What began as a small, one-person shop operating out of a garage has blossomed into a pair of successful family businesses approaching five decades of serving customers in St. Thomas and Elgin.
Tom Versteeg owns Wallpaper Loft, a sister company of Elgin Carpet One Floor & Home. It began operating in 1979, explained Versteeg.
“It opened on the second floor of Elgin Floor Covering Limited, hence the name Wallpaper Loft. Yeah. The upper level.
“We became a Benjamin Moore dealer in 1985, and then in 1997, we had completely outgrown our space, and we moved to the main floor next to Elgin Carpet One, and I started in 1985. I became store manager in 1989 andI bought into the business in 2005.”
He continued, “So my dad started the business actually just as a floor covering company out of his garage back in 1967. And then his brother George joined up with him in ’72, and then in ’76 his brother Tom, joined them. And they bought the present location for Elgin Floor Covering back in 1976.”
An important factor in the success of Wallpaper Loft – in addition to their excellent lines of quality products – is their staff.
“We have some employees who have been with us for over 20 years. Even our newest employees have been with us for over five years. So this is great because people see those familiar faces every time they walk into the store.
“They have the confidence in knowing that these people have been here long enough to know what they’re talking about. And they know they’re going to get expert advice every time they walk in the door.”
Versteeg stressed the importance of being a Benjamin Moore outlet.
“So what’s really neat is Benjamin Moore stores are all independently owned. They’re all owned by local owners and live within their communities. There are no corporate or franchise stores.
“We create jobs and career opportunities within our communities. Canada has its own sales force and its own distribution centres. This is really great because it keeps the profits within Canada and specifically within the communities of the local stores. And so as supporting us, we’re also supporting the community in return.”
Versteeg continued, “Canada has been built by immigrants, and Wallpaper Loft is a family business that was started by Dutch immigrants, of which I am the second generation. My family came to Canada to start a new life because they looked at it as a land of opportunity and a land of hope, and they believed by taking a few risks and hard work and perseverance that they could be successful and have a better way of life. And they were right.
“So I don’t know that we’re necessarily in a unique Canadian success story, but I would say we were definitely a typical Canadian success story. We represent that part of the population very well. So it’s been great because for 45 years, Wallpaper Loft has served the St. Thomas and surrounding community, and in return, the community has supported us. And for that, we’re very grateful.”
You can listen to our interview with Tom Versteeg below.
Written by Ian McCallum
