Tradeshow flooring firm Brumark Total Flooring Solutions has been an industry stalwart for several decades and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. Exhibit City News took some time to learn more about Brumark’s success and where the firm likely will be in 30 more years.
ECN: What are some of the essential elements of Brumark’s success?
Dave Walens, president, Brumark: One benefit of so many years in the industry is our experience. We use that expertise to identify and offer innovative flooring solutions that address a real need for our clients, whether it’s faster, easier installation, cost savings or new design options. We’re always thinking about what customers need and the challenges they face. When customers come to us and describe their projects, we have the expertise to help them choose exactly the right flooring for their application and design.
This combination of innovation, expert advice and personalized service is really what keeps customers coming back and has kept our company growing for three decades. We also have a truly knowledgeable, focused and committed team that makes all this possible.
ECN: What are some of the challenges Brumark had to overcome?
DW: Like any business, we’ve faced economic challenges, changing competition and shifts in what customers want and need. We have been successful despite the challenges because we keep our focus on the customer and finding solutions that will benefit them.
ECN: How has Brumark changed since its initial founding?
DW: Brumark was started in 1973 by Bruce and Marge Korver. The company name is actually a combination of their names: “Bru” for Bruce, “Mar” for Marge and “K” for Korver. The Korvers started this company with a commitment to outstanding customer service while providing products exclusively to the exhibit and event industry. They pioneered 10-foot wide carpet and the concept of a one-source supplier of flooring to the tradeshow industry. This included a variety of carpet styles, padding, inlays and logos. Bruce and Marge travelled around the country in their van meeting with customers coast to coast.
Over the years we’ve continued to build on that original entrepreneurship and that focus on finding solutions that make life easier for our customers. The most recent example is our new EverSlate product, which is a very lightweight and flexible real slate tile. Because it’s so easy to transport, handle, and install, it gives exhibitors a convenient way to use real slate tile in ways that just wouldn’t have been feasible before.
ECN: Where will Brumark be in 2043, and how will it get there?
DW: We’ll still be providing customers with the quality, innovative exhibit and event flooring solutions they need, for whatever applications will be used 30 years from now. And we’ll get there by continuing to grow and adapt with our customers and industry.
