Posted: Tuesday March 21, 2023
At the end of last summer, three local businesses came together to donate 3 giant, red Adirondack chairs that are prominently displayed along the Brockville waterfront on Blockhouse Island. The project was inspired in part by a group of local residents who had donated regular sized, colourful, plastic Adirondack chairs for use in the park by residents and visitors. The chairs were donated by Casual Living, Hansler Ltd., and Custom Custom Decor Carpet One Ltd. and catch your eye from land and water, and are a great place to get your picture taken when you are visiting downtown Brockville.
One of those three businesses that has evolved greatly over the years and has overseen a number of expansions and moves is Custom Decor. Continue reading for more on their story:
Tell us a bit about how your business came to be and the path you took to get where you are today:
Custom Decor Carpet One Ltd. started out with humble beginnings.
From the back of a red pickup truck, Ed VanderBaaren started his entrepreneurial skills with house painting. In May of 1975 Ed received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University. Planning on being a teacher, Ed applied to teachers college, but for the summer continued to paint houses. He eventually hired a crew that consisted of his brother and a few friends, and from there the business grew.
The painting business flourished and Ed bought a business from Luigo Rigutto that consisted of some tools and the expertise of Mr. Rigutto. From there the business graduated into a retail store, selling Glidden Paint, Olympia tiles and wallpaper. The business continued to grow and in 1982 Jane joined the team. Custom Painting changed its logo to Custom Decor and moved again to the prestigious Zellers Shopping Centre. The location was good and business evolved to sell carpet, flooring, fabric, window treatments, area rugs, and had over 600 wallpaper patterns. We remained in this location until the final move to 3011 Highway 29.
How long have you been in business for?
This will be the 20th year in this location on County Road 29 in Elizabethtown, and the store has been revitalized numerous times, just to keep up with current trends, and new innovations in the market.
In 2011 we expanded once again to include Custom Kitchen and Tile, a ceramic tile and bath accessories showroom including bathtubs, toilets, sinks, shower doors, and vanities.
What sets your business apart from the competition?
Custom Decor Carpet One Floor and Home not only carries hundreds of exclusive brands, from major manufacturers in carpeting but also hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, area rugs, and new luxury vinyl tile.
All installations are not created equal. Custom Decor Carpet One offers the Healthier Living Flooring Installation System with Premium Carpet Cushion, and when we throw in the Beautiful Guarantee, you just can’t go wrong. We want you to be 100% happy that the floor we’ve created together is as beautiful as the one in your dreams. If not we will replace it for free. That’s what we call the Beautiful Guarantee.
Our sales professionals are trained to ask the right questions to guide you through our easy-to-understand selection system. We carry the best paint for any project, both residential and commercial, and Benjamin Moore has great products, colors which can be color matched by our excellent staff. Our window treatment section has changed over the years and now we are an exclusive Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer. We carry fabrics from Joanne and Maxwell, for your drapery needs.
We are your personal assistant when it comes to a Kitchen and Bath design. Renovations begin with an idea, a vision to transform your home. We are here to help with your design, plan and budget. We offer a shop at home service and free estimates. We believe in flawless execution, so our work continues even after you have left the store.
How do you stay involved in the community?
We (Ed, Jane and Matt VanderBaaren) have been involved in community events our entire lives. Jane was a supporter of Sherwood Park Manor for 15 years, and involved in the Chamber of Commerce and many other activities. Ed has kept his artistic talents alive by becoming a potter and lately started to include some drawing.
Matt has followed in the family footsteps and has become the 2nd generation owner, is involved in Carpet One business, and is a part of the Young Professionals Network in Brockville including the Winter Classic Weekend and creation of the roof over the rink at Rotary Park.
“We just installed a giant Adirondack chair on Blockhouse Island for visitors and Brockvillians alike to enjoy our beautiful waterfront.” – Jane VanderBaaren
What would you tell other people who are considering setting up their business in Brockville?
Brockville is ready for more entrepreneurs to set up their business either downtown or in the nearby commercial zones.
What is the “best kept secret” about Brockville?
“The best kept secret about Brockville is that we have all the amenities of a big city but if there is a traffic jam it might take you and extra 5 minutes to get to your destination. Brockville is a beautiful place to live and play.” – Jane VanderBaaren
Find Custom Decor Carpet One Ltd.:
Find out more about the business at: www.customdecorcarpetonebrockville.com
Phone: 613-342-8090
Email: customdecorcarpetone@gmail.com
Address: Located in the Custom Decor – Russell Hendrix building at 3011 Highway 29 in Brockville