Our Experts
Our Experts
| Dennis Lauterbach, President/Owner A University of Illinois graduate, Denny had a 30-year
He purchased Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One in 2004 and A Licensed Michigan Residential Builder, Denny has served on
The very successful Floor Covering Brokers and Carpet
He and his wife, Jo enjoy horseback riding, ATV riding in
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| Mike Watkins, Vice President and General Manager A valuable asset at Floor Covering Brokers since 2002, Mike was promoted to Vice President and General Manager in 2017. Mike has a deep understanding of the floor covering business, having produced excellent results in Sales, Operations and Material Management throughout his 16-year career. He has a mind for detail and customer service and has a terrific eye for design based upon technical training. Contact mwatkins@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Jean Luedtke, Controller After attending Northwestern Michigan College, Jean has accumulated over 25 years of accounting experience. Some of her past roles include President and board member for 10+ years of the Benzie County Community Chest, 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. Contact jluedtke@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Kim Cassady, Sales Manager Kim’s over 25 years of flooring experience shows in her flair with Tile design and “Green” flooring products. “It’s about working with the customer and understanding the concept they’re imagining. Every project is a blank canvas we get to paint.” Contact kcassady@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Kristen Finstrom, Sales Associate Kristen has been with us since 2013. Growing up in the flooring industry along with a degree in Communications and Marketing from WMU has given Kristen the tools to become a great sales person. Kristen excels in project management and being involved with every step of the process. She enjoys helping with product selection and design while making it fun for her customers. Contact kfinstrom@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Ellen Pellar, Sales Associate Ellen grew up in the restaurant industry, working alongside her father, a restaurant owner. Her extensive background in customer service and front-of-house management gives Ellen the essential skills necessary to manage the needs of her flooring customers. Ellen has two kids and a big mutt named Charlie, is passionate about the environment and recycling, loves the outdoors, and considers herself a “foodie”. Ellen graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University with a degree in Sustainability, and now applies that expertise to anyone looking for sustainable flooring options. Contact epellar@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
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Dan Purkiss, Sales Associate Dan was born and raised in Traverse City and now is raising his own family in this beautiful northern Michigan area. He has a strong background which includes several years of floor covering experience at a major retailer. His focus on customer service, product specifications, and design elements makes him the perfect consultant for your next flooring project. Contact dpurkiss@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Matt Stachnik, Sales Associate After graduating from Kingsley High School, Matt earned a degree in Technical education while serving five years in the U.S. Navy. Following his Naval career, Matt gained a wealth of technical knowledge and customer service skills through his 20-plus years in sales and sales management. Matt loves to be outdoors, and can regularly be found biking, hiking, camping, fishing or snowmobiling. But most importantly, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, including his young son Jackson. Contact mstachnick@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Charlie Weighman, Sales Associate Charlie earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Finlandia University in Hancock, MI where she majored in integrated design, focusing on interior design. Having graduated with honors, she’s also super smart! Charlie has been involved in many facets of design, including graphic, product, and surface design and found that her passion lies with Interior Design. She strives to create spaces that enhance her clients’ everyday lives and connects them with nature. Contact cweighman@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Jenya Zdybel, Sales Associate Jenya has a degree in Marketing and Advertising from Moscow State Social University and an extensive background in customer service, sales and project management. With an eye for color and design, Jenya can help clients translate their vision into beautiful, one-of-a-kind project. A self-proclaimed foodie who loves to travel, Jenya and her husband Nick also love boating, wine tasting and downhill skiing. Contact jzdybel@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
 | Mike Makowski, Commercial Flooring Manager Mike joined Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One in 1996. After installing for several years, he was our Measuring Specialist, and for the past several years, has managed our warehouse. Mike will now focus on our commercial business, where he will oversee material and labor quoting and installation crews for projects with area businesses, office buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, and more. Contact mmakowski@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Larry Stoltz, Commercial Flooring Manager Larry has worked in tile for more than 40 years, learning the trade in Chicago before moving to Traverse City in 1976, and has been involved in projects of all sizes and types. He has established strong partnerships with flooring manufacturers to best manage the needs of our commercial accounts, and is versed in commercial resilient, laminate, carpet, hardwood and porcelain tile floors. For 4 years, Larry has served our community as a member of the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board. Contact Lstoltz@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Jennifer Bladek, Director of Marketing A Wayne State University graduate, Jennifer 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 traditional advertising and internet marketing, is responsible for media planning and buying, creative development, social media, public relations, all with an attention to detail that’s to be envied. Contact jbladek@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
| Kristi Watkins, Accounting Manager A long-term pro, Kristi joined Floor Covering Brokers in 1991. She first mastered our clerical positions and now is the glue between sales, order entry, and billing. | |
