Two employees take on ownership of 40-year-old flooring business
Co-owner and fifteen-year employee, JR Allred now serves as President of Dalton Carpet One. He has worked with Dalton Carpet One since 2004 in many aspects of the company, acquiring a working command of the business.
Son of late founder, Mike Blanton, co-owner, and eleven-year employee, Curtis Blanton serves as President of DCO Commercial Floors, encompassing the commercial flooring and window treatment divisions. His flooring career is one of leadership within both Dalton Carpet One and DCO Commercial Floors, which he has managed since 2012.
Allred and Blanton have a commitment and experience working in the floor covering industry, a well as substantial knowledge of all things flooring, making them a prefect team for co-ownership of the company.
“The buyout is a significant milestone in our continuing evolution as a company,” said Allred. “Management is committed to growth and innovation, and under new ownership, DCO is able to continue expanding its product offerings and provide additional value-added services to the markets we service.”
Loyalty within the organization is also very important to the new owners. “As for our employees, I hope they retire here,” said Allred. “We’ve created a flexible and sustaining work environment where our employees grow families and become members of the community. I want them to be happy with planting their roots here.”
The sister companies found themselves without an owner when the founder, Mike Blanton, passed away suddenly in March of 2017. The community was shaken by his death, as were his employees and customers. Allred and Blanton aim to continue managing the business in the same manner Mike did by living out the company’s core values: focusing on the customer, doing whatever it takes, and always getting better.
The late Mike Blanton started this flooring business on July 5, 1978, with only one other part-time employee. DCO Commercial Floors grew from the existing commercial customer base and became it’s own brand in 2007. During the past 40 years, both Dalton Carpet One and DCO Commercial Floors have built a tradition of excellence in providing its customers with unbeatable service and quality flooring products.
“My dad laid the foundation for what the business is today,” said Curtis Blanton, son of Mike Blanton and newly appointed President of DCO Commercial Floors. “Our team has allowed us to sustain this growth and to build a strong culture. With both the residential and commercial businesses, we pride ourselves on service and installation, which are built on our high-level of customer service. We hope for the successes to continue under JR’s and my ownership.”
About the Owners
Growing up surrounded by the flooring industry from an early age, Curtis Blanton launched his career into the world of flooring in 2007 as the Store Manager of Dalton Carpet One at the Eatonton location. In 2012, Curtis was promoted to General Manager in the Commercial Flooring division where he is currently serving as President. He focuses on the Texas and Southeastern U.S. markets. He is an active member of the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA), currently serving on the Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Successors Committee. In addition to fulfilling these roles, Curtis serves as Chairman of the Technology Committee for Starnet Flooring. He is a recipient of the 2018 Young Leaders in Floor Covering for his leadership in the flooring industry. Curtis was born and raised in Athens, Ga., and attended the University of Georgia to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Management. He actively supports many worthwhile organizations, including Building for America’s Bravest and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. When he’s not working, Curtis is actively golfing, running and rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.
JR Allred was brought on board the Dalton Carpet One team in 2004 by Mike Blanton to work in the Purchasing & Procurement department. Since then, he has worked in Installation, Sales, Warehousing, Site Management, Project Management, Operations Management, and now currently serves as President of Dalton Carpet One. JR earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, Crystal, have three children and are active in the local Catholic church where he is a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a Religious Education teacher. JR is a member of the Georgia Club and enjoys playing golf. JR is also an Eagle Scout and is actively involved in the Cub Scouts as a leader for his sons.
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Dalton Carpet One Floor & Home
Dalton Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally-owned flooring retailer serving the north Georgia area. They are part of North America’s leading floor covering co-op, Carpet One. Their showroom is known for carrying a broad selection of beautiful carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, cabinets, countertops, and area rugs in an array brands. They offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful Guarantee, which guarantees that the customer will be 100 percent happy with their floor.
www.daltoncarpetone.com
DCO Commercial Floors
DCO Commercial Floors has established themselves as a dependable full-service floor covering and window treatment contractor that services the continental United States. They attribute their success to the attention they give to their customers, their willingness to do whatever it takes to deliver on their promises, and their continuous search for ways to improve. Their headquarters is based out of their Athens, Georgia, location with three additional Georgia offices located in Atlanta, Eastman, and Lawrenceville. Their newest location is in Austin, Texas.
www.dcocf.com
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