One Tile at a Time: Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc. Has You(r Floor) Covered

Back in California, Cassey Cinqmars never thought she would become one of the brains behind a flooring business. But after the birth of her first grandchild seven years ago, she moved to Grinnell and was introduced to Todd Luther, the former owner of the currently named Luther Floor Covering 236, Inc..

“I came to Grinnell during Christmas and it was snowing like it does in a Hallmark movie,” smiles Cinqmars. “I thought to myself, ‘I just need to be here.’”

As with any new endeavor, her journey to ownership at Luther Flooring 236 Inc. was terrifying. But by her side was Jason Shively, who just so happened to be best friends with Luther.

“Luckily enough, Jason and Todd are best friends and so Todd gave him this opportunity to also become an owner," shares Cinqmars. Together, the two are co-owners of the business — while Cinqmars deals with consultations, Shively handles installations, measures, and the crew.

“He's done flooring for 28 years and Todd was his mentor, as well. I would not be able to do this without him nor would he be able to do this without me," says Cinqmars.

Luther welcomed the change in ownership immediately — he wished to settle into a subcontractor role instead. “My aha moment in running this business,” says Cinqmars, “was us making it to year one with the help of Todd. He’s such a great mentor and dear friend.” Today, she and Shively celebrated two years of ownership!

His mentorship did not go unnoticed. Since the transition, Cinqmars and Shively have been adamant about keeping the store named after him. One new change you might have noticed was the addition of the number, 236, which at first glance is our phone area code — but the number means something deeper to Cinqmars. She honors her brother with his former racing number, who passed away when he was 31.

“I appreciate that the community accepted the business’s change,” tears up Cinqmars. “Yes, it did get sold, but really nothing has changed. I love seeing all of you here supporting what I had no idea I could do.”

At Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc., you can purchase products for both commercial and residential properties, like ceramic tiling and carpeting. Their most popular option? You might be surprised!

“Our luxury vinyl plank is our #1 selling product,” shares Cinqmars. “People love it because it has a lifetime warranty!” And if you have any problems with your current installation of luxury vinyl planks? The Luther Floor Covering team can help fix it.

Customers also love the store’s carpet selection. The Mohawk products she carries in store contain carpeting options built with a layer of padding. “The padding provides another barrier between animals and floors, or even spills, making it a great option for folks. These carpets also have fresh smells, so most of the time, I even see realtors use alternatives for a lower price.”

Laminated floors are also a great option for those looking for a scratch and indentation resistance surface for high traffic areas of your home or business. “But it doesn't do great with water, so when you purchase any flooring, you have to balance what is most important to you,” recommends Cinqmars. Whether you are interested in comfort, aesthetics, or durability in the face of water damage, Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc. will have an option for you.

Luther Floor Covering offers free consultations, measurements, and estimates, as well. When you stop in for your consultation, Cinqmars can examine paint samples of your home and countertop finishes to determine the best flooring look for you.

“I will never say, ‘Here you go, this is the product and rush you out the door,’” says Cinqmars. “No. We will make sure you are covered from start to finish.” Cinqmars says the team can take as much as several hours to finalize a flooring option — their priority is always to marry clients' flooring with their existing home.

Luther Floor Covering also offers private consultations outside of business hours, as well as in-home consultations for older folks and homebound individuals. Currently, Luther Floor Covering is booking into June — if you have a 1-2 day job, Cinqmars can work to squeeze you in! For longer projects, contact the store today to get in her books for the summer. Her team goes as far as Ankeny, Williamsburg, and even Bettendorf. Call the Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc team at (641) 236-6103 or stop in store from 9 AM-5 PM Tuesday-Friday and Saturday 10 AM-2 PM.

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Shivam Sharma — Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
• Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell Poweshiek
• Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Cassie Busby — Pioneer Bookshop, Grinnell College
• Joryn Shively — Luther Floor Covering 236, Inc.
• Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Rachel Arseneault — Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
• Jason Shively — Luther Floor Covering 236, Inc.
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Cassey Cinqmars — Luther Floor Covering 236, Inc.
• Fran Conn
• Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic PLLC
• Jess Dawson — REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell
• Jennifer McAlexander — Hawkeye Lock & Security, JM Consulting
• Evan Petig — The Grinnellian
• Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Libby Eggert — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Marcus Brandenburg — Anthem Heating & Cooling