Wesley Chapel resident Johnny Vandervlis of Ronnie’s Carpets in Lakeland will come to you with tons of samples to help you pick out the perfect flooring for your home.

If it’s time to replace or upgrade the flooring in your home, Johnny Vandervlis wants to come to you to help you with your project.

Johnny is a Wesley Chapel resident who is a sales and design consultant for Ronnie’s Carpets, which is located in Lakeland.

“Ronnie’s Carpets has been around for 45 years, in the same location, with the original owner,” explains Johnny. “There really is a ‘Ronnie’ in Ronnie’s Carpets.”

He says being backed by the largest retail flooring store in Polk County actually gives customers in Wesley Chapel an advantage.

“We are competitive in price, and we give a three-year warranty on installation,” says Johnny. “Most places only give one year. Plus, we’ve been around 45 years, so that warranty actually means something.”

Want an estimate on what new flooring would cost in your home? Johnny says there’s no need to trek out to Ronnie’s or any other flooring store, because he will come to you with lots and lots of samples and give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

“You call me and give me an idea of what you’re looking for,” says Johnny. “I set an appointment and come out to you. I bring samples and take all the measurements, and then give you an all-inclusive, bottom-line installed price.”

He says you won’t have to worry about extra charges for trim or transition pieces for laminate flooring, for example, or carpet padding. Sales tax on materials is included, as is all labor. Even the cost of moving large furniture pieces around is included.

Johnny says he’s been in the business for 25 years. He first heard of Ronnie’s Carpets when he moved to Dade City 13 years ago, before moving to Wesley Chapel four years ago.

“When I moved here and was setting up my house, so many people recommended Ronnie’s to me that when I went to look for a job, I went there,” he says. “I was impressed with the store, got lucky enough to get a job, and have been with Ronnie’s ever since.”

Design Help, Too

Johnny says most often, he works with homeowners who have been in their homes for several years, “when the carpet is starting to look nasty,” he says. “I like helping people work everything through, from ‘kind of’ having an idea of what they want to do to sharpening that idea and then making it a reality.”

While the idea of replacing the flooring in your home can be a bit daunting, Johnny is there to help his customers throughout the process.

“I have the knowledge of the products to walk you through what you need for your situation,” Johnny explains. “You might not have to spend as much money as you think, because there might be another option available that might save you money and be a better solution.”

He adds, “There are a lot of options on flooring that people might not know about. The flooring industry just blew up in terms of available options.”

For example, he says floating luxury vinyl is an option many people might be just hearing about for the first time.

“Vinyl is put together like laminate, but it’s waterproof,” he says. “It can look like wood or tile. Right now, there are a lot more wood choices, but vinyl is the fastest-growing segment in the industry, so every month we’re getting new product.”

Johnny says his many years of experience allow him to bring a seasoned and knowledgeable perspective to your project.

“I’m not a decorator, but I’ve been in this industry a long time,” he says. “I have an eye for color and nuance to help you figure out what will look best in your home.”

Johnny’s customers seem to like the fact that he’s willing to share his experience and opinion. “I’ll tell you if I think you’re going to do something you won’t be happy with,” he says, “I don’t want to see people spend good money on a mistake.”

Janet Epperson, a Realtor with Elite Brokers in Dade City, says that not only has she recommended Johnny to clients, but she also worked with him when her mother’s home needed new flooring.

It was easy, she says. “You can call him and he comes to your home,” explains Janet. “He has everything together, so you don’t have to go to the store. He’s a great listener and his customer service is excellent.”

She adds, “I think anyone who would work with him would be extremely happy.”

That’s what Johnny wants most. “I really like the idea of helping people make a change that’s going to make them happy,” he says.

While Ronnie’s Carpets is competitive on price, Johnny warns against shopping on price only.

“With the big box stores, for example, you buy the material, then who knows who they’ll send to do the work? You might get a good [installer], but you might not. If you’re shopping on price alone, unfortunately, you’ll probably get what you pay for. We handle everything from A to Z.”

While Ronnie’s Carpets is located in Polk County, the company routinely does jobs in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, including Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. Because of the company’s free shop-at-home service, there’s no need for customers to visit the store. If you do decide to visit, “It’s a bit of a ride,” says Johnny, “but it’s worth it.”

Ronnie’s Carpets is located at 12348 US Hwy 98 N. in Lakeland. To schedule your free in-home consultation, call Johnny at 312-6853. See the ad for Ronnie’s Carpets on page 24.

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