Amsterdam’s central location and low cost of commercial space are two factors that Flooring Authority’s Business Development Manager Rosalie Faber says have contributed to the company’s growth and their recently announced expansion.
The business provides flooring installation and flooring material sales to commercial clients such as general contractors or property management companies. Peter Centore, the owner and president of the company, started business in the 1980’s and opened up an office, warehouse, and showroom in 2012 using rented space at the Walter Elwood Museum, which had just taken ownership of the sprawling Noteworthy Company building at 100 Church Street in Amsterdam.
“It was a good place to start because it was inexpensive,” said Faber. “In Albany, if we try to rent a place like this, it would cost a heck of a lot more. Even Schenectady now. It would cost us a lot more than what we have here. So this way we can be competitive in our pricing.”
Faber also said the location was ideal for reaching clients to the west and east.
“It’s centrally located. You hop on the thruway and you can easily go to Albany or Utica. It’s also close to Saratoga,” said Faber.
Faber said the growth of the business has necessitated the purchase of their own building which will provide them more warehouse space and easier accessibility to their warehouse stock.
The Montgomery County Business Development Center announced last week that they will be providing Flooring Authority with a $252,000 loan to purchase a vacant building at 6 Sam Stratton Road in the Amsterdam Industrial Park.
Rosalie commended the MCBDC and CFO/Economic Development Specialist Sheila Snell for her help throughout the process.
“They’ve been very helpful with us, going forward with getting the warehouse, growing the business, trying to help us find a place to purchase,” said Faber.
The company currently employs seven people including owner, and hopes to add another nine positions over the next three years.
Faber said one of her goals is to market the products and services that Flooring Authority provides to more area businesses.
“We’re looking to do more sales directly to the smaller general contractors or property managers who install their own flooring,” said Faber. “We’re here, we’re looking to work with the local community.”
For more information about Flooring Authority, call (518) 627-4178 or visit the company’s Facebook page.
