American Carpet One 40 years

PHOTO BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO

02 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 03

04 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

THE MEN WHO KEEP AMERICAN CARPET ONE ROLLING FORWARD: DANIEL AND DAVID ARITA.

COVER STORY

FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY

40Years IN THE MAKING

STORY BY KYLE GALDEIRA | PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO

W

hile providing beautiful and functional flooring options to the community at affordable prices remains an integral cog of American Carpet One’s mission, the business also thrives thanks to an emphasis on building relationships and making lifelong friends within the local landscape.

As American Carpet One celebrates its 40th anniversary as a locally owned and operated full-service home floor and design center, the company continues to grow and adapt along with the communities and residents it serves.

Company president David Arita opened the business — then known as The Carpet Shoppe in a

low-end furniture store dubbed Consumer City — along with friend Stan Koki on Jan. 2, 1974 in what began as a modest 1,000square-foot space with just five employees. Arita had previously gained experience selling carpet at Wigwam Furniture, and was eventually named manager of the carpet department following a

It was that dedication to performing the job at hand with utmost effort and follow-through that eventually allowed for Arita’s successful foray into business.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL 1974 The Carpet Shoppe first opened its doors on Jan. 2, within the Consumer City Furniture Store at 2310 Kamehameha Highway. At that time, the company consisted of five employees, including David Arita and Stan Koki, who started the business together.

1974

By June of that year, the first of many exciting expansions had begun. The Installation Department was started to service the company’s customers, and a small warehouse was acquired to store the increased inventory, and necessary installation tools and equipment.

1976 The first American Carpet Company showroom opened on Young Street.

At that time, it was the largest freestanding carpet showroom in Hawaii.

As the volume of business rapidly increased, the number of employees also continued to grow. The Service Department was formed soon after the first inventory and scheduling personnel were hired.

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 05

The Future Remains Bright for

AMERICAN CARPET ONE

DANIEL ARITA, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

STORY BY KYLE GALDEIRA AND ANDY BETH MILLER PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO

strong showing.

Arita explains that while he secured an engineering degree from the University of Hawaii and would spend about a year in the field, he preferred the customer service interactions and instant gratification of providing quality flooring options to local residents over the building industry.

The businessman devel-

oped a knack for working hard after spending time as a youngster on his parents’ chicken farm in Waialua. It was that dedication to performing the job at hand with utmost effort and follow-through that eventually allowed for Arita’s successful foray into business.

“I really enjoyed what I was doing — going into

1981 In March, American Carpet Company moved to its present location at 302 Sand Island Access Road — a modern, effective showroom with a large warehouse and generous office space.

1984 American Carpet Company celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1984.

During that year, flooring brand Du Pont presented president David Arita and company chairman Stan Koki, among other employees, with a map of the Hawaiian Islands fashioned out of the Antron line of carpets.

customers’ homes and selling carpet,” Arita recalls.

“After graduating from the university, I tried engineering but (quickly) decided that selling carpet was a lot easier, both compared to building buildings as well as the environment I worked in. The end result was a lot faster: You go into a home and spend SEE PAGE 07

O

ver the past four decades, American Carpet One president David Arita has helped build the business from a five-person operation based in an obscure furniture store to one featuring 110 employees in an awe-inspiring warehouse and showroom space.

That tremendous growth is a result of American Carpet One’s commitment to excellence — a mission that employees have embodied as the business continues to grow. The company features a dedicated staff, which includes a handful of second-generation employees who have followed in the footsteps of their relatives by forging careers in the customer service-oriented field.

“You need to have employees that enjoy what they do and believe in what the company’s mission and goal is,” Arita says. “They’ll stick with it during

the tough times and the good times. If you don’t enjoy your job, then it’s not going to work out. We have employees that work hard and go home happy while also inspiring their kids to work for us as well.”

Arita realizes the importance of carrying on the traditions and practices of American Carpet One through family as his youngest son, Daniel, came on board six years ago and was recently named vice president of operations.

David explains that Daniel has literally worked his way up through the company, spending time garnering skills in the installation department and at the warehouse, doing sales, developing new business opportunities and learning the management aspects of the operation.

The father notes that his son continues to learn the ins and outs of the business, and will be in prime position to take the reins when the time is right.

SEE PAGE 11

TIMELINE CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

06 AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014

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This carpet also easily releases pet hair and comes with a 25 year fade resistance warranty*. Use STAINMASTER® carpet cushion and it will help reduce odors by keeping liquids from soaking through the cushion. Visit American Carpet One’s showroom today or call 832-2000 for a Free In-Home Measure. *INVISTA defines lifetime carpet coverage as the life of the carpet, which begins on the date of purchase. Proration may apply to some lifetime limited warranties. For complete details, see Limited Warranty brochure; available at American Carpet One or by calling 1-800-855-438-7668

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 07

FROM PAGE 05

about an hour selling the product, and it’s installed within the week.”