.jpg?rnd=5327) | Kat Gillett, Accounting Assistant Kat brings over 15 years of customer service experience with 3+ years in management to Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One, thereby possessing the perfect skillset for her duties with accounts payable, credit applications, material orders and more. After graduating Elk Rapids High School, Kat later attended the TBA Career-Tech Center, receiving Administrative Assistant Certification. She and husband Jake now enjoy a natural, farm lifestyle in Kewadin, MI with their family and Mini-Schnauzer, Loki. During her free time, Kat may be reading, gaming, or crafting. She’s admittedly not a fan of the cold, but enjoys warm-weather activities like camping, biking, kayaking, disc golf, and long motorcycle drives with her husband and pup. | |
 | Miriam Pico, Celebrity Spokesperson Miriam is a Traverse City native since moving here at the age of four from Puerto Rico, has been singing professionally since the age of eleven. She has released four CD’s and performs locally, frequently alongside David Chown, on keyboard, or with ‘Girls with Guitars’. Miriam is blessed with three amazing children and plans to raise them in beautiful northern Michigan. She is thrilled to be the celebrity spokesperson for Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One. Watch for Miriam in our advertising and marketing! | |
 | Rich Budek, Warehouse Manager Originally from Petoskey MI, and later moving to Traverse City, Rich calls northern Michigan home. Rich joined Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One in 2014 and has filled multiple roles including sales, scheduling and most currently as a vital part of our warehouse staff. His skills and dedication have earned him the promotion to Warehouse Manager. Rich has attended Mohawk University where he acquired a deep knowledge of product selection, measuring, installation, and customer service. Rich has three grown children and four grandchildren. Contact rbudek@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
 | Kevin Harvey, Installation Manager Originally from southeast MI, Kevin moved to Traverse City in 2021 and joined the Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One team. After serving as a warehouse worker/delivery driver, Kevin quickly advanced to Installation Manager in January 2022. Prior to work in the Flooring Industry, Kevin was a Police Officer for ten years in the Lansing MI area, Detective for the last three years and SWAT operator for the last six. Kevin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and MCOLES certified as a licensed Police Officer in the State of Michigan. Kevin and his wife have two dogs and a baby on the way. In his free time, he keeps busy with home renovation projects, exploring trails, mountain biking, playing Euchre or taking road trips with his family. Top it off with being a massive Detroit sports and MSU Spartan fan. Contact kharvey@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
 Rodgers.jpg?rnd=9185) | Johnna (Jo) Rodgers, Warehouse Assistant/Delivery Driver A native of Traverse City, Jo joined the Floor Covering Brokers Carpet One warehouse team in 2021 with over four years of warehouse experience under her toolbelt. From her first days on the job, Jo demonstrated a strong commitment to quality work, teamwork, and efficiency. Jo is a single mother of an eleven-year-old son and along with their Siberian husky, enjoy time outdoors including beach time, kayaking, bonfires, fishing and spending time with family. In the winter, they spend a great amount of time reading books. | |
Steve Robinson, Warehouse Assistant 'Robbie' is a valuable asset in our warehouse, where he assists with jobsite deliveries, flooring tear-outs, and shipping and receiving of installation materials. With a passion for cooking, Robbie loves to share his chef skills while testing new recipes, and opens his home to an ongoing stream of foreign exchange students. | ||
 | Michael Sedgewick, Measuring & Claims Specialist A native of Rapid City, MI, Michael graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has a strong background in flooring installation, warehouse support and carpet cleaning. Michael has received certification in Flooring Design and Flooring Consultation. He says that the best part of his job is helping people select the perfect floor for their unique lifestyle. Michael lives in Kalkaska with his wife Autumn and two young sons. He enjoys being outdoors, especially hunting or fishing. Contact msedgewick@floorcoveringbrokers.com | |
 | Christian Campbell, Installation Expert A native of Kalkaska, MI, Christian has been an installer with us for over two years and has a strong background in the flooring industry. Christian now resides in the Traverse City area with his two dogs and enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, fishing, and camping. | |
Austin Groves, Installation Expert Austin has lived in Traverse City since a young age and currently resides in Kalkaska, MI with his fiancée and two children. With a strong background in landscaping, roofing and tilework, Austin joined our installation team in 2017 and has proven to be a top-quality employee with excellent results on his installation projects. When he’s not hard at work, Austin enjoys taking his kids to scenic lookouts, fishing, and rock hunting along the shores of Lake Michigan. | ||
 | Jim Kirsch, Installation Expert After serving four years as a submariner in the US Navy, Jim started his flooring career as an Installation Expert at the original storefront of Floor Covering Brokers in 1986. He has been a loyal employee ever since, gaining over 35+ years of installation experience and technical knowledge, including both hard surface and soft surface flooring. In 2022, Jim began his new role at the company as a dedicated Measuring Specialist. Born and raised in Traverse City, Jim is married, has 5 adult children and 19 grandchildren. He loves fly fishing, kayaking and outdoor activities. | |
 | Brian Kohn, Installation Expert Brian Kohn has been installing carpet & hard surface flooring for almost 30 years. Working for Floor Covering Brokers for 10+ years. He is a true craftsman of his trade. He enjoys mentoring new installers by teaching them his craft. You will find him on the golf course in the summertime or working on his classic car. | |
 | Reno Mercado, Installation Expert With over 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, Reno has been a valuable asset to our installation team for over 7 years. Born and raised in Traverse City, and now in Interlochen, MI, Reno is married with two children and three cats!! When not hard at work, he enjoys skiing, 4 wheeling, camping, hitting the beach and bonfires. | |
 | Justin Rider, Installation Expert Justin started his career at Floor Covering Brokers in the carpet cleaning division and warehouse, and moved on to become an expert in flooring installation. His attention to detail and meticulous workmanship makes him a valuable asset to our team. Justin is newly married and enjoys outdoor adventures in northern Michigan. | |
 | Jason Watts, Installation Expert Jason has been a Traverse City resident for most of his life, having moved up from Detroit at a young age. He has worked in the flooring industry “since he could walk”, for over 30 years straight, and we’ve been lucky to have him on our installation team for the past 7 years. Jason is currently engaged to be married, has a pet dog, and likes to play Corn Hole or enjoy water sports in his spare time. |
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