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PRIEST RIVER – A flooring business in Priest River has stepped in to fill any gap by selling and installing flooring in homes across the region.
Haley Memeo and Jessie Shipton went into business together leasing office space and a small warehouse in November 2022 at 6736 U.S. Highway 2. Where there was an apartment upstairs, the owners are putting in a design studio for clients to choose their own flooring in the comfort of a private space, replete with wine and cheese.
“We started opening slowly,” Memeo said.
Memeo came from the construction business in Spokane while Shipton, a Newport High School graduate, was a tile setter. They said both their business sense and trade knowledge was a perfect fit to start a flooring business.
“I have been a flooring specialist installing floors for 25 years,” Shipton said.
Selling, measuring and setting down floors from hardwood, vinyl, and carpet, Shipton said tile is what they specialize in.
“We tested out the area and what we discovered was the area was growing and we wanted to be a part of it,” Memeo said.
Shipton has built a lot of connections from his previous work, with Memeo saying the community has really supported them.
The owners’ business strategy is making sure customers have a relaxed feel when they step into the store.
“I had clients in my previous career who were overwhelmed. When you are building a house and stressed about financials it’s scary,” Shipton said.
“If people can come in and feel at home and not be overwhelmed with the amount of selections, that’s key for us,” he said. “You go into another flooring store and there is every sample of tile. Here people say this is where we need to be.”
Shipton said they want to keep people here in both West Bonner and Pend Oreille counties and spend their money locally, as opposed to going down to Spokane.
“Every floor can fit any budget,” he said.
Memeo takes care of the front office and uses a forklift to store product in the warehouse, while Shipton is off site measuring and installing flooring in custom homes.
“We are getting to the point of needing help,” Memeo said.
“Once this is a success we would like to build our own facility,” Shipton said.
The store is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays and by appointment on weekends.
For more information, go to https://www.farnorthfloors. com.