Fast forward four decades later, and American Carpet One has grown to include 110 employees from administrative staff to installers working out of its

current Sand Island locale, which includes an 8,000square-foot showroom and 14,000 square feet of warehouse space. The ample storage capacity allows the company to stock the greatest volume of flooring products in the Islands,

while also expediting the delivery and installation of products for its customers and their various lifestyles and tastes.

American Carpet One was the first to introduce Stainmaster carpet to Hawaii in 1986, and even-

tually became a Stainmaster Flooring Center — one of 200 nationwide. The prestigious distinction gives the company access to the exclusive products and services, as well as the Ultra Life Advantage — an inSEE PAGE 08

Congratulations to American Carpet One on their 40th Anniversary!

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American Carpet One was the first to introduce Stainmaster carpet to Hawaii in 1986, and eventually became a Stainmaster Flooring Center — one of 200 nationwide.

08 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

FROM PAGE 07

dustry-leading warranty for carpet care.

The company also benefits from its involvement with the Carpet One cooperative, which it joined in 1988, and represents the seventh largest cooperative in the world. The cooperative of independent carpet dealers includes roughly 1,000 other locally owned and operated businesses across the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Guam with combined total sales of more than $5 billion.

“We were able to merchandise together, purchase together, advertise together,” says Arita of the cooperative. “Because of the economy of scale involved with having a large group of businesses together, it was significant in

American Carpet One’s innovation and incorporation of new products, and new ways of doing business.

That partnership was very significant for us.”

The company’s success allowed operations to expand to a larger warehouse and showroom space at

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SEE PAGE 10

COMPANY FOUNDERS STAN KOKI AND DAVID ARITA IN 1981

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the convenient Sand Island locale. Arita explains that carpet sales initially represented about 85 percent of American Carpet One’s business, but current market demands have shifted sales to 50 percent within the carpet field and 50 per-

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AMERICAN CARPET ONE Îź APRIL 2014 09

congratulates American Carpet One on their 40th Anniversary

10 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

FROM PAGE 08

cent stemming from hardsurface floorcoverings. The company has also expanded to offer window coverings, including blinds and drapery, among its host of available products.

American Carpet One became the first to supply one of the most popular flooring options on the market in Karndean — a vinyl floor covering billed as “The Perfect Floor.” The Luxury Vinyl Tile represents the fastest-growing floor covering category in the world, and matches Hawaii’s “Island lifestyle” with superior water and termite resistance, coupled

AND THE GOOD TIMES KEPT ROLLING

with practical functionality and beauty. Customers have also counted on American Carpet One when learning about, and selecting from, additional hard-floor options, includ-

ing wood, laminate, ceramic tile, stone and others.

Staying on the leading edge of technology has helped American Carpet One stand fast as an industry leader. For large in-

Staying on the leading edge of technology has helped American Carpet One stand fast as an industry leader.

1986

By November, the company had changed its name from American Carpet Company to American Carpet & Drapery Company, and a Contract Department was opened to service the needs of contractors and architects.

dustrial flooring replacement projects, the business employs a secret weapon: The Terminator. The ridealong scraping machine pulls up all sorts of flooring, from vinyl, wood and carpet to ceramic and natural tiles, and makes way for new applications. The process has led to substantial reductions in labor costs, which equate to savings for customers.

American Carpet One also relies on technological advancements employed by full-time estimators who use lasers to measure floor spaces and determine seam placement,

1988 In July, the business joined Carpet One, a national organization of independent carpet dealers who collectively purchase together to obtain the lowest prices. The carpet dealers also collectively merchandise, advertise and share operational ideas to provide their customers with the best products at the highest level of service.

along with carpet layout, rather than relying on traditional tape measures.

The company also introduced a Healthier Living installation process, which improves the indoor air quality during a flooring installation by killing bacteria and allergens and purifying the air of any mold, mildew, germs and even viruses.

Recently, American Carpet One became the first company in Hawaii to have all its journeymen carpet installers accredited by Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI), an international nonprofit organiza-

1994 Six years later in early 1994, American Carpet & Drapery changed its name to American Carpet One. During the same year, American Carpet One began to offer Pergo Laminate flooring to its customers.

tion established in the early 1990s. The installers are trained and certified with the end goal of assuring homeowners and customers that those working on their projects are indeed qualified. Installers working at the company need to pass both written and performance tests in order to gain CFI certification. These certified installers are identified by CFI seals on both their uniforms and work vehicles.

“People don’t want to shop around; once they find something and like it, they want it installed quickly and completely,” Arita

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 11 FROM PAGE 05

PRESIDENT DAVID ARITA WITH SON DANIEL, WHO SERVES AS VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AT AMERICAN CARPET ONE

The Future Remains Bright for American Carpet One

says. “By coming to us, we make the process easy by offering quality products from the best manufacturers. We’re also able to install the different flooring options with our quality installation teams to provide total satisfaction.”

American Carpet One emphasizes community service and involvement in addition to providing a host of flooring sales options, installation possibilities and services for Hawaii’s home and business owners. Arita explains that the company started a foundation tasked with supporting multiple organ-

izations through donations funded by both the company and the Arita family.

