Key members of the Carpet Trends crew, from left: Rob Rogers, Dylan Davis, Cody Braverman, Todd Horn, Emily Billington, Maggie Lewis, and Margaret Ricketts.
Carpet Trends isn’t showing its age. The family business turned 65 this year, but with Rob Rogers, whose grandparents, Ralph and Augusta along with his father Ted, started the business in 1956, still at the helm after 36 years, it’s aging with grace. And behind every good businessman, there is an equally good businesswoman, in this case vice president Margaret Ricketts, who has worked beside him for 33 years. As has George Mickatavage, another Rye native, for over 30 years. Not to mention Brian McIver, who runs the warehouse, and Gene Hopkins, outside sales and operations manager. Every Rogers has worked at the shop. Rob’s son Tyler is the only other family member there now and Rob says, “Tyler is my eyes and ears.” Office Manager Todd Horn, who’s been there seven years, said, “I have the best seat in the house — next to Margaret.”
The entire crew is glad to have the pandemic mostly behind them and back to meeting with customers in-person and not on Zoom. They miss longtime employees like Tony and Maria, who decided to retire early, but are happy to have a few new faces around the Smith Street showroom.
“The resurgence of business caught us by surprise,” shared Rob. “It’s been somewhat chaotic because the carpet mills aren’t back up to speed, but our customers have been loyal and patient.”
Shoppers may be disappointed to learn that Carpet Trends is not participating in the Annual Sidewalk Sale, which runs July 29-31. Having dozens of people congregating under a tent isn’t feasible just yet, said Rob. He shared some good news, however: the prices of all in-stock carpets and remnants will be greatly reduced and he’s happy to give every good customer a good deal.
