Pre-1994 - Pre-1994

In the 1980s, Al, Gary, and Kathy Barnum operated a bail bond company on Court Avenue in Des Moines called Barnum Bail Bonds. After closing that business, the father and son duo, Al and Gary, began talking about going into business together again. Gary had been working in carpentry for several years, but both desired the benefits of owning their own business. At the time, Al was retiring after 35 years as a stockbroker. Although Al was ready to leave the demands of the financial industry, he was not ready to retire.

As the story goes, in 1994, Al was sitting at a resort in Costa Rica visiting his youngest daughter, Kelly, who was serving in the Peace Corps. He began a conversation with another American who was in the business of exporting teak. He told Al, “Hardwood flooring is coming back into style. There will be a need for quality hardwood experts.”  The gentlemen planted the seed for entering into the hardwood flooring business.