MOMpreneur: Beth Jones Kramer of EDW Jones Floorcovering

Please meet MOMpreneur Beth Jones Kramer of EDW Jones Floorcovering!

Edw. Jones Floorcovering, Inc. is a family operated business specializing in carpeting, area rugs, wood floor, vinyl tile and cork. They strive to find the best product for your budget, to fit your lifestyle and home, with expert installation. To see more photos of all the flooring options they offer visit the Edw. Jones Floorcovering, Inc. Facebook page!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am the proud mother of Charlotte (10) and Patrick (8), wife of Mike and the self proclaimed carpet and rug chick.  I work with my father at our family-owned floor covering store, where I am a salesperson, stocker, buyer, cleaning staff, measure/estimator, bookkeeper, and installation manager.  My husband is the Cub master for our sons pack and I am the communications/secretary.  I am also the mom to a dog, cat, fish and two chickens. My 66 year old mother has severely progressed Alzheimer’s and I get to lose a little more of her everyday.  I have great extended family that props me up and terrific friends.

2. What prompted you to start a business? And, how do you stay energized about your work?

My grandfather actually started our business and my father purchased it from him.  I worked here from the age of 13-21.  I worked Saturdays, school breaks, summers and even worked co-op in High School.   I returned to the business after attending college and working for Marshall Field’s in Chicago as a Department Manager.  I was never going to join our business, and when the offer came I was “floored.”  I woke up that night and decided I not only wanted to return, I was delighted to be able to return to what I loved to do which is working with customers to find them their perfect floor.  I love working at my job, and since the economy has threatened my lively hood for last few years, I do not find it hard to stay energized about holding on to what I want.

3. How do you balance family life and work? Scheduling?

There are days I am quite literally dizzy with my attempts to “balance” my life/work/schedule, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  When given 30 minutes by myself I am quite paralyzed by the thought of what to do.

Scheduling requires a great day planner, a great family and a lot of flexibility.  I am good at all but the last.  I am resistant to change and ironically, I am getting lots of opportunity lately to work on that.

Workspace:  In our almost 50 years of business, our store has actually had 4 locations.  Our last space was fantastic.  We had a huge showroom, an attached warehouse, and even a separate office which we made a bedroom/playroom.  My kids were with me until they started school and I am very grateful for that.  Now, we are co-located with another store-a great Country Store that sells cool small items, lighting and furniture.  We are squished in the back of their building and even though our place is now tiny-honestly it is cute as heck and very consumer friendly.  I have my small space in a corner to do bookkeeping and it works very nicely.

4. Tell us about your workspace.

In our almost 50 years of business, our store has actually had 4 locations.  Our last space was fantastic.  We had a huge showroom, an attached warehouse, and even a separate office which we made a bedroom/playroom.  My kids were with me until they started school and I am very grateful for that.  Now, we are co-located with another store-a great Country Store that sells cool small items, lighting and furniture.  We are squished in the back of their building and even though our place is now tiny-honestly it is cute as heck and very consumer friendly.  I have my small space in a corner to do bookkeeping and it works very nicely.

5. What do you do to escape work and family life to just be you?

These days, I do not have much time to escape, but I am OK with that.  When I do, it is usually to do my work in Cub scouts, going out with friends and reading.  I just finished “The Help” and I liked it very much.

6. What advice would you give to moms that want to start a business? Any parting words of wisdom?

Run Screaming!!!!  No, just kidding.  As someone who is always afraid, I would say I have learned that there is nothing like going for it.  We only get this one chance and if we can contribute something, don’t you think we should?  Also, use the 24 hour rule.  If you are upset about something…make yourself wait 24 hours before “reacting.”  Sometimes that is just enough time for things to work out, change or get worse.  Then you can really let them have it!