1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-namio-419731137/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-steve-namio-footprints-floors-wisconsin-2716423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Steve Namio</a> is something of a real-life Jim Halpert. After years of working in paper sales, Namio found himself burnt out on the routine of cold calling companies. So this past spring, Namio and his wife April decided to go into business for themselves. They began exploring franchise opportunities and eventually came across <a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-steve-namio-footprints-floors-wisconsin-2716423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors*</a>, the 50-plus-unit flooring franchise.After thoroughly vetting the brand, Namio says he was unable to poke any holes in the opportunity, so he signed on as a franchisee. We spoke to Namio to learn more about his journey from paper sales to business ownership.<h4>1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?</h4>Steve Namio: I’ve been in outside sales for most of my career selling paper. I had a two year sidetrack where my wife and I opened a sports pub. My wife owns her own gymnastics gym and I help her with that as well.<h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising?</h4>Namio: My wife is a big entrepreneur and has always owned businesses. My previous job in sales was slowing down, so we decided to get into something that’s already set and has a model. We started looking at what was available and how much it would cost to get in. I’ve always had my own schedule and did my own thing, so I needed something similar to that.<h4>1851: Why did you choose franchising over starting your own business?</h4>Namio: My wife and I both agreed that we loved the model that franchise opportunities had in place. It made the process much easier than starting our own business from scratch.<h4>1851: What types of brands did you look at?</h4>Namio: We looked at brands in the service industry, specifically a cement finish franchise in addition to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors">Footprints Floors</a>.<h4>1851: Why did you choose Footprints Floors? What excited you most about the potential?</h4>Namio: I love the model that Footprints has in place. I also liked that there weren’t any employees to manage in the beginning. As we began researching, my wife and I couldn’t find anything wrong with Footprints Floors. There’s so much potential in Madison since there are both old and new homes to be serviced. Seeing the success that Bryan Park and other franchisees have had so far was also appealing to me and excited me about my own future success.<h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4>Namio: I’m happy that I get to wake up every morning and feel excited about my job. I want to be successful and provide the Madison community with quality flooring installation at a reasonable price.<h4>1851: What value do you see your business providing to Madison?</h4>Namio: We’re bringing a quality and professional installation company to local Madison residents. My crews are reliable and our customers can count on us to get the job done well and on time.<h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4>Namio: You have to have a certain mindset — my wife’s got it and I’m getting there. You have to go into whatever brand you choose with 100%. Do your research, too.<h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4>Namio: I enjoy working out. I am also a certified personal trainer. I like spending time with my wife, kids, grandkids, friends and our two German Shepherds. April and I enjoy riding the bike trails around Madison, taking trips Up North and to Door County and watching Wisconsin sports teams on television or in person.ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORSUpon his return to Littleton, Colorado after serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bryan Park noticed that Denver’s flooring industry lacked a higher level of customer service and sophistication. So, in 2008, he founded Footprints Floors, which today specializes in installing hardwood floors, carpet, tile floors, backsplashes and laminates. With more than 50 current locations, Footprints Floors offers franchisees a robust support system including a call center, flexible hours for work-life balance and a low cost of entry with outstanding economics.

The Great Franchisee: Steve Namio, Footprints Floors, Wisconsin

1851 Franchise

The former paper salesman is leveraging his customer service expertise as one of the newest owners with the fast-growing flooring franchise.

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

the-great-franchisee-steve-namio-footprints-floors-wisconsin

Strategic Franchising

Photo of a businessman, wearing glasses, smiling at the camera

Building Wealth Through Franchising: A Long-Term Investment

building-wealth-through-franchising-a-long-term-investment

Sola Salons

Headshot of Sharon Gates, who has long, blonde hair and is wearing a bright blue shirt

From Corporate to Community: How Sharon Gates Built a Thriving Sola Salons Franchise

sharon-gates-sola-salons-franchise

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot fondue spread with cheese and chocolate, bread, meats and fruits

Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

melting-pot-michigan-expansion

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Why Pigtails & Crewcuts Is a Fulfilling Investment Providing Emotional ROI

why-pigtails-crewcuts-is-a-fulfilling-investment-providing-emotional-roi

Children's Lighthouse

Naples Press: How Children’s Lighthouse Is Addressing the Childcare Shortage in Naples, Florida

naples-press-how-childrens-lighthouse-is-addressing-the-childcare-shortage-in-naples-florida

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 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 hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Great Franchisee: Steve Namio, Footprints Floors, Wisconsin

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS