Food industry exec launches Floor Coverings International business serving the Northwest communities

After spending more than 20 years helping shape some of America’s most recognized food brands, local entrepreneur and mother of two Melissa Walters has traded corporate boardrooms for living rooms, launching her own Floor Coverings International franchise serving Des Plaines, Elmwood Park, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Edison Park, Irving Park and Norwood Park.

Throughout her corporate career, she held leadership positions with industry giants including Conagra, Unilever, Kraft Heinz and McCain Foods, leading consumer marketing, innovation, business strategy and brand growth initiatives. From household pantry staples to frozen food favorites, she spent decades building brands that millions of consumers rely on every day.

Now, she’s applying that same customer-focused mindset to helping homeowners transform their spaces through flooring solutions.

“After years of building and growing brands for other companies, I knew I was ready to build something of my own,” she said. “I had developed the skills to run a business, but I was looking for the right opportunity that combined entrepreneurship, customer service, and my passion for home design. Floor Coverings International gave me the confidence, support system, and proven business model to make that leap.”

As a business owner and mother of two young children, ages 2 and 4, she was also seeking greater flexibility and purpose in her career.

“I wanted a career that allowed me to remain deeply involved in my children’s lives while still pursuing meaningful professional goals,” she said. “Having my own business allows me to contribute in a significant way without sacrificing family time or being tied to the demands of a traditional corporate schedule.”

Floor Coverings International offers a unique shop-at-home experience through its Mobile Flooring Showroom, bringing thousands of flooring samples directly to customers’ homes. This allows homeowners to compare products under their own lighting and alongside their existing décor, making the selection process easier and more convenient. Drawing on her extensive background in customer service, project management and consumer insights, she collaborates closely with homeowners from the initial consultation through installation.

“My experience has always centered around understanding what consumers need and helping them make informed decisions,” she said. “Today’s customers are incredibly knowledgeable. Many have already researched products before we meet. My role is less about selling and more about helping them find the flooring solution that best fits their lifestyle, design goals, and budget.”

The business has already gained momentum, with several completed carpet and luxury vinyl plank projects throughout the area. She is also pursuing larger commercial opportunities, including multiple proposals currently under consideration with local schools. Among the strongest trends she’s seeing are homeowners replacing traditional carpeting with laminate and luxury vinyl flooring products.

“Luxury vinyl continues to be one of the most popular choices because it delivers what today’s families want: durability, waterproof performance, scratch resistance, and beautiful design,” she said. “We’re also seeing strong demand for wider and longer plank styles that create a more modern, open feel throughout the home.”

Supported by an office manager and backed by the resources of one of North America’s leading flooring franchises, she has ambitious plans for growth. Her long-term vision is to build a thriving local business while helping homeowners solve flooring challenges with confidence and ease.

“Flooring is one of the most impactful updates a homeowner can make,” she said. “Whether it’s replacing worn-out carpet, updating a home’s style or finding a product that stands up to kids and pets, I love helping people create spaces they’re excited to come home to. That’s what makes this business so rewarding.”

Reach Walters at floorcoveringsinternational.com or call (464) 768-6125.