Columns

source: fortbendcountytx.gov. Photo

“It ain’t bragging if it’s true.”

Anonymous Texas quote Every time a colleague asked me questions like these, a big Fort Bend Strong smile appeared on my face. My answers were facts we all know. Our H owdy, y’all! Welcome to a new, regular Having the honor of being the elected United States Congressman for nearly all of Fort Bend County for twelve years, I have a unique perspective on why we economy? Booming. Our job creation? Explosive. Our recovery from Harvey? Great. Our public schools? Outstanding and diverse. Terrible roads? Nope. column in the absolutely! are Fort Bend Strong. It comes from be- Dependent on money from Washington? focus media family of ing one of 36 Members of Congress from Huh?!? magazines. We’re calling Texas and one of 441 Representatives They would all shake their heads in it Fort Bend Strong. Our from all 50 states, federal district. five territories and one disbelief, especially friends from California and New York. A few accused me of intent is to point out why One of the things Members of Con- bragging without facts. They really did. It Fort Bend County is the gress typically talk about is their home. became clear very quickly that my colgreatest place in the We ask a lot of questions. “Tell me about leagues’ reactions weren’t about unjustiUnited States to raise a the district you represent. How’s your local economy doing? Are you adding fied Texas bragging. They were about overwhelming jealousy of Texas. an family, start a business, jobs? How are you doing with recov- Since Texas jealousy rages in every and chase your ery from natural disasters – hurricanes, other state in the United States, we felt it American Dream. That’s floods, tornadoes, fires, etc.? Are your was important that y’all have the necesFort Bend Strong! public schools in trouble? Are your roads one massive pothole? Do you ever wish sary tools to teach “the uninformed” why Texas is so special. Even some of our your home wasn’t so dependent on dol- Texas neighbors who don’t live in Fort lars coming from Washington, DC?” Bend County are jealous of Fort Bend. Fort Bend Strong is a way to correct these misguided attitudes. Each Fort Bend Strong column will share real stories about real Fort Bend residents – ordinary neighbors who respond to life’s challenges in a self-sacrificing manner that makes all of us better – Fort Bend Strong. Some of these stories may bring tears of Fort Bend pride to your eyes. That’s Okay – that’s Fort Bend Strong. You can help. If you have a Fort Bend Strong story, please send it to pete@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Fort Bend Strong is not about politics. If you want political viewpoints and comments, feel free to watch MSNBC or Fox News. Our columns will be only positive and only about us. Fort Bend Courthouse in Richmond. We are Fort Bend Strong!

COVER STORY

Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

Ruben Perez, Vangie Ostera, Ricky Gomez, Vincent Ostera and Arnold Martinez.

The Dream Team of Flooring Professionals for

Over

Years

Remember the days when someone asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Honestly, back then the founders of the family-owned Ideal Carpet and Flooring, Inc. (ICF) thought five years was unimaginable. Now, 20 years later, they are reflecting on their humble beginnings.

Arnold Martinez with Vangie and Vincent Ostera.

ICF began as many small businesses do with a husband and wife – Vincent and Vangie Ostera – striving to provide for their expanding family. Growing up in the building and construction business, flooring, remodeling and new countertops quickly became their expertise. The Osteras knew then that they could not do this alone and focused on adding to their team installation professionals who shared their vision for ICF. “Our goal was to create a team of dedicated professionals who were trustworthy, took pride in their work and shared ICF’s dedication to excellence,” said owner Vangie Ostera. And that commitment to the Ostera’s vision continues today as many of ICF’s installers have been with the company since the day their doors opened 20 years ago and are still valued members of the ICF team.

The Dream Team

As Ideal Carpet and Flooring, Inc. grew in their first few years of business, they quickly added a full-time Operations Officer to their team. Arnold Martinez has overseen the business for fifteen years and brings to the team a background in the industry, a strong attention to detail, exemplary project management skills and resolution, while maintaining a professional and personable manner throughout the process.

Later, ICF welcomed an experienced full-time design consultant, Ruben Perez, who has proven to be a customer service asset to their business, along with providing ICF a strong social media presence. Customers routinely comment on how much they appreciate Perez’s attentiveness and personal touch.

Many customers know Martinez and Perez personally and have their numbers saved as direct contacts. Shortly after these additions, ICF welcomed Ricky Gomez as their Compliance, Delivery and Warehouse Manager in a full-time position. Gomez is the backbone to keeping the entire operation organized, uninterrupted and efficient. He is a true master of all things, while always keeping safety in mind. Together, ICF’s team of dedicated, knowledge professionals never fail to meet the needs of customers.

“G reat company and staff! I had six companies give us bids on two large rooms and stairs. They gave me the best price on a specific carpet we wanted. From the time we walked into their showroom to the completed project, everyone was professional, knowledgeable and courteous. Ruben and Berto were awesome. We love to help out local

companies, and they did a great job!” – Andrew T.

“N ot only was the selection and fast installation seamless, the installer team was very polite and helpful. They went above and beyond to work around some furnishings and left the rooms very clean. This is the second time we have chosen Ideal Carpet and Flooring, and we are again really happy with the process and

results!” – J. Hey

“F rom start to finish, this was a great experience. We replaced the carpet in our living room with wood. The office staff showed my wife and I all options and let us take home several samples. They came and measured quickly and were in and out all while practicing COVID safety/distancing. The quote was reasonable and not a penny over what they said it would be. We will definitely be doing more work with them. My wife is happy, which means

I’m happy.” – T. Watkins

Customers for Life

Throughout the last twenty years, ICF’s customer base has continued to grow. In addition to that growth, many repeat customers have been happy to welcome the same crews into their homes for new projects or to customize a new home purchase. Now, years later, the children of ICF’s repeat customers are coming in for that same quality service – a true testament to the corporate philosophy of the ICF family who are the same team now 20 years later. ICF’s commitment to their valued customers and community remains the same, shared Ostera. “We will continue to serve our community, give back through charitable initiatives and strive for excellence in everything we do.”

Ricky Gomez, Vincent and Vangie Ostera, Arnold Martinez and Ruben Perez. Ideal Carpet and Flooring storefront in 2001.

Ideal Carpet and Flooring storefront today – 2021.

Building for the Future

When Ideal Carpet and Flooring, Inc. opened its doors in 2001, they never thought 20 years would come as fast as it did. While their business journey has been filled with highs and lows, particularly during the pandemic, the ICF team never stopped their mission to work hard for their community and for their team. But, it is their loyal customers who have not only helped them get through the challenges of 2020 but also to where they are today.

“We will never be able to thank our clients, family and friends enough for believing in us, supporting us and trusting our team into their homes,” said Ostera. “These past 20 years have been a pleasure, and we are privileged to serve our community with the ICF team.”

So today, if you ask any ICF team member, “Where do you see yourselves in five or 20 years?” the answer is clear, shared Ostera. “We’ll tell you, ‘We’ll still be right here serving you!’”

Ideal Carpet and Flooring, Inc. is located at 1116 E Hwy 90 Alt in Richmond. For more information, visit idealcarpetandflooring.com or call 281.762.9999 for a complimentary in-home estimate.