Russell Martin Carpet and Rugs has been named a finalist for the Loyola Illinois Family Business of the Year. They were honored in both the Small Business Category and the Community Service Category. Russell Martin was the only company to be named as a finalist in two categories.
The awards were given by the Loyola University Family Business Center and recognize companies with a strong commitment to both business and family. In addition to business success, those recognized demonstrated positive family/business linkage, multi-generational family business involvement, contributions to industry and community, and innovative business practices and strategies.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as a family business, we place such an emphasis on the importance of family relationships and treating our clients and community like they are a part of our family,” said Dave Martin, owner of Russell Martin.
The story of Russell Martin could be a blueprint for starting the quintessential family-operated business. Dave Martin was going to college and working three jobs, one of which was at Russell’s Cleaners, where he helped the owner with carpet cleaning. Shortly after he married his wife, Rae, they bought the carpet cleaning side of the business for a year’s gross earnings; the sum total of $60,000, which they had two years to pay off. In 1984, Dave and Rae added carpet sales to the business. As a professional who had worked with carpets for many years, Dave’s clients would ask for recommendations about carpet, so he took a logical step and began selling it himself. Later, they saw their son Sam, daughter Kate, and daughter-in-
Being a family run operation has had an immense influence on the way that Russell Martin handles its business and its relationships with clients. Their mission statement clearly reflects this outlook: “We assist our customers with their every carpet need, from cradle to grave, and seek every opportunity to exhibit a can-do attitude; at a profit — if we can; at a loss — if we must; But always with honesty, integrity and a smile.”
“Our philosophy is that you might have to take an economic hit sometimes, but you take care of everybody like they are your family so you can get up each morning and look at yourself in the mirror,” said Rae Martin. It is this commitment to integrity that makes Russell Martin stand out in the community.
They also have a strong commitment to their community having worked extensively with local not for profit organizations. Rae served on the Little Friends Board of Directors for 18 years. Russell Martin also provided the carpeting for the DuPage PADS assisted living facility as well as volunteering with the organization. Dave is the past president of the Naperville Jaycees, and Dave and Rae both chaired the Little Friends Auction for 8 years.
Their dedication to family and community led them to be named finalists in both categories of the Loyola Family Business of the Year Awards.
For more information about Russell Martin Carpet and Rugs call (630) 961-1312, see their website at www.RMCarpets.com or visit their showroom at 633 N. Washington St. in Naperville.
