The Great Franchisee: Steve Namio, Footprints Floors, Wisconsin

Steve Namio 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 Footprints Floors*, 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.

1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?

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.

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising?

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.

1851: Why did you choose franchising over starting your own business?

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.

1851: What types of brands did you look at?

Namio: We looked at brands in the service industry, specifically a cement finish franchise in addition to Footprints Floors.

1851: Why did you choose Footprints Floors? What excited you most about the potential?

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.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

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.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Madison?

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.

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

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.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

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 FLOORS

Upon 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.