Nufloors has everything flooring related

Nufloors in Creston, B.C., has a long history of happy customers

Tracy Wastrodowski, office manager at Nufloors, poses next to some of the store's carpets. — Brendan Mitchell photo

Nufloors in Creston, B.C., is a well-established business that has been at its present location for 18 years. The staff's dedication to service and the flooring industry has helped Nufloors become a multiple Best of Business award winner. Owners Randy and Ellen Samuelson were on a well-deserved holiday when I popped into the store; however, their office manager, Tracy Wastrodowski, was willing to give Kootenay Business magazine a look into the day-to-day workings of the shop and why she has stayed with the business.

How did you become interested in the company and the flooring industry?

I had actually just moved here from Alberta and Nufloors was hiring. When I started here I had no knowledge at all—now I’ve been here for seven years and now I have some knowledge (laughs). It’s an interesting field, that’s for sure. It’s extensive and changing all the time, so there’s always new product and always something happening.

Can you tell me the last book you read?

I read The Hunger Games. I read just the first one, but it was good. I liked the book way better than the movie, which I also watched just recently—that was a letdown. It’s always a letdown when you read the book first.

Who or what inspires you?

My kids inspire me. I have three of my own, and my partner has two kids. They range in age from 10 to 23. It’s quite a span, but it’s really nice.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was working at the chamber of commerce in Crawford Bay—it was great. I got to meet all kinds of different people. The chamber of commerce booth, at that time, was at the ferry landing. (Consequently) there was a constant stream of people. It was amazing; I met tons of really wonderful people. I was just working the desk, answering questions—I grew up there so it was easy for me to do. It really was great. I learned lots of things about lots of people.

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this job?

I would be baking cakes.