Glen Ellyn's FloorOpedics changing hands after nearly 40 years in business

Starting a business as in-laws sounds like a risky venture, but Bill Palicki and Iryl Tortorella managed to run a flooring store in Glen Ellyn with remarkable staying power.

Palicki and his mother-in-law opened FloorOpedics in May 1978. He oversaw installations and repairs. She was the public face of the store as its showroom manager.

Nearly 40 years later, Palicki announced to customers last month that he is going into semiretirement and FloorOpedics is changing hands as its hardwood specialist, George Richards, takes ownership.

It's a bittersweet transition for Tortorella, who was honored with Palicki at a village board meeting this week. After the two received a special proclamation, Tortorella was asked to say a few words.

"I will probably cry because this community is so much a part of my heart, and it always will be," Tortorella said.

Glen Ellyn officials see that, too, because they not only recognized Palicki and Tortorella for building a business with a reputation for craftsmanship. The board also honored the in-laws for giving back to Glen Ellyn.

"Our community really benefits from both of your services," Village President Diane McGinley told them. "It has just been tremendous, and I know you're not going away. I know that we will continue to see you."

Tortorella left her mark as one of the original organizers of Taste of Glen Ellyn, a long-running May festival downtown. She also was invested in the downtown's image.

Tortorella would come to work at the showroom across from the Glen Ellyn Civic Center and walk around the core business district, checking to see if anything needed beautifying and then alerting the village, Palicki said. She also started a flowerpot-painting program.

"She was just very proud of this part of town and wanted to make sure it stayed that way," Palicki said.

His showroom closed last month, but it's hard to pinpoint his last day at the helm. Palicki is still taking orders from longtime customers and handling calls. He will help Richards, his employee of more than 25 years, as needed as the new owner operates the business out of Roselle.

"Everything will continue to be done well," Palicki said. "The sad part is it just won't be in downtown Glen Ellyn anymore."

The longtime Glen Ellyn resident credits the store's lengthy run to local support.

"You just know a lot of people and as long as you do a good job and your prices are fair, it's just a great community to work in," he said.

He also didn't have any doubts about going into business with his mother-in-law, who "was just fantastic" with helping clients select flooring for their homes.

"It was a great ride and we did a pretty good job, and I think it's time to pass the torch on to someone else," Palicki said.