When Mark Liset's kids got to college, he decided to take a part-time job in the flooring department of a big box retailer to help pay the bills.

One thing lead to another and now Liset owns his own flooring franchise in Lisle.

While working for the retailer, he picked up on the needs of customers and started looking into how to better serve them. He found Floor Coverings International based in Smyrna, Georgia and recently launched his own franchise location in Lisle. He joins a handful of other franchisees in Glenview, Naperville, Wheaton, River Forest and Villa Park.

The business provides convenience to the customer by bringing flooring options to the home. Liset explained that the company offers more than 3,000 flooring options that include top brands at competitive prices. Carpet, hardwood, laminates, vinyl, ceramic tile and area rugs are included.

Floor Coverings International operates more than 80 franchises in about 30 states and Canada and projects to add 30 more in 2009.

List the company uses a computer program that allows the client to see how a particular flooring will look in their home. He said they take a digital picture in the home and then view flooring options with the click of a button.

"This gives you a good idea of what the room is going to look like. The software is so powerful," said Liset, who worked in the computer industry and then owned a Curves fitness franchise with his wife before getting into flooring. He added that the sales associates are trained through the franchise and are knowledgeable on flooring trends and styles. The installation process is also closely monitored.

Many of the franchisees are launching showrooms as well. Liset opened a showroom at 5403 Patton Drive Unit 203 in Lisle.

Billy Brewster and Jason Balbey, former college roommates at Auburn University, opened the newest showroom at 4326 Regency Drive in Glenview. After graduating college, the men worked for five years in their own careers before launching the franchise earlier this month.

The franchise owners say customers like to see and feel the samples in their home before making a selection.

Franchisees don't keep inventory in stock, so they don't try to sell or push a particular product.

"Our philosophy is to help people find what they're looking for with the best budget," Liset said.

For more information, visit floorcoveringsinternational.com.

• Kim Mikus' covers small business and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4567.