News
Mr. Wright Flooring President and CEO Announces new Partnership with WFCA
| Feb 15, 2020
Not many youth come from the streets of Jacksonville, FL and make a name for themselves in an international industry, but Marquis Wright, president and CEO of Mr. Wright Flooring Inc., is doing that and more as he embarks on a new partnership with World Floor Covering Association.
Humble beginnings
After landing in trouble as a juvenile, Wright struggled to find a job, but his willingness to work opened the door to an opportunity that changed the course of his life.
He worked under his mentor for three years before deciding to take a chance on himself and start his own business. At the age of 21, he launched Mr. Wright Flooring Inc. with a simple vision of providing jobs for his family. But like many entrepreneurs, he faced challenges reaching financial stability within the trade.
“My first year, I made $6,969.14,” said Wright. “I actually gave up on Mr. Wright Flooring at one point in my life and it ate at me.”
Nightmares about returning to jail brought him to a crossroad: he could continue to chase street dreams or give his all to floors.
Wright chose floors.
He relocated to South Florida in search of more consistent work, but within months, his mentor called him back to Jacksonville for a floor gig.
“I remember packing my last shoe box getting ready to head back to Jacksonville when I got a call,” said Wright. “A guy said he had an $8 million dollar home and he needed help. The job started in three days.“
He chose to keep his word and return to Jacksonville and to his surprise, the steady flow of work kept him there.
When he needed help, he’d call one of his cousins and they’d assist him when they could, but their time was limited because of their jobs.
By 2015, Wright was able to offer one of his cousins a part-time position as his helper. Today, his team consists of five guys, all family including his younger brother.
In 2019, Wright felt he needed to obtain certifications to take his business to the next level. Fulfilling his commitment to an instructor to attend the CFI Flooring Expo, he had an enlightening experience being surrounded and respected by experienced floor professionals who were making millions in the industry.
But it was a causal encounter with Scott Humphrey, CEO of World Floor Covering Association, that left a lasting impression, leading to a meeting of the minds at WFCA in Tennessee.
Now, Wright has the chance to help breathe new life into the floor industry, showing young people the potential of the trade.
“We’re still working out the details, but I’m excited for the future,” said Wright. “My brain has the shortcuts, coming from someone who started in this industry not knowing anything. And if other black teens can get the shortcuts, it will not only change lives, it could change the industry.”
To learn more about Marquis Wright and Mr. Wright Flooring, contact mrwightflooring@gmail.com.
The chance of a lifetime