Ultimate Flooring & Paint

Year established: 2003

Product or service offered: Flooring, Paint, and Blinds

Number of employees: 5

Location: 2465 Cape Centre, Cape Girardeau

Owner(s): Darrin & Rachelle Johnson

Describe your business/occupation in exactly five words.: Full Service Home Decorating Center

What is your vision for your business and/or your industry in 2012?

Darrin Johnson, owner: We see Ultimate Flooring & Paint as the place to go for a complete decorating center. We have expertise in painting, flooring, and blinds. We strive to be a pleasant and comfortable experience. Our customers enjoy a low sales pressure and roomy showroom. We offer the latest and most stylish products on the market today. When people walk out of our store they will say that was a "Awesome Place"!

Tell us about one or two businesses, colleagues or organizations you work with in the community, and how you have helped one another.:

DJ: We have a great working relationship with several designers and builders. Our showroom and resources offer them a place to bring their clients. We offer designers a showcase window to show off their talents. At the present time you can see a display by Lifestyle Designs, and painting by Tom Phillips.

What are some lessons that you learned at a young age that still apply in your business philosophy today?

DJ: The saying treat your customers like family is as true today as it was 100 years ago. I worked for Norman Lambert at Lambert's Cafe as a teenager. He taught me if you give more than you take, be honest, and take care of your employees, customers will respect you and want to see you succeed.