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GR Home Showcase: DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More

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Owners Dean and Deb DeGraaf with their smallest member of the team, Chewy.

Photography by Michael Buck

Discover the DeGraaf difference

Whether you are considering a bathroom project, a simple countertop or backsplash change, or full renovation of a lakefront home, DeGraaf Interiors offers an unparalleled experience that provides immense value to their customers, thanks in no small part to their practically unheard of lifetime warranty on residential installations. By J. Stapleton-Burch Reprinted from Grand Rapids Magazine, June 2011. Copyright 2011 Gemini Publications.

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“We love what we do, and take it very personally,” explained Deb DeGraaf, who together with her brother Dean owns DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More. “My brother and I started working with Dad (Daryll DeGraaf) long before he retired, just to help him out,” she continued. “Since then, Dean and I have been able to contribute our own unique aspects and independent styles to growing the business successfully.”And grow they did. In 2003 they purchased the long-established Kemp Floor Covering and moved it into a new building near its original Plainfield Avenue location under the management of Mark Smith, an original Kemp employee. Deb’s husband Mark Lewis manages their original location in Hudsonville. All the while Deb gives credit to Mark for the encouragement and support throughout the decision-making process in adding their third location. Just last year they opened their Cascade showroom located at 1144 East Paris in front of Bonefish Grill, and it has been much appreciated by local clientele. “People often have the misconception that we are expensive because of the

variety of products we offer, the scope of the projects we have completed, or the level of service we offer,” Deb observed. “I would like to invite them to stop in and see just how competitive our pricing can be; it may surprise them.” Plainfield Manager Mark Smith agreed. “We have an excellent staff with an enormous amount of product knowledge and professional, experienced installation crews,” he said. “We also have a long-standing reputation for fair prices and excellent service. We do it the right way or we don’t do it at all.” “I thank God for our installers,” Deb agreed. “They maintain our reputation through to delivery and are an important part of the whole DeGraaf experience. We hope that when customers come in, excited about a project, they will see and experience our passion for what we do from the front desk to our sales people to the

owners. We want to offer them value and provide a good experience from start to finish.” According to Cherie Smith, who can be found at the front desk of the Cascade store, that shouldn’t be hard to do. “It is so easy to work with our designers and staff,” she said. “I can’t get over how much they pick up on what your specific desires are and within a few minutes can come up with something for your presentation. There’s a real connection and an overall friendly, professional atmosphere that will let you relax with a project, knowing it’s in the hands of the experts. They’ll give you a feeling of complete trust in the process without overwhelming you with too much product or too much cost.” DeGraaf also has a large presence in downtown Grand Rapids. Their work can be seen in the 183 condos and common areas of Union Square. Dean DeGraaf is an integral part of the commercial flooring division at DeGraaf Interiors. From the complexity of transforming old school hardwood and terrazzo bathroom floors into beautiful residential floorcoverings, Dean demonstrated the depth of DeGraaf Interiors abilities. More recently they completed the remodel of Railside Golf Club, Thousand Oaks, the suites at Acadia Bluffs, The Fitzgerald, 38 Commerce and Gallery on Fulton. CityFlats, the newest hotel in Grand Rapids is also among their successful projects. “We work with custom-home builders and larger contractors, and have developed great relationships there also,” Dean explained. “They tell us we’ve brought to them a fresh perspective with a strong attention to value,”

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Gr home Showcase: DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More

Brother-Sister Team, Deb and Dean DeGraaf, Owners Three locations: Cascade: (616) 264-3424 Grand Rapids: (616) 363-3513 Hudsonville: (616) 662-0140 info@degraafinteriors.com degraafinteriors.com Credentials: Three of the leading brands within our industry have selected us for the highest level of partnership allowing us to provide advantages to our customers: We are the only independent floorcovering retailer in the Midwest recognized as a Shaw Design Center®, StainMaster Flooring Center® and Mohawk ColorCenter Elite Showroom.

Photography by Michael Buck

According to Mark Lewis, it’s not only competitive pricing but also the staff that makes DeGraaf Interiors special. “We don’t just have employees. We have people that are passionate about what they do.”

he noted. “ I spend a great deal of time monitoring the project and making sure things are done right. I have an extremely high level of commitment and understanding of the commercial side of the business.” Deb has served on four national industry committees and provides advice on the early phases of development with companies like Mohawk and Shaw. “We’re there at the beginning giving insight and direction to large manufacturers and this allows me to come back with powerful learning experiences that translates to our customers,” she said. Deb also currently serves on the World Floor covering association Board of Directors. and although they are serious about what they do at work, another important aspect of the DeGraaf experience is having fun. “I like to think we’re smiling as a company,” Deb noted. and who could help but smile when you meet their unofficial mascot,

“chewy,” a Maltese mixed breed that Deb and Mark adopted last year from MacKenzie’s animal Sanctuary. “I was measuring for flooring at a local tV station and chewy was the guest of honor,” Deb recalled. “I had never thought a dog would fit into our busy lifestyle; what I didn’t realize is how chewy would transform our office. he has a way of touching those that work at DeGraaf’s, and customers love him too! he is a part of the company. he comes to work with us and if a customer requests it, he will even tag along on a measure.” DeGraaf Interiors understands the importance of value, selection, quality and service. Isn’t it time for you to discover the DeGraaf Difference?

Inspirations: We continually grow our expertise through formal education programs on the latest trends and most fashionable flooring and hard-surface options available. We work with the most well respected manufacturers in our industry. Making our customers happy is a constant inspiration. Career high point: Last year, out of 252 dealers in our region, Mohawk selected us as the recipient of the ColorCenter® Dealer of the Year – an award that recognizes overall business practices, steady growth, involvement in our local communities and a staff well educated in every aspect of flooring. Personal high point: We are extremely blessed to have been able to open a third location in Cascade. We have already seen a great outpouring of customer response and support in our decision despite the economic conditions. It has allowed us to begin building a stronger sense of community beyond our two other locations in Grand Rapids and Hudsonville.

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DEGRAAF INTERIORS, FLOORS AND MORE