In recent years, total donations have topped $60,000 annually in support of multiple charities and organizations, including Aloha United Way, the Salvation Army, Hawaii Humane Society, Outdoor Circle, Kamaaina Kids, local high schools including Hawaii Baptist Academy and Punahou, colleges including Hawaii Pacific University and multiple Christian organizations. (For more on the company’s community service work, see page 21.)

2001 In May, American Carpet One partnered with Stainmaster® to open Hawaii’s first Stainmaster Flooring Center® (SFC). The SFC offers the largest and best Stainmaster® Carpets in the industry with the best warranties, and also features Stainmaster® Ultra Life Carpets. The SFC is also designed to simplify the buying process, taking the stress out of the customer’s shopping experience.

2005 American Carpet One acquired a 24,000 square feet warehouse to store all hard-surface products.

2013 Daniel Arita, son of company president David Arita, was promoted to vice president of operations.

American Carpet One also participates in the Adopt a Highway program.

Once a quarter, employees clean and spruce up the heavily used Sand Island Access Road from the thoroughfare’s beginning at Nimitz Highway all the way to the park at the end of the road. The effort symbolizes the company’s commitment to building long-lasting relationships and improving the local community from the ground up.

“The community supports us, so we make an effort to give back to the community,” Arita says.

“To see my son, Daniel, come on board and want to work hard — he puts in 10-hour days, six days a week — makes me feel really good that he finds enjoyment here,” Arita says.

Working his way from the ground floor on up has been both an asset and a blessing, according to Daniel.

He sees the experience as serving the company well moving into the future.

“My dad groomed me,” recalls Daniel. “Little did I know when I was working in each department that he was setting me up for success. I’m so grateful to have been a part of every department and to have worked sideby-side with most of our employees.

This has allowed the employees to open up to me more than they could to my dad.

“Through my experiences I am able to understand every position and where (the employees) are coming from when they have questions or need assistance,” he continues. “My dad and I are very blessed to have amazing employees working for us.”

Today American Carpet One continues to expand its products and services while adapting to the ever changing needs of its customers.

“We see a huge opportunity as customers want more of the natural-looking flooring products,” Arita says. “Those types of products last

quite a long time — once you put them down, you don’t have to worry about them again. Wood flooring allows for that, so we see great opportunity there.”

Daniel mirrors his dad’s commitment to keeping up with the changing times and facing the future with full force. “Every year I go to three or four conventions that have the latest and greatest flooring products and technology for the flooring industry,” he says. “We feel it is important to stay ahead of the game and not be one step behind. The classes and demonstrations at these conventions helps open our eyes to new ideas and concepts that will help make our business more efficient, user-friendly and, above all else, help save money for our customers.”

As for what his vision is for American Carpet One as it charges into the next 40 years, Daniel declares without hesitation, “The one thing that my dad taught me is to put my trust in God’s hands. I believe that by putting Him first in my decision making for the future, He will bless us with another 40 years of business and allow my family to continue the business in the future. I plan on continuing the business and seeking ways to serve God, our customers, our employees and the people of Hawaii.”

12 AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014

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Quality Since Day One W

BY BRANDI-ANN UYEMURA

hat is a sign of a good company? Staying power. Customers may flock to good deals, but over time quality products and services are what makes them return. From linoleum to hardwood floors, what’s considered stylish may change from decade to decade, but one thing that’s always in style is excellent customer service.

American Carpet One has built up a solid reputation for quality workmanship over the years, and numerous families have chosen to do business with the company time and time again. Longtime customers Breene Harimoto, Jack Flanagan, Robert Lee and their respective families have worked with ACO for decades, and their loyalty to the 40-year-old company is still going strong.

Below, these families share their most treasured experiences with American Carpet One and answer why the business remains their choice among flooring companies decades later.

Q: How long have you been a customer of American Carpet One? Breene Harimoto: My parents, Walter and Betty Harimoto, said they have been customers of (American Carpet One president) David Arita since the 1960s. I guess that must have been even before (the company was called) American Carpet One, so you could say they have been customers since the beginning. My sister and her husband, Lynne and Wes Nakamoto, as well as my wife Cheryl and I, have also been customers of American Carpet One for over 30 years.

Jack Flanagan: I have been with American Carpet One since the mid’90s, for 20 years.

Robert Lee: Since David Arita started his business I have used his carpets, tiles and drapes in all of my homes.

Q: What made you decide to go with American Carpet One? BH: We have always received such great products and service from American Carpet One,

ROBERT LEE AND FAMILY

(that) we just keep going back for all of our needs.

We have never considered going anywhere else. The people, products and service are the best.

JACK AND AMELIA FLANAGAN

JF: My relationship with Dave Arita, whom I have known from the Salvation Army (Honolulu Advisory) Board.

RL: I compared the products with other big chain stores, but American Carpet One still beats them and you get good service, too.

