Charlie Hucker started working in the flooring industry when he was 18 years old. In 1992, after many years in both installation and sales, Hucker bought a shop-at-home flooring franchise. All the flooring samples were in his van and he brought them right to the customer's home. Ten years later, he decided to leave that concept and opened Hucker Floor Coverings, a brick-and-mortar store with a showroom. Hucker Flooring has been at its current location, 1383 Confederation Street, for ten years, and in 2018 they expanded the showroom and warehouse to offer a wider selection to their customers. Hucker's sons, Kevin and Dale, joined the family business in 2007 and 2012 respectively.
"I look after the sales side of things, and Dale manages the warehouse and installations. My dad is here regularly to support and consult with us," explains Kevin. Both brothers had careers in other cities but returned home to put down roots and contribute to the family business. "My grandfather owned a flooring store and my great grandfather was in flooring as well, so we are the fourth generation of Huckers involved in this business and we are proud of that legacy. Our goal is to keep that going."
Hucker Floor Coverings sells brand-name tile, laminate, hardwood, carpet, and luxury vinyl. They also install custom showers, backsplashes, and accent walls. "We have a fantastic team who are 100% customer-focused and passionate about design. Our job is to make the whole process as easy as possible," explains Kevin. Customers are asked a range of questions to help determine which type of flooring would be best for them and are encouraged to take samples home to see how the flooring looks with their furnishings and lighting. "We stay on top of trends by going to design shows and flooring conventions." The team at Hucker can also take any broadloom product and make a custom area rug.
The majority of Hucker Flooring's business is residential, but they complete work in new builds and commercial properties as well. The installation team prides itself on its workmanship. "Our installers are professional and knowledgeable," shares Dale. "We are here for our customers before, during and after the sale. I love seeing a customer's room or project completed and how happy they are with their choices and the entire process. It's very rewarding."
"It's great to be able to help people transform their homes," Kevin adds. "I really love the interaction with our customers." Both value the creativity and flexibility that comes with owning a business. "I can't gush enough about our staff. We work hard to create an environment where everyone can thrive." The Hucker family is grateful for the support the community has shown them. "The people of Sarnia have been extremely loyal and we are thankful. As kids we were told that if you do a good job, the business will flourish, and that's exactly what has happened."
Ruth Francoeur and Moulan Bourke may be from different generations, but they share a similar love and passion for the stage. More specifically, for teaching youngsters the magic of performing. "I met my husband, Norm, through the Sarnia Little Theatre in 1987," Ruth says. "He was doing a show
The ability to help people and give back to the community acts as a foundation for Christine Yurchuk, owner of Lilith Boutique. Yurchuk purchased the eleven-year-old business in 2016. "I had already been running the Fitting Room for two years, which was for mastectomy clients, and this opportunity"
MIG Engineering (2011) Ltd. (MIG) is celebrating 60 years of providing engineering services to Sarnia-Lambton. The company was officially formed in 1959 by James Andrew Monteith and Gary Ingram, who founded Monteith-Ingram Enginee...
As he approaches his 50th birthday, Jason Blais is not even close to retirement. Instead, Jason continues to look to the future for ways he can fine-tune his business, Atlas Technologies, and continue to service Sarnia-Lambton. A lot has changed since I started this business nearly nine years ago
If there is one thing John and Nicole Moore have learned, it is when life throws you a curveball, you'd better be ready to swing the bat. The owners and operators of Junior Baker, a gluten free bakery in Sarnia, have faced many challenges over the years, but are thrilled to be working together ser
Doug Portiss started working for Sarnia Drywall Supply in 1977, shortly after the business opened. His wife Trudy began working in their office two years later. In 1997, the couple had the opportunity to buy the business as the ow...
Doctors Luke Winegard and Brendan Carney Kilian opened In Motion: Health Wellness Fitness in January 2007. Friends since they began chiropractic school in Toronto in 2002, both knew that they wanted to start their own business. "We knew we wanted to work for ourselves, not for someone else. We wan
Danielle Catton started her mission by trying to heal herself and in doing so, has helped so many others. The 34-year-old who was born and raised in Sarnia wanted to give people an opportunity to tell their stories. I started an initiative called Sarnia Speaks and from that, growing it and having