Baber said he strives to run his new business the same way as the previous management did.
He summed up his business approach in six words -- actually two, repeated three times for emphasis. "Customer service, customer service, customer service," Baber said. "If it's installation-related, you take care of it for the customer, and stand behind all our business, as well as all the business the store did in the past." Baber started his career as a salesman out of high school at now defunct Rickel's Home Center -- also on Route 18 -- and worked his way through the ranks, eventually managing stores in Freehold, Watchung and the Colonia section of Woodbridge. Baber actually was employed by Dean Floor Covering, a chain that leased floor covering departments in Rickel's franchise, operating as a store within a store.
Eventually, Baber began branching into the installation business, working for installers, while gaining certifications before opening his own installation service.
"As a manager for the owner of Deans Floor, I got to know all the regional managers of stores," Baber said. "I was looking to open up my own store to compete against Carpets & More when the previous owner passed away."
Baber said he feels new visibility on Route 18 will help business, while maintaining the store's sterling reputation of for attentive and reliable service. "Location is important in any business, and Route 18 is the second most-traveled road in Central Jersey after Route 1," he said.