McSwain's grandfather started his floor company in 1919 and had it for many years, employing McSwain's father and uncles. McSwain worked for various flooring companies as a teenager, including Cincinnati Floor Co. and Jackson, and in 1953 at the age of 19 he started McSwain Floor Co. "He had $50 borrowed from his aunt, an old sanding machine and an eighth grade education," said his wife, Jonny McSwain. "By the late 1960s, he was servicing over 250 builders, remodelers and apartment owners, installing over 35,000 feet per week—about two tractor trailer loads—much of which he unloaded himself."
He taught many classes at the Memphis-based NOFMA schools, and as the National Wood Flooring Association developed their schools, he traveled to teach in them, as well. "He was a top-notch installer and finisher, and he conveyed many secrets and common-sense tips to his students," Jonny said. Ralph received the Vanguard Degree from the NWFA.
He held many DIY seminars in McSwain's warehouse, where many distributors and manufacturers could present their products.
"He loved and valued his mechanics, and he treated them with dignity and respect," Jonny said. "He never forgot, as he called them, 'The Good Old Boys'—the long-ago small mills who gave him credit as he started out and even came and helped him collect his receivables. He remained grateful throughout his lifetime for the angels God sent his way."
