facets of the flooring industry.
How does RD Weis stay on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the flooring industry? Randy says, “I think you keep up with the times by trying to stay ahead of the times and trying to stay ahead of the market.” One way that Randy stays a top the industry is by, once again, turning to the manufacturers and watching manufacturing trends. Randy mentions that about six years ago his team noted the increased production and use of luxury vinyl tile and plank products. “As these products became more and more attractive, and as the products have certain maintenance benefits, we started a division to focus specifically on hard surface care, be it VCT. Be it vinyl. Be it concrete or terrazzo.” By taking manufacturing trends into account, RD Weis is able to provide a better overall experience for its customers.
Beyond manufacturing trends, Randy also takes note of what’s happening with his clients. Many want to limit their number of vendors, and when it comes to flooring, the number of vendor-provided services grows quickly. “The modern model for what we do is constantly evolving. It’s no longer just carpet cleaning.”
Beyond the Traditional Business Model
The concept of cradle to cradle (the seamless flooring life cycle of installation, maintenance, and removal offered by one provider) is key in the flooring industry. Randy notes that some of RD Weis’s areas of service are provided as defensive moves because, over time, customers have demanded more one-stop shopping. “We couldn’t survive on a single service business. If you’re a vendor that can only do one thing, then you’re probably facing extinction. You’ve got to be able to do many things to really stay competitive.”
Another key for growth and profitability, Randy believes, is staying focused on the company. “If you let your workday get clogged up with the many crises and the many problems that land on your desk, you’re going to be in the moment with your business for a long time and you’re not going to be able to grow.” Although he gets tracked down daily for the smallest of items, Randy points out that, ultimately, he needs to be the one person working on the business, not in the business. He references The E-Myth, a book by Michael Gardner, which states working in – not on – their business is the number one mistake made by entrepreneurs.
While staying on top of industry trends and focused on business is key, Randy points out that a continued shortage of good, skilled technicians on both sides of the industry – installation and maintenance – is a challenge. He notes, “Kids are not graduating from high school saying ‘I want to clean carpet.’ They’re hunting jobs that have greater appeal.” While he believes that labor will continue to be an industry-wide problem, Randy adds that developments leading to reduced labor, eased flooring installation or better maintenance productivity will be welcomed. “Those kinds of innovations will definitely catch on and find their place because of the labor shortage,” he states.
Finding the Right Labor is a Key to Success
Randy’s unique business perspective offers valuable insight on growing and maintaining a profitable company in the flooring industry. One of the key pathways to success is hiring for the long term. “I never like to hire someone for the immediate job at hand,” Randy states. He notes, “I’m hiring them for a job in the future that’s three or four levels above that job.” One of Randy’s most fruitful hiring resources is actually his current staff. “We’ve had the most success with referrals from other people that work for us,” he adds.
Another key component in the day-to-day operations, according to Randy, is flexibility. “We’re more concerned with what is getting accomplished each day and each week instead of arbitrary work hours or even coming to the office everyday.” He notes, “We have some people that work from home, some from the office. We’re pretty flexible on that.”
At the beginning of this year, RD Weis Companies purchased CTS Flooring, a company that supplies flooring and installation on new roll-outs and renovations for national account retail chains. “It’s a niche business,” Randy explains, “and one that complements what we do today.” And, noting again the importance of quality staff, he describes the purchase as a talent acquisition. “The company had really good, solid people that had been doing this for years.”
Making Room for Charitable Commitments
Although being CEO of RD Weis Companies requires a huge time commitment, Randy and his wife, Peggy, are also very involved in several charitable organizations. “I just feel it’s easy for people to say ‘I don’t have time to do this or I don’t have time to do that’ but I’ve always believed in helping those that cannot help themselves.”
One charity in particular where Randy and Peggy spend their time is The Pajama Program, which provides books and pajamas to needy children, specifically those in group homes. As an active member of the board, Randy is very involved with the organization. “We’ve been donating resources, trucks, and our time to this organization for about 14 years.”
About RD Weis Companies
Founded in 1990 by Randall D. Weis, RD Weis Companies is a full-service flooring provider specializing in environmentally safe flooring solutions for commercial interiors. Headquartered in Elmsford, NY, RD Weis serves the needs of the corporate, healthcare, hospitality, retail, governmental and educational markets both nationally and internationally from six locations throughout the northeastern U.S. and in Detroit.