Footprints Floors Franchisees Excited to Be the Brand's First Connecticut Territory

When the pandemic hit, friends Lee Becker and Erica Garcia got to talking about partnering and owning a business. They both had experience in sales and are very devoted to customer service, so they started looking into what it takes.

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs and had always wanted the freedom to work for myself and have my own business and be in charge of my own success. Franchising made sense to us because it took away my intense fear of venturing out on our own without a plan,” said Becker.

The two did some research and looked at four brands, ultimately deciding to invest in Footprints Floors , the 150-plus-unit flooring installation franchise. Becker and Garcia purchased two territories in the Stamford, Connecticut area in late January of this year.

Franchise support system

Taking on this venture as franchisees in an industry they don’t have experience in was something that came with a bit of apprehension, but the corporate team at Footprints Floors has been monumentally helpful in making sure the two feel properly prepared and adequately supported.

“Footprints Floors provides you with the tools, guidance and support needed to make the move out of the corporate world, while still providing the structure someone like me needs. They have systems in place for you so there is no reinventing the wheel; this is a business model with a sturdy foundation already,” said Becker. “From day one we have noticed this process is buttoned up and better than any other franchise company we’ve looked at.

We see what they bring to the table, how accessible the support staff is and the flexibility and helpfulness of everyone, and it’s so easy to see the value that is provided.”

Growth and customer service

The pair are looking forward to creating valued relationships with their customers, so that they are able to expand their ownership and grow their name in the area and eventually become “the

number one flooring company in this region of Connecticut and eventually the best in the state,” Becker said.

There has been a lack of professionalism in the flooring industry that he and Garcia are trying to fix by taking the utmost care of their clients.

“ Often clients tell us they have been stood up or canceled on at the last minute. We want to be the go-to professionals who show up, arrive on time, talk to our customers with respect and not make them feel like they are just our paycheck,” Becker noted. “We want to stand out in an industry where customers typically feel constantly taken advantage of and where we can reassure our clients that it is in our best interest to make sure their interests come first.”

“ Customer service is something else I’m passionate about, so in our Footprints Floors partnership, I definitely bring that aspect to the table — we make a good team. With the Footprints Floors franchise model, interacting with customers is day-in and day-out, and meeting their needs is what brings me happiness,” Garcia added.

The startup costs for a Footprints Floors franchise range from $78,505 to $113,030, which includes a franchise fee of $69,480 for a single territory. To learn more about franchising with Footprints Floors, visit .

Upon his return to Littleton, Colorado after serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bryan Park noticed that Denver’s flooring industry lacked a higher level of customer service and sophistication. So, in 2008, he founded Footprints Floors, which today specializes in installing hardwood floors, carpet, tile floors, backsplashes and laminates. With more than 100 territories, Footprints Floors offers franchisees a robust support system including a call center, flexible hours for work-life balance and a low cost of entry with outstanding economics.