Floor Coverings International (FCI), a North American leader in the flooring and decorating industry has come to Rhode Island via Barrington resident and former corporate marketing Executive Tim Oswald. Floor Coverings International of Greater Providence RI is open, operating and delighting customers in the communities it serves which are: Barrington, Bristol, Cranston, Providence and East Providence, Pawtucket, Riverside, Rumford, Warren, Warwick and West Warwick.

Before venturing into the flooring business, Tim spent over 20 years in Corporate America, holding strategic roles in Marketing, Strategy, Operations, and New Product Development at renowned companies such as Campbell Soup Company, CVS, and Ocean Spray. His diverse experience and dedication to excellence are set to propel his new business to the top of the over 250 units operating in the FCI network in the U.S. and Canada.

Tim explained that once he decided it was time to open his own small business and build a legacy for his family, Rhode Island was his choice. “Rhode Island is not only a great place to raise my grade school children, but I knew and had studied the many advantages for small business owners in this state. We love Lieutenant Governor Matos' strong ties to the local small business community, particularly her role as the chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council."

This is where Tim and Cortney Oswald, both 48 years old, decided to change their lives and their children’s futures and become small business owners and active members of a great community.

Tim shared, “My previous career honed my skills in marketing, strategy, and consumer insights, so I am focused on ensuring my new business will meet and exceed customer expectations.”

Tim’s personal experience renovating a 1962 home further inspired his commitment to providing high-quality flooring solutions. “Cortney and I saw everything that could go right with so many contractors on our site but also so many things that could go wrong. Some of our contractors just did the minimal, did their job, but that was it. Others really impressed us with their attention to detail, follow up and ongoing check-ins. These are the type of vendors and installers we vowed to attach ourselves to in our Floor Coverings International business here and we’ve already made those partnerships.”

The FCI model distinguishes itself with its unique Mobil Flooring Showroom., bringing a vast selection of flooring samples directly to customers’ doors with a Design Associate to assist in selection.

“Bringing customers flooring samples into their homes among their furnishings, wall colors and accessories is just an extraordinary plus,” added Tim. “We knew from our total gut and rehab job of our home just how valuable a service this is. Talk about time saving! It took us years to complete our home. We wish we had this advantage.”

As the top customer-rated (NPR score) flooring company in the country, FCI prioritizes delivering five-star customer service and competitive pricing, leveraging the purchasing power of over 250 franchises nationwide. The Oswald family is actively involved in the business. Tim’s wife, Cortney, and their children, Sydney (12) and Carter (10), participate in local events, contributing to the company’s community engagement and customer outreach.

Top Marketing Pro Says Goodbye to Corporate Life and Hello to Rhode Island’s Strong Small Business Community and its Advantages