Reliabank Dakota in Watertown, South Dakota, and First District Development Company recently joined forces to provide Duane’s Floor Covering a desirable financing package. Duane’s Floor Covering used the loan proceeds to purchase and remodel an existing building located in downtown Watertown.
Duane’s Floor Covering, which is currently owned and operated by husband and wife Duane York II (aka DJ) and Janet York, sells all types of flooring, wall tile, backsplashes, and granite countertops. Although DJ has been working full-time at Duane’s Floor Covering since 1992, his involvement with the business dates back to his childhood when his father, Duane York, started the business out of their basement in 1971. Several years later, in 2006, the business relocated to a building the York’s purchased in downtown Watertown. Since that time, Duane’s Floor Covering continued to grow. Eight years later the business was bursting at the seams of the building and had even been renting warehouse space in three different locations for quite some time to store inventory. DJ and Janet decided it was time to move the business into a larger building in downtown Watertown. And a larger building they found indeed, as they went from 6,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet!
Duane’s Floor Covering’s new location has allowed the business to be upgraded in so many aspects. Starting with the exterior, the new building features large windows making it easy for passersby to look in and get a peak at the products on display and ample parking on both sides of the building. Once inside, it’s easy for locals to conclude, the inside of the building has never looked better. The renovated space features a new layout with the help of some newly constructed walls. The entire space is painted brightly and has new flooring throughout, which is sectioned off in various types of flooring customers can purchase and have installed in their own homes or businesses. Unlike the prior location, Duane’s now has the space to showcase bigger and better displays. The inventory is now stored on-site, just a room off of the main showroom. This is much more customer friendly than the prior location, for customers that want to see a larger piece of flooring. Instead of meeting off location at a rented warehouse to see the merchandise, now Duane’s can show them at their connected warehouse. Customers also appreciate the private planning area where they can sit comfortably to discuss their flooring options and work out details. Lastly, Duane’s Floor Covering has added a Tile Center and a Clearance Center. Two areas previously there was no room for, but DJ and Janet knew would be popular with customers.
All the success of Duane’s Floor Covering is certainly due to the efforts of many. Beginning with DJ’s father, Duane York, who is credited with the hard work and courage needed to start a new business. From the time when DJ and Janet officially took over ownership and operations in 2006, they have certainly kept up with the tradition of hard work and the knack for customer relations. While DJ is in charge of installations, sales, and servicing, Janet is the office manager and responsible for the day-to-day bookkeeping. The full Duane’s team consists of two installation crews, while Janet and her father-in-law, Duane, assist all customers. There are also several subcontractors DJ and Janet can rely on if needed. The Duane’s Floor Covering team prides themselves on being there for their customers from start to finish – – from the measuring, to the sale, to the installation, and then for servicing, if needed. DJ and Janet’s #1 goal for themselves and the entire team is to provide the best customer service experience to all of their customers.
It is obvious to see that the business, which was born of humble beginnings in a basement in 1971, has come a long way in 40+ years. But, the core of the business built on superior customer relations and service still stands strong today and from one generation of the York’s to another, it is still owned by the same family. DJ and Janet hope some day they are able to pass the business along to their children as well.
First District congratulates DJ and Janet York on the success of this project and wishes them continued good fortune in owning an operating Duane’s Floor Covering.
