Meet the Guhde Flooring America team!

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Guhde Flooring America was started in Euclid in 1957. The Guhde family team, shown here, spans the generations. From left to right: Cait Rudolph, Nikki Weber, Shawn Rosa, Monica Guhde-Rosa, Mike Guhde, Jr., Diane Guhde, Michael Guhde, Sr., Donna Guhde and Jaca Rigo. (Photography by Benjamin Margalit/Margalit Studio)

By Patricia Nugent

As Guhde Flooring America celebrates its 60th year in business, we coaxed the family, and extended family, to reflect on what they like best about their role in the business. 

Michael Guhde, Sr., Dad and President
Bio: Got his start in the 1950s going on jobs with his father, Donald Guhde, who opened his first store in Euclid in 1957.
Job Specs: Mike is still involved with jobs, recently laying flooring in the Lake County YMCA Dream House.
Favorite Part of the Job: “The best thing about working here is working with my family every day to carry on the tradition started by my parents.” 

Diane Guhde, Wife, Mom and Jack of all Trades
Bio: Married Michael Sr. and started working in 1976
Job Specs: She does a bit of everything, working the showroom floor and helping customers.
Favorite Part of the Job: “Making people happy.”

Mike Guhde