Our Staff

If you’d like to contact a member of our staff, simply click on their name for an email form.  

Jennifer Bladek, Marketing Manager

A Wayne State University graduate, Jen advanced her marketing career through Little Caesar Enterprises’ corporate marketing department for 10 years before relocating to Traverse City in 1993.  She has extensive experience in advertising and internet marketing, and an attention to detail (and keeping us on track) that’s to be envied.  And, emulated!  In her free time, Jennifer loves being with her husband and two daughters, reading, photography, boating and camping.

Tom Brady, In-house Installation Expert

Originally from Manchester, Michigan, Tom is one of our premier installers.  He’s been installing flooring for over 20 years, and is renowned for being able to spot a pattern match that no one else can determine.  Subtle and quiet, Tom has a knack for being able to figure out how to install the most quirky flooring products… and make the installation appear seamless!

Robert Brown, Carpet Cleaning Manager

Robert’s carpet cleaning passion began in 1991.  He earned IICRC certifications (Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification) for carpet, upholstery, draperies, area rugs and hard surface maintenance.  He’s a magician with stain removal, loves his work and says every project is his favorite – the rewards are the smiles on his customer’s faces!

Kim Cassady, Sales Manager

Kim’s 20 years of flooring experience shows in her flair with “Green” flooring products and tile design. ”It’s about working with the customer and understanding the concept they’re imagining.  Every project is a blank canvas we get to paint.”  When Kim’s not concocting trendy looks with texture and tile, you’ll find her hiking, cross country skiing, or traveling. Or, hugging Luke, her Golden Retriever, who chewed the corners off her house when he was a pup…!

Lucas Dillon, Carpet Cleaning Technician

Lucas was born and raised locally in northern Michigan. He is a proud father of two and loves to participate with all sorts of sports. Lucas specializes in Carpet Cleaning, Warehouse work, and Deliveries.

Debbie Everson, Sales Associate

With a Retailing degree and 25 years in the flooring business, Debbie has an eye for color and design. She has traveled to Italy for tile training and participated in numerous seminars with Mohawk, Shaw, and Crossville Tile.  She has also worked with many local Parade of Homes homes. Debbie and her husband have two sons, enjoy golf and walking the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Joan Geerlings, Sales Associate

Joan has 17 delightful years in the flooring industry (ask her customers who have followed her career)!  A Business graduate of Davenport University, she joined Floor Covering Brokers in 2002.   She has successfully completed certified Stainmaster Training, seminars by Mohawk, and numerous other programs on flooring products and window treatments.  An enthusiastic team member, Joan will go to great lengths to fulfill the customer’s wishes… and to keep smiles on all of our faces!  She loves spending time with family, yoga, boating, and… the winter in Florida.

Joe Gunsberg, Sales Associate

A Detroit native, Joe joined Floor Covering Brokers in 1998.  With over 30 years in the flooring industry, Joe’s expertise is invaluable.  He has successfully completed innumerable seminars on carpet, tile, and wood flooring, including installation and design, and (in our estimation), should teach seminars, rather than attend them!  Joe is an avid outdoorsman who loves fishing and hunting in his not-too-frequent free time. His philosophy is: “Strive to service and have satisfied customers”.  He succeeds in this endeavor.

Denny Lauterbach, President/Owner

 A University of Illinois graduate, Denny had a 30-year career in the elevator and escalator industry.  After living in Washington, DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, he decided Traverse City is where he wants to call home, so he purchased Floor Covering Brokers in 2004. Denny enjoys many activities, among them, being a Big Brother to his “Little”, Danny, serving as President of The Home Builders Association (he’s a Licensed Residential Builder), Treasurer of the Old Town Playhouse, and a former board member of the YMCA. He is also an active Rotarian and participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. He really enjoys the complexity and customer interaction of the Floor Covering Industry, and he deeply values and respects our talented Floor Covering Brokers team!

Jean Luedtke, Controller

After attending Northwestern Michigan College, Jean has accumulated over 25 years of accounting experience.  Some of her past roles:  Treasurer of the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers; Christmas “Adopt-A-Family”; Band Boosters for Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools; youth group leader at Trinity Lutheran Church; and treasurer of the Benzie County Ski Boosters for Benzie Central/Frankfort-Elberta co-op ski team.  Jean enjoys bicycling, hiking, sailing, and x-country skiing!

Mike Makowski, Installation Manager

Mike lives in Traverse City with his wife, four children, and dogs! He attended Northwestern Michigan College and has over 20 years of experience in carpet installation & project measurement.  His attention to detail, installation expertise and customer focus are to be emulated and envied!

ElizabethMcAllisterElizabeth McAllister, Sales Associate

 An Interior Designer for over 10 years, Elizabeth is passionate about creating dream interiors that meet the needs of her client’s lifestyles. She has a degree in Interior Design from Michigan State University and is a licensed designer which has allowed her to work closely with builders, architects, and in commercial interiors. Eliazbeth is a Traverse City native who enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two dogs. She is also an avid knitter, likes to sew, craft, and refinish furniture.

Doug Miller, In-House Installation Expert

Doug was raised locally in the quaint town of Lake Leelanau. He now resides in Interlochen with his wife, Noel along with his son Dominick and dog Dozer. Doug loves fishing, no matter what the season as well as tinkering around with his three-wheelers and motorcycles.

Barb Nelson, Sales Associate

Barb was born and raised in Miami Florida.  She has a degree in retail management and Interior Design, and owned a design firm in Harbor Springs for over 10 years before moving to Traverse City.  Barb always tries to exceed her customer’s expectations, and make the process fun and informative. In her spare time she loves gardening, going to art fairs or zip lining and hot-air balooning with her mother!

 

CherylOliveriusCheryl Oliverius, Administrative Assistant

Cheryl is originally from the small town of Paradise in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She comes to Floor Covering Brokers with a background in hospitality management and banking and has proven to be a valuable asset at our front desk, in both organization and spirit. In her free time, she is happily consumed with her newborn Franklin, but when time permits, she loves a game of Frisbee Golf, camping and fishing.

Kristi Watkins, Accounting

Kristi joined Floor Covering Brokers in 1991. She first mastered our clerical positions and now is the glue between sales, order entry, and billing.  Her best attribute?  Some would say her smile and indefatigable patience. She would say “I’m inspired by the giving of others”. Kristi is inspired by her children, who make her strive to be a better person, and her husband Mike.

Mike Watkins, Sales Associate

Mike has has been a valuable asset at Floor Covering Brokers since 2002 and has held many positions including Warehouse Manager, Installation Manager, Commercial/Contract flooring expert, and now Sales Associate. He has a fantastic mind for detail and customer service and has a terrific eye for design based upon technical training. Mike is a sports fanatic, loves golf, and his family!

Lester Woodward, In-house Installation Expert

Lester lives in Traverse City and has two daughters. He is quality focused and an insured carpet installer. He is inspired daily by the wish is to see his children graduate from college.  You’ll love him on your job because of the personal attention he gives to making sure your installation is the best it can be!