Walk-in showers, tubs now offered
By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Floorworks & Blinds in Slidell is over 20 years in business and has survived many years past the many other flooring businesses operating in Slidell during the 2005 year of Hurricane Katrina. And owner Raymond Horvath believes there are a lot of good reasons for that.
Raymond was taught an old-school work ethic from his dad and other relatives when he was growing up, working in a Chef Menteur mechanic shop with his father for many years, then a host of other family-related businesses such as storm drains, concrete work, land clearing, and even helping his grandmother run her trailer park.
Those lessons helped build a foundation for Floorworks that has led to their reasons for success, Raymond said.
“From the first day we only did jobs the right way, and never cut corners.”
“We have the best installers in town.”
“We care more about doing a great job.”
“We always make things right.”
But there are other, more personal reasons Raymond believes his business has remained successful and trusted.
–His wife Kenyon.
–Partner Paul DiCharria.
–Sales Manager Jeff Lambertson.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have great help, especially since Paul came on in 2013 as my partner. He knows everyone in flooring and knows everything about it,” he said. “He is a huge reason we have done well.”
Jeff only joined the Floorworks team a year ago, particularly to head the new Bathworks division that is now offering walk-in showers and tubs. But Raymond said he brought 15 years of experience that is only adding to a great staff.
“I believe our success does goes back to the first day we opened in 2004. I was taught about doing a job right, whatever business it used to be with my dad, my grandmother or whoever,” he said. “That has earned Floorworks the trust of the public.
“Then, my wife Kenyon was so important to Floorworks being successful with all the help she brought. When we decided to purchase the old Wall Works store on Front Street, she quit her job to help start this business,” he said. “For that matter, I’ve had several others in my family all support what we did, and that’s the kind of help that led us to where we are today.”
“Without Kenyon, Paul and Deirdre, in-office sales plus a great staff of installers, we couldn’t have had this kind of success,” he said.
Raymond said he worked with his dad from the age of seven in the New Orleans East mechanic shop, where he learned a lot after his father also got into the trucking business, land clearing, and later the concrete business which included specialty storm drains.
“It was hard work for a lot of years,” Raymond remembers. “I probably worked like that for over 20 years, and that finally made me start to think about trying something else.”
A friend owned a flooring company in Slidell, and talked to Raymond one day about selling it, even though it was a new business for him.
“One day he asked if I wanted to buy the business,” Raymond said. “I told him I would work in the store and watch everything for one month. After that time, I took my shot and thanks to a lot of family and friends helping, we slowly learned the business and are very happy with where it is over 20 years later.”
Raymond had no idea that in less than a year he would have great fortune come his way, as well as the greatest stress in his life—Hurricane Katrina.
“Yes, when Katrina hit we had people calling us with work before we even got our store back open,” he said. “We had 8-feet of water in the store so it took two months to clean it up and get on our feet.”
After that, there was never lack of business, but there were a host of other problems he dealt with from the storm, plus other Katrina-related issues he still runs into today.
“People went through so much that I’ll bet 80 percent of them came into our store crying,” he said. “No kidding. Everyone was under such stress trying to rebuild their homes, so you can guess we carried that stress trying to do their work.”
But Raymond said he knew from the beginning that he couldn’t let it affect the quality of what they did.
“We still did exactly the work needed—no cutting corners and we never bought cheaper products. On top of that, there were so many workers coming from out of the area that we got calls to fix things. Even today, we are still fixing Katrina floors,” he recalled.
Raymond and Kenyon raised a family of three boys, many whom became state champion wrestlers, and the sport actually taught him other important lessons.
“In wrestling, when you lose for a while it makes you really learn a lot, and the tough times from Katrina taught me a lot too,” he said.
Raymond gives a lot of credit and appreciation to Paul, who brought a huge amount of experience into his business and became a partner.
“I think the experience from guys like Paul and Jeff gives us a real hand up,” he said. “Plus, Deirdre Stroud is our in-office sales person and between them all, we do more than install flooring, we help you with custom jobs on the high end, and can give you advice about what you might want to create.”
Now, adding walk-in baths and showers to the business, Raymond is thankful for the success, which all started with the wild times of Hurricane Katrina.
“We might have gotten a lot of work, but I would never wish a storm like that on anyone,” he said.
Floorworks is located at 1860 Shortcut Hwy., right near the Fremaux Town Center. They are open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, and Saturday from 10 to 2. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
More information can be found online at: Floorworksandblinds.com
Walk-in showers and bathtubs newest safety and beauty feature
SLIDELL – With years of proven integrity through the Floorworks and Blinds business in Slidell, owner Raymond Horvath has now expanded to open the Bathworks 4U by Floorworks line.
Headed by Sales Manager Jeff Lambertson, who brings 15 years of experience to the walk-in showers and tubs, the new offering provides beauty, and more importantly, safety for anyone who wants to avoid a home accident.
Bathworks is currently offering a July special of $1,000 off their walk-showers and $1,500 off their walk-in tubs.
“The idea of safety, especially for seniors, is enhanced greatly when you see how incredible these are,” said Raymond. “But they are also beautiful and will upgrade your bathroom like you won’t believe.”
The units come with a lifetime product guarantee, as well as a one-year installation warranty. Bathworks offers free in-home consultations for their American made product. They have a premium selection of walk-in bathtubs, luxury showers and other elegant bathroom accessories.
“Whether you are upgrading for safety or indulging in a spa-like experience at home, we have solutions that suit every need and style you want,” said Raymond. “They are perfect for seniors or anyone wanting a more luxurious bathroom experience.”
Raymond’s son Rocco is now working with the Bathworks staff as well, and the products are getting rave reviews very quickly.
“We do one-day installation and so far, every customer has been very happy. We have gotten 5-star ratings consistently,” Raymond said.
Floorworks and Bathworks are located at 1860 Shortcut Hwy. You can stop by the showroom Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, or on Saturday from 10 to 2. You can also make an appointment for the free in-home consultation by calling: 985-781-7999.
Pictures and other information can be found online at: Bathworks4u.com.
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