Miranda Pederson/Daily NewsWade McCoy, owner of Bowling Green-based Shop At Home Carpets, stands in front of his van on Thursday.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Business: Shop At Home Carpets

Location: 2731 Pioneer Drive, Bowling Green

Type of business: Floor covering sales and installation

Opened: 1997

Owner: Wade McCoy

Employees: Three

Specialties: In-home shopping for floor coverings

How the business got started: I was working for a local flooring store and decided to start my own flooring store on wheels without the showroom. I decided on the slogan, bringing the store to your door, and the name Shop At Home Carpets. I rented a warehouse and got the business started.

What is your background: I worked for two other flooring stores from 1990 until I started my own business in 1997.

What are your biggest challenges as a business: Remembering to adapt to business changes and learning to trust your employees to make decisions so I don’t try to do everything myself.

What is your business philosophy: Treat your customers and employees like you would want to be treated is number one. Also offer convenience and fair prices and the best customer service.

What issues are affecting your industry: With the slowdown in new construction, the industry has seen declining sales the past two years. Also, rising oil prices have caused price increases from our suppliers.

What makes your business successful: The convenience of at-home shopping and low overhead have allowed us to grow when others are losing market share.

How do you handle competition: We set our company apart from others with at-home shopping, expert installation and excellent pricing. We also make sure to handle any problems fair and fast.

What is your advice to someone thinking about starting a business: Start with as little debt as possible and remember to treat customers like gold. Leave no one unhappy. I would also recommend you remember to read books and continue to learn as much as possible about your industry.