Q: What kind of services has the company provided for you?

BH: When my wife and I moved into our house in 1983, we purchased all new carpets, linoleum flooring for the kitchen and bathrooms, and drapery for the entire house. In 1995 when we built our addition, we purchased carpets, linoleum flooring for the bathroom, and drapery for the two-story addition. When we remodeled the old part of the house in about 2005, we purchased new carpets for the bedrooms, wood flooring for the kitchen, dining room, and hallways and replaced the linoleum flooring in the bathroom.

BREENE HARIMOTO, AT LEFT, AND FAMILY

JF: They handled carpet installation in different rooms in our house.

RL: Carpets, tiles, wood flooring, window shades, etc.

Q: Have the products lasted and have you remodeled since?

BH: Today, we still have the same carpets, flooring and drapery in our house.

That’s nearly 20 years old in our two-story addition and 10 years for the rest of the house.

JF: We did a major remodel in 2010 and had new carpets installed.

Subsequently, we had our carpets professionally

cleaned and unfortunately the chemicals used caused staining. We had a Stainmaster carpet with lifetime warranty, so it was replaced (by American Carpet One) for no charge.

RL: The products have lasted beyond their expected life. We have done a couple of remodels and use products from American Carpet One. Q: What has been your experience working with American Carpet One? BH: We’re loyal customers because of the excellent customer service, great quality products,

and especially because of the wonderful people.

David Arita and American Carpet One are the best.

JF: From the time you walk in the door, they’re very courteous. Their sales representatives are all knowledgeable, especially JaDawn Perez. They know the products and are very helpful. The whole experience from beginning to end, including scheduling the installers to come out to do measurements and ultimately installation, was very well done. I’m thoroughly pleased and will continue to go to them.

RL: The people are friendly and know their business. Many businesses will charge a customer 10 to 15 percent more to cover the additional material for a job, so they know they have enough material. American Carpet One does not use such a high percentage because they know what they are doing.

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 15

Satisfied Commercial Customers • 1350 Ala Moana • 2040 Nuuanu • Academia Language School • Aina Haina Pet Hospital • Ala Moana Hotel • All State Insurance • American Savings Bank • Assagios • Atlantis Seafood & Steak • Bank of Hawaii • Cancer Research Center • Capitol Place • Diamond Head Adventist Church • Century Center • Country Club Village 6 • Davies Pacific Center • First Hawaiian Bank • Fairway Villa • Forest City • Fun Factory • Gyotaku Restaurant • Harbor Square • Hawaii Baptist Academy • Hawaii Convention Center • Hawaii Dental

• Hawaii Medical Center East • Hawaii Pacific University • Hawaiian Dredging & Construction Co. • Hokua • Hawaiian Monarch • Honolulu Academy of Arts • Honolulu Federal Building • Honolulu Star-Advertiser • Hy’s Steak House • Iolani Court Plaza • Iolani School • Island Insurance • Jade Dynasty • JALPAC • Kaimuki Christian Church • Kaiolu Sunrise • Kamehameha Schools • Kaneohe Marine Corp.

Base • KHON-TV • KINE Radio KITV • Ko’olani • Ko ‘Olina Beach Villas • KSSK Radio

• Lunalilo Towers • Maui Divers • Moana Pacific • Nauru Tower • Northwest Airlines • Occidental • Pacifica Honolulu • Parkview Apartments • Pearlridge Square • Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange • Pohai Nani • Princess Leilani • Punahou School • One Waterfront Tower • Royal Iolani • St. Clements School • Sakura Condominiums • Salon 808 • The Salvation Army • Seafood Village Restaurant • State Farm Insurance • State of Hawaii • Sorabol Restaurant • Waialae Country Club

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AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014 17

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18 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

THE FAMILY THAT ROLLS TOGETHER STORY BY MICHELLE LEE | PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO

W

hen David Arita opened his first retail store The Carpet Shoppe in 1974, the entrepreneur was uncertain as to how the business would fare in the community’s competitive market.

Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, the store under its present-day name American Carpet One, currently stands as one of Hawaii’s most economically viable, locally owned businesses.

Regarding what has contributed to American Carpet One’s success all these years, Arita credits the expertise, professionalism and loyalty of his staff. “We started with just five employees on the payroll doing everything from office work to making deliveries,” says

Arita. “Now we have over 110 people, many of whom have been with the company for decades.”

While Arita remains heavily involved in the day-today operations of American Carpet One, the company’s president has already set in motion plans to one day bequeath the business to his son, Daniel, who currently maintains the role of vice president. “There is still much for Daniel to learn about the business before I finally hand over the keys, so to speak,” says Arita.

“Whenever it does happen though, I am confident he will serve the company well.”

Shortly after graduating from college in San Diego, Calif., Daniel moved back to the island and accepted

a full-time position at American Carpet One in the store’s warehouse department. The choice seemed to be a natural move for Daniel, who had previously spent many high school summer vacations volunteering in different departments within the company.

“What makes Daniel so different from me is that he has had experience handling many different facets of the company,” says Arita.

“Over time, he has really gotten to know the inner workings of the company not only in management, but also in installation, sales and customer service.”

In preparing for the role of one day taking over as president of the company, Daniel feels confident that his past experiences make

him a qualified candidate for the job. “Because I had that exposure working at the store at a young age and worked from multiple departments, it piqued my interest in the company and motivated me to seek out more and more responsibilities.”

Now as American Carpet One’s vice president, Daniel is both mindful and appreciative of his unique positioning. “Unlike my father who has always been the company’s president and CEO, I have just about gone through every position imaginable and worked with almost every department,” says Daniel. “Because I had to learn the different roles instead of being the one teaching, it taught me the value of each

position and person in the company.”

To facilitate a better working environment, each year American Carpet One invests significant time and effort to provide adequate training for its employees.

“By being pro-education, it allows the company to truly develop its workers to be the best at whatever role they have, whether they are a receptionist, carpet installer or sales representative,” says Arita. “Out of all the employees who currently work for us, only two came in with prior flooring experience, which shows how much of an impact proper training makes.”

In comparing leadership styles, Arita and his son have concurring thoughts.

“I would say Daniel is a lot

more easygoing and personable than I am,” says Arita. “Something we both possess, however, is an empathetic attitude for our staff, which is so essential because it builds trust and cultivates a genuine desire to succeed rather than one that is forced.”

With so much to learn about the American Carpet One operation, Daniel is more than happy to wait for his father to finish up his term before taking the presidential title. “He has about 40 years on me, so I would be foolish to not take advantage of his wealth of knowledge,” says Daniel. “I feel like I will never be fully ready to oversee the entire company, but as with all great things, practice makes perfect.”

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 19

Profiles on the Fabric of the Company Ara and Aris Osorio A year into working as a customer service representative for American Carpet One, Ara Osorio urged her brother Aris, who was working as a car mechanic at the time, to apply for the company’s installer position.

“Even though my brother did not

have any experience as an installer, I appreciated how supportive everybody at American Carpet One was of one another and knew he would do well,” says Ara. Almost seven years later, Aris is now a full-time journeyman installer for the company. “From day one I received extensive training to help equip me for the position,” he says. “My supervisors were patient, attentive and encouraged me to pursue a variety of skills as an installer, which opened a lot of opportunities for me.”

Although in different departments, both siblings abide by the same principles to help run a successful operation. “Above all, we know that the customer comes first, so no matter what our individual roles, we do whatever we can to satisfy their needs,” says Ara. “By viewing our colleagues and clients as extensions of our own families, we are able to maintain good company morale and quality customer service.”

Helen and Tiana Tinai As American Carpet One’s senior revenue bookkeeper, Helen Tinai has worked in the company’s accounting department for more than 30 years.

Although she constantly refers to her co-workers as her “ohana,” the sentiment became a literal fact approximately 10 years ago when her daughter, Tiana, became a full-time worker at the company.

“After spending a few summer vacations assisting me with administrative tasks, Tiana jumped at the chance to officially join the team,” says Helen. “She has come a long way since then and currently serves as the customer service manager.”

Like many of the company’s employees, Helen foresees long careers at American Carpet One for both she and her daughter.

“They are going to have to kick me out if they want me to leave,” she jokes. “My daughter and I both love coming in each day because the nature of our work molds us into better public ser-

vants, which brings us so much satisfaction.”

“Everyone here is constantly wanting to learn more and be better, which is a contagious attitude to be around,” adds Tiana. “At the end of the day, I am proud to have found a place that teaches values that can be applied even outside of the workplace.

Liz Alarcio and Alyssa Alarcio-Damo “Warm and compassionate come to mind,” says Liz Alarcio, referring to the work environment at American Carpet One. “Since day one at this job nearly 27 years ago, it has been such a pleasant journey getting to know everyone from our hardworking staff to the loyal, wonderful customers we service.”

When possible, Alarcio works closely with her daughter, Alyssa AlarcioDamo, who serves as a customer service representative. “It has been so nice to have family in close quarters,” says Alarcio. “In fact, my daughter actually

met her husband here, got married and recently had their first child together.”

In explaining the key to American Carpet One’s success, Alarcio commends company president David Arita’s approachable demeanor. “Even though he is our boss, David is so down to earth and the perfect example of humility,” says Alarcio. “He treats his employees like family and does everything possible to ensure everyone is always on the same page, which is great for company morale.”

Jenny Siaana and Erica Lee When customer service coordinator Erica Lee first applied to American Carpet One, what appealed to her most about the position was the potential for growth. “The more I learned about the company, the more I could tell that this was a place for those looking for a career and not just a job,” says Lee. Long before she was hired, Lee would regularly visit her sister, Jenny Siaana, a sales consultant who had been with the company for four years. “I would occasionally come to the office to visit my sister and bring her lunch,” recalls Lee. “Before I knew it, I instantly became a part of their work family.”

Rather than be pigeonholed to one task, American Carpet One employees receive encouragement and training to learn a va-

riety of skills in order to improve customer satisfaction. “Working hard to meet the needs of others makes me feel good about the kind of service we provide,” says Lee. “Everyone here is extremely goal-oriented and willing to go the extra mile to exceed customer expectations.”

20 AMERICAN CARPET ONE Îź APRIL 2014

Congratulations on 40 years!

real life inspiration

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AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 21

ACO: Always the Good Neighbor

Laying the Groundwork for a Strong Community

organizations that received donations:

BY JACKIE PERREIRA

A

quote from the spiritual website ecclesia.org reads, “Of all the shadows of the Old Testament, none is as pervasive and important as the shadows revealed in the relationship between forty and the fulfillment of promises.” Such is true for local business American Carpet One (ACO), which is dedicated to seeing through its commitment to pristine customer — and community — service. And just as the number 40 holds a spiritual significance in Christianity, the 40th anniversary of the flooring company is nothing short of a milestone for American Carpet One. “I feel blessed. God has provided us with outstanding employees, suppliers, customers, and lots of opportunities to learn and grow,” explains David Arita, founder and president of ACO. “When we first start-

ed, all I knew was how to sell carpet. I had no knowledge of how to run a business and what it took to grow and develop it.”

In 1974, ACO first opened its doors, except then it was named “The Carpet Shoppe.” It operated with only five employees. Then in 1988, the company joined forces with Carpet One, which has more than 950 stores worldwide. Now, ACO is home to the largest selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate flooring, Karndean flooring, ceramic tile, custom drapery, and horizontal and vertical blinds. It also is the local distributor for Pergo, Karndean Design Flooring, Karastan Carpet and Shaw Contract.

More than just a flooring provider for homes, ACO is a company that is faithful to the community.

ACO EMPLOYEES, ABOVE AND BELOW, LEND A HAND TO THE ADOPT A HIGHWAY PROGRAM BY KEEPING SAND ISLAND ACCESS ROAD CLEAN.

“It started as a small family company. It has now really grown into a multigenerational company where we have families working here. So really when you shop here, you shop with family, and that’s

the true feeling you get when you come to our store. Education has always been on the forefront for Mr. Arita, and educating the community on his SEE PAGE 23

Aloha United Way Bible Institute of Hawaii Center for Tomorrow's Leaders Chaminade University Good News Jail and Prison Ministry Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Hawaii Baptist Academy Hawaii Pacific University Hawaii Prayer Breakfast Humane Society Kaimuki Christian School Kama'aina Kids March of Dimes New Hope Christian College Outdoor Circle Pali Momi Foundation Punahou School Rotary District 5000 Foundation St. Louis High School The Kroc Center The Salvation Army The Salvation Army Kids to Camp The Salvation Army Women's Auxillary Wellspring Covenant Church YMCA of Honolulu Youth for Christ

organizations that received materials: Boys and Girls Club Trinity Christian School HUGS Hawaiian Girls Golf Club Hawaii Youth Symphony Waipahu Konko Mission Manawale'a Riding Center Adult Friends for Youth 95.5 The Word Moanalua High School Big Brothers & Big Sisters Trinity Christian School New Hope Childrens Ministry Hawaiian Girls Golf Club UH Shidler College of Business Manoa Elementary School Touch A Heart Associa Hawaii Kanoelani Elementary School

22 AMERICAN CARPET ONE Îź APRIL 2014

Motivated by success, strengthened by family.

The First Hawaiian Bank ohana is proud to congratulate American Carpet One on their milestone 40th Anniversary. Founded in 1974, they have weathered the challenges of sustaining a family-run kama‘aina business while continuing to strive for innovative ways to help Hawaii live comfortably, luxuriously and even eco-friendly.

Yes, We Care. fhb.com

Member FDIC

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 23

FROM PAGE 21

product and services,” says store manager Aaron Okamoto.

As one of many efforts within the community, ACO has pioneered the American Carpet One Foundation, which provides scholarships to students at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), The Salvation Army, Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders and many other organizations.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be working with folks like (Arita) at ACO,” says Tara Wilson, assistant vice president at HPU. “We feel blessed to have him as part of our community and what they do for HPU and our students. They’re a great community store.”

“We believe education is very important,” says Arita. “Our family, my wife

THE SALVATION ARMY HAS HONORED DAVID ARITA ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS FOR HIS COMPANY’S WORK WITH THE HOMELESS.

and I and our children, are college graduates and we all know the difference (in) what education has done for us. We would like to share that value with our employees and help them and encourage them to send their children to obtain a college degree.”

American Carpet One has also donated to a myriad of community service organizations such as the Hawaii Foodbank, The American Red Cross and countless others. As part of the Adopt a Highway program, the company has taken responsibility of Sand Island Access Road, where its showroom is located, to keep it free of trash.

As Arita puts it, “We are at the entrance (of Sand Island) and everyone sees us as they enter. Seeing a

clean highway makes everyone feel good, and it feels safe and a nice place to do business … it makes us feel good that we have given our time and effort to make it better.”

Arita exhibits the same kindness he expects of his employees. He has been honored multiple times for his work with organizations like The Salvation Army, and every Thanksgiving you can find him at Neal Blaisdell Center serving meals to the homeless. Additionally, Arita is a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Ala Moana.

“Giving back to our community is our responsibility and obligation. The community has supported us and we need to do our part to make our community a better place to live in,” shares Arita.

Not only does ACO give back to the community, but the company truly cares for its employees as well. “The culture (Arita) establishes in his company is one of giving,” says Okamoto. “The generosity (the Aritas) have given to this company is mind-blowing … never in a million years did I think a small local company would be able to engage me where I feel at home, but they have. They’ve made me feel a part of their family and for that I am forever thankful.”

“Our employees are the best,” says Arita. “We want them to continually improve. When their families are strong and well connected, it reflects in their work and they will do the best they can for our customers.”

®

®

SINAK

Corporation

Congratulates American Carpet One!

Proud Manufacturer of:

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24 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY

The seams that continue to hold American Carpet One together Photos courtesy of American Carpet One s any company owner will tell you, choosing the right employees is key to building a successful business. American Carpet One (ACO) president David Arita has strengthened the fabric of his company with more than 100 employees who serve as the threads of a solid operation that has lasted 40 years now. Individuals like the following staff members (featured on this page and on pages 27, 30 and 31), who have played integral roles at ACO for decades, have woven together the flooring provider’s accomplished history.

PHOTO BY NATHALIE WALKER

AARON OKAMOTO No. of years with the company: 10 First hired (date): June 1, 2004 Hired as (position): American Carpet One sales manager Current position: TCS general sales manager and American Carpet One store manager Most memorable moment: May 14, 2004 was the day I accepted the sales manager position at American Carpet One. I was still living in San Diego, and had two weeks to pack up 10 years of my life in order to move back home and join a small, locally owned business. Having been employed my entire career in the fashion industry with such known brands as Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, and Saks 5th Avenue, there was some hesitancy with my decision. Was this the right career choice? Was this the right market for me to be in? Was this the right industry?

Fast forward 10 years, I can tell you that joining American Carpet One was the best decision I have ever made. The rewards have been endless. The Arita family’s generosity has been simply amazing. The culture that David Arita has established is world class. It is one that we all believe in and trust. It has provided me and all of our employees the opportunity to grow as professionals and as human beings.

To David Arita and the Arita Family, thank you for all that you have provided for the employees of American Carpet One and congratulations on your 40th anniversary. It is an honor to be part of this amazing company.

LIZ ALARCIO No. of years with the company: 26 First hired (date): July 13, 1987 Hired as (position): Customer service Current position: Production assistant Most memorable moment: My being transferred to the Production Department has given me lots of great memories. I am with the biggest department at American Carpet One. I work with over 32 men in my area, and I believe I am the most “aged” person in our deptartment. I work with all these hard-working, energized, well-behaved, well-trained and skilled carpet and hard surface installers. I enjoy listening to them about how their days went, funny stories, and not so funny stories. I cannot single out any particular moment, I just feel proud, like their “mother,” that they still get along well after a hard day’s work. They share skills and the “how tos” with each other while they unwind before battling traffic to head home. I’ve seen them share laughter, disappointments, tears, outbursts of anger and all different kinds of emotions, and still be friends after. I am so blessed to have been employed by American Carpet One, and I still wake up in the morning looking forward to my encounter with my work children.

Favorite type of flooring: Carpet and sheet vinyl

AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014 25

Congratulates American Carpet One on your 40 th Anniversary!

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Our goal is not to be the biggest producer of polyurethane foam, but to be the producer of the best polyurethane foam.We are still a family owned business that is dedicated to quality service and products. Customer satisfaction is our number one

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26 AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014

Congratulations

American Carpet One on your 40th Anniversary !

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*See Store details.

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 27

PHOTO BY NATHALIE WALKER

GUY KUNITAKE HELEN TINAI No. of years with the company: 33 First hired (date): Aug. 11, 1980 Hired as (position): Receptionist Current position: Revenue bookkeeper Most memorable moment: Most memorable moment is when I was hired at American Carpet One, which would be my first full-time job.

Favorite type of flooring: Karndean vinyl

No. of years with the company: 39 First hired (date): Aug. 6, 1974 Hired as (position): Delivery Current position: Estimator Most memorable moment: While working in our custom area rug deptartment, I fabricated a 4-by-6 area rug of a white tiger with our leftover carpets to show Mr. Arita what we were capable of doing. He had me show it at a company meeting. Later I asked how much he would sell it to me for so that I could give it to my mother. He gave it to me for free.

Favorite type of flooring: Karndean vinyl. It has the look of a hardwood floor without its maintenance and its susceptibility to water. It’s also more comfortable to walk on than hardwood.

SHARON SAMBRANO ERIN MURAKAMI No. of years with the company: 23 First hired (date): May 20, 1990 Hired as (position): Warehouseman Current position: Estimator Most memorable moment: After I realized that I wasn’t cut out to be a warehouseman, I was told that management saw potential in me and offered me to the position as a flooring estimator. Here I am 23 years later and I’m still estimating people’s homes. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that David Arita gave me as a second chance.

Favorite type of flooring: Luxury Vinyl Tile

No. of years with the company: 31 First hired (date): July 1, 1982 Hired as (position): Accounting clerk Current position: Office manager Most memorable moment: I do not have just “a” most memorable moment. After over 30 years of employment, my employment here at American Carpet One has been my most memorable time in my life. I have been through ups and downs with this company and in a few circles of life, and the company stays strong in the direction to success.

Our company’s mission is to serve others, which is to provide customer service to everyone. To believe in and have trust in my employer and enjoy my job says it all for me.

Favorite type of flooring: Carpet (feels good between your toes!)

28 AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

TRIP FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS

Happy 40 Anniversary th

American Carpet Carpet One! One! American Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ American Carpet One Tabloid Drawing Rules: No purchase necessary. One per household. Must be 21 years old or older. Must fill out original entry, NO photocopies. Entry must be delivered in-person to American Carpet One (302 Sand Island Access Rd.) by 5/31/14. No mail in entries accepted. Drawing held June 2, 2014. Employees, vendors, employee’s relatives or persons living with employees of The Carpet Shoppe Inc. are not eligible.

The ARMSTRONG brand is trusted for flooring quality. The heart of the ARMSTRONG brand is our commitment to helping our customers get the right flooring for their home. For over 100 years, we have been pursuing this with beautiful, durable and innovative flooring for every room of the home. Visit American Carpet One’s showroom for details.

www.armstrong.com

Congratulates American Carpet One on th their 40 Anniversary!

Quick•Step® laminate floors are very durable and made with our patented Uniclic® locking system.

Thanks to the closed surface structure of Quick•Step® laminate floors and the closed joints between the boards, there's nowhere for dust to creep. For more information and to see the styles and colors of Quick•Step® laminate floors visit American Carpet One.

AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014 29

www.usfloorsllc.com

Congratulates American Carpet th One on their 40 Anniversary!

• 100% Waterproof • Easier Floor Prep • Lifetime Residential Warranty • 10-Year Commercial Warranty • Install over existing hard surface floors • Minimizes telegraphing from subfloor imperfections

COREtec Plus® Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring • Waterproof composite core • Will NOT swell when exposed to water • Will NOT expand or contract • NO need for transitions strips in large rooms • Easy install glueless profile

• Minimal floor prep • No need to acclimate floor • Attached underlayment • Available in wood & stone styles

30 AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014

ELEANOR ASUNCION No. of years with the company: 24 First hired (date): Aug. 1, 1989 Hired as (position): Executive secretary Current position: Special Order Coordinator Most memorable moment: Parking lot tent sales Favorite type of flooring: Stainmaster carpets

We know our success is due to more than just fashion. It’s about satisfying consumers with innovative products that set the standard for value. The same can be said about American Carpet One. It is because of their commitment to their customers that they have achieved their 40 years of success. Godfrey Hirst congratulates them on providing the same type of service, quality, IXQFWLRQ DQG EHDXW\ LQ ÀRRU coverings that Godfrey Hirst is known for as well.

Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary.

For further details call

American Carpet One 808 808 832 832 2007 2000 GODFREYHIRSTUSA.COM

TONY LAU No. of years with the company: 27 First hired (date): April 20, 1987 Hired as (position): Accounting clerk Current position: Accountant Most memorable moment: Having my own office.

Favorite type of flooring: Pergo laminate

ALWAYS in style...

...our wool carpet bucks all the trends.

AMERICAN CARPET ONE • APRIL 2014 31

GLENN YAMASHIRO

JONORA RAPOZA No. of years with the company: 30 First hired (date): July 18, 1983 Hired as (position): Flooring specialist Current position: Flooring specialist Most memorable moment: My first customer that purchased carpet that I took the sample out and did the measurements on my own.

Favorite type of flooring: Carpeting

No. of years with the company: 33 First hired (date): March 2, 1981 Hired as (position): Bookkeeper Current position: Customer service clerk Most memorable moment: Navy Exchange Tent Sales, we just blitz it (it is usually a buying frenzy) Favorite type of flooring: Carpet and vinyl

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32 AMERICAN CARPET ONE μ APRIL 2014

CONGRATULATIONS ON

40 YEARS

OF SUCCESS!

The Carpet One Floor & Home® family is excited to be celebrating the success of our dedicated cooperative member American Carpet One Floor & Home.

Carpet One Floor & Home is the largest flooring retailer cooperative with 1000 independently owned stores in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Cooperative members like American Carpet One Floor & Home have helped us earn our reputation as a specialty retailer that offers the best selection and customer experience.