By Chris Bavender
It’s been a year since Adam Nisley took a leap of faith and opened his own business – but oh what a year it’s been for Adam’s Flooring.
“The biggest decision I’ve made has been the location. I’ve mentioned before that I looked at other locations. This one is a perfect fit,” Nisley said. “Right on Range Line (Road) in the heart of Carmel proves to be a hotspot. Who doesn’t drive down Range Line to get from point A to B? It’s the perfect thoroughfare.”
In the last year Nisley has seen not only his client base grow – but his showroom as well – knocking down a wall and adding 2,000 square feet. He’ll host a grand re-opening event March 1 at the store at 1063 S. Rangeline Rd. in Carmel.
“I went to pay for my rent in December and my landlord mentioned my neighbors were moving out. I felt my heart sink. I knew if he rented to someone else then that would blow my chances of expanding in the next four to five years,” he said. “I also knew I wanted to go at least one more year at the size I was at. It really weighed on me heavy to make the right decision. I woke up one night about 2 a.m. thinking ‘You have to do it regardless.’”
‘We have to take chances’
The next morning Nisley went to his landlord and had him draw up a contract and signed it three days later.
“I still get nervous talking about it. In business we have to take chances. I have a huge dream to be the premier flooring provider for central Indianapolis. There’s only one way to do that – I need to expand and work as hard as I can to provide that,” he said.
Extra space means Nisley will be following through on another promise he made to himself a year ago – to add a salesperson or two by July at the latest.
“By having a plan and following it helps. I might get sidetracked occasionally but it helps to look back at the plan,” he said. “Although, in business you should always be prepared and open for change. They call that ‘moving at the speed of business.’”
‘Knowledge to back it up’
And, learning to take advantage of other opportunities – such as being named a style pro for “Design Your Life. Style with Barry & Joni.”
The show – which has tips on everything from buying a home to making it your dream home and all the personal style in between – debuted March 1 on WRTV with co-hosts Barry Lantz and Joni Michels. It airs at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.
“Adam is one of the best in his field. He has superior ratings and positive client feedback and the man treats his clients like friends,” Michels said. “He has been in the flooring business for over 18 years and has the experience and knowledge to back it up.”
“Joni and I were introduced via a mutual friend through email. He knew what she was putting together and knew I was itching to get the word out – more so than what social media could do,” Nisley said. “Joni and I met at the store and instantly hit it off. We both had some great ideas and want to move in the same direction along with Barry.”
‘Not easy, but manageable’
But Nisley said none of it would be possible without “two of the best installers in the market.”
He also said, despite his seemingly nonstop worklife, he’s learning to take time to enjoy life outside the showroom.
“I like to spend time with my girlfriend and her kids. They are into sports, and I try to attend as many practices and games as I can,” he said. “When we are together I keep the phone use to a minimum – only answer or respond when it’s an emergency. I’ve learned to enjoy the little things in life. Family comes first. It’s not easy but manageable.”
Which just might explain why Nisley’s dreams are all falling into place.
