1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-namio-419731137/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Steve</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-namio-b9860496/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April Namio</a>, who have been&nbsp;<a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors</a> franchisees&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-great-franchisee-steve-namio-footprints-floors-wisconsin-2716423#stories">in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2020</a>, recently welcomed a new chapter in their lives through adoption. Their daughter Gabriela joined their family just a few weeks ago, capping off a journey filled with love, perseverance and unwavering commitment. Their story aligns perfectly with the spirit of November’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2024/11/november-national-adoption-month?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Adoption Month</a>, highlighting the transformative power of adoption for both children and families.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Namios’ path to adoption was years in the making. “We met later in life,” Steve said. “We’d both been married before, and I have grown children from my previous marriage. April loves them as her stepkids, and we’re all very close. About 12 years ago, we started talking about adoption.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Initially, the couple explored fostering. While fostering brought meaningful connections, they didn’t find the right fit to expand their family. Then, a few years ago, they discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kidsave.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kidsave</a>, a hosting program for older children from other countries. This program introduces children ages 10 to 15 to potential families during short visits to the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That’s how we met Gabriela,” April said. “We hosted her through a three-week Kidsave&nbsp; program and later, through Holt International, we went to Colombia to adopt her.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The process wasn’t without its challenges. From navigating endless paperwork to spending 35 days in Colombia for the adoption finalization, the Namios faced obstacles with determination. “The paperwork was overwhelming,” Steve said. “Even in Colombia, it was just non-stop appointments and documents. But ultimately, in the end, it’s worth it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;April adds that the financial aspect was also daunting. “It’s more than people realize — legal paperwork, court fees, hotel stays, food. And when you’re self-employed, like us, you don’t have the option of taking paid leave.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Through it all, Steve and April leaned on the support of their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors/info">Footprints Floors</a> family. “Footprints has been awesome through this whole process,” Steve said. “They’ve been so open and excited for us, helping us along the way. I was gone for over a month, which was scary because no money was coming in, but we made it work.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the logistical and financial hurdles, the Namios’ joy at bringing Gabriela home overshadowed the difficulties. “We finally met her again on October 2,” April said. “We’d done a few video calls leading up to that moment, and it was so exciting to see her in person. She’s been home with us for just a few weeks now, but it already feels like she’s been part of our family forever.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Gabriela has quickly embraced her new life. She started school two weeks ago, joined the basketball team and is picking up English at an impressive pace. “She’s very smart,” April said. “She’s excited about school and learning, and we’re lucky that she’s so enthusiastic.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The adoption has brought more than just happiness — it’s given Steve and April a renewed sense of purpose. “Our regular lives feel more fulfilled,” April said. Steve echoed her sentiment, noting how having Gabriela adds structure to their busy lives as business owners. “It’s nice to have something else to look forward to, like getting her to school or having breakfast together,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;For anyone considering adoption, the Namios recommend exploring various avenues to find the right fit. “These kids need families and love,” April said. “There are so many ways to adopt — through foster care, private agencies, domestic or international programs. It’s an amazing experience, but it takes patience and perseverance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking ahead, the Namios are excited to share Gabriela’s first holiday season in Wisconsin with family and friends. “It feels like everything happened at the right time,” April said. “She’s our child — it just took a while for everything to fall into place.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Namios’ story is a poignant reminder of the beauty and challenges of adoption, and they hope it will inspire others to consider opening their hearts and homes to a child in need. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” Steve said. “Gabriela left behind her friends, her language, her country — that’s not easy. But she chose this, and you can see how much she wants to be here. It’s amazing to watch her adjust and thrive.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Built on the tenets of faith, family and service, Footprints Floors has always been dedicated to giving back through its nonprofit arm, the First Fruits Fund. Learn more about it&nbsp;<a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/jonathan-jarvis-shares-exciting-news-about-our-flooring-franchises-new-giveback-opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption-2728028" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

Footprints Floors - Steve and April Namio - National Adoption Awareness Month - 1851 Franchise

Footprints Floors Franchisees Steve and April Namio Share Their Adoption Journey

1851 Franchise

In honor of National Adoption Month, the Namios reflect on the challenges and joys of adopting their daughter Gabriela, highlighting the transformative power of family and perseverance.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Footprints Floors Franchisees Steve and April Namio Celebrate the Joy of Adoption

footprints-floors-franchisees-steve-and-april-namio-celebrate-the-joy-of-adoption

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

Footprints Floors Franchisees Steve and April Namio Celebrate the Joy of Adoption

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS