Community-building and educational events have made Chicago-area flooring supplies distributor DOM Flooring Supplies (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), a fast success. “We are only two months into this journey, but the response from the industry has been incredible,” owner Damien Janaszek says. “DOM Flooring Supplies has created a lot of excitement and built strong relationships throughout the Chicago market.” Janaszek, his wife Julia, and father Stanley “opened this company to build something different—not just another distributor, but a place built around relationships, education, support and respect for the craft,” he says. This mission has inspired organic marketing opportunities: demonstration days where the DOM team and brand reps educate contractors on products and techniques; informal one-on-one consultations between knowledgeable DOM staff and customers; and educational videos on social media in which staff members offer tips and tricks. These education and community moments strengthen the trust between the company and its customers, and eventually drive business. “One thing I strongly believe in is education,” Janaszek says, adding, “If we can help contractors grow their businesses, improve their craft and build lasting relationships, then we have accomplished our mission.”—E.K.
