Threads of Time: Small Business Stories from West Michigan’s Oldest Floor Covering Company
Family-owned businesses are the backbone of many communities. Aside from helping propel local economies, providing unique goods and services, and creating meaningful employment opportunities, the history and passion behind these businesses is profound.
The Beginning
Verhey Carpets, for example, is the oldest floor covering business in West Michigan, with three generations of family members stewarding it forward as history traversed outside its shop windows.
Founded in 1949, this family-owned floor-covering business has evolved alongside our growing region. From the post-WWII boom, race riots of the 60s, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, this small business has seen it all.
“Forty-seven years – same parking lot, same door,” quipped Dave Verhey, second-generation owner and leader of Verhey Carpets. The home furnishings store was founded by his uncle, Neil Verhey on Wealthy St., just two doors down from its current address. In 2002, they added a showroom location on 29th Street. They joined Williams Kitchen and Bath Studio, Gerrit’s Appliances, and more, making the location a one-stop shop for homeowners.
Industry Leaders
“In 1949, there were no carpet stores. You bought carpets at department stores,” Dave explained. “This was the first floor covering store in Grand Rapids. Quickly after, there was one on every corner.” The end of WWII brought many changes. The increase in homebuilding changed the way floor coverings were purchased and helped strengthen the business.
Neil Verhey returned to the wholesale carpet industry in the 1950s and sold the business to Dave’s father
upon his return from the Korean War. At that time, Verhey Carpets was one of many storefronts along the bustling Wealthy St. corridor. It was accompanied by clothiers, shoe stores, music shops, and more, offering ample shopping for Grand Rapidians.
The business purred along throughout the post-war era until the race riots shook the city in 1967, altering the commerce landscape. “In the 70s, nobody would come to this location,” expressed Dave Verhey. The store remained boarded up for many years following, and his family’s store was the only one to stay. Verhey Carpets is one of the oldest tenants in the Wealthy St. Business District.
Dave recalled the day the boards were finally removed from windows, and the slow revitalization in the decades following. Dedicated to seeing the revitalization through, Dave’s father was part of the task force committed to uplifting the neighborhood. He led the Wealthy Street Business District at various times throughout the 1980s and 90s.
The history, stories, and longevity of the business is an element of pride both Dave and his daughter, Melissa Euker, carry.
The Stewardship Mindset
While Dave always knew he wanted to take over the family business one day, Melissa’s path was different. She began her career outside of the family business and valued her time working with a boss and colleagues who weren’t family. After having two children, “I couldn’t work 50 hours a week anymore, and I started working at Verhey.”
She began learning the business under her mom’s wing before her dad nudged her toward sales. She recalled him saying, “You’d be great at sales. You could go out to 29th Street. We love having you here at Wealthy. But we really need you to go out to the store that has the most traffic.” Today, she manages their 29th Street showroom and wears many hats, as many family business owners do. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I absolutely love it. Just to be part of the history and the third generation, it didn’t mean as much to me back then as it does to me today.”
The stewardship, the legacy, and the impact that local ownership and small businesses have is unprecedented, and it becomes part of the fabric of a region.
Pride and Satisfaction
Aside from that, both second- and third- generation Verhey’s are proud of their servant leadership as small business owners, customer satisfaction, and overall expertise that Verhey Carpets has become known for in their three-quarter centuries of operation. “I think we do a great job of educating customers on natural materials, hard wood, wool carpets, and other environmentally friendly options,” Melissa said. Her father added, “We pride ourselves on good products that are unique, service that is as good as we can provide, and installation that is top notch. We’re selling happiness.”
Greatest Hopes for the Future
While they are looking forward to the future of their family business, they are taking the time to appreciate their 75 years of business. Melissa said, “75 years is pretty exciting,” and she looks forward to continuing their tenure as a family owned and operated business. As far as the fourth generations’ involvement, they do have a niece working Summers in the business, and “She really enjoys it.” Melissa is open to wherever her own children’s paths take them.
As for Dave, he is looking forward to retirement. “Forty-seven years – same parking lot, same door. I’ve been driving to the same place for forty-seven years, so I’m ready for a rest,” Dave said chuckling.
The interview was edited for length and clarity.
This feature is part of our Member Anniversary Program. Email fba@fbagr.org if you are interested in exploring feature opportunities.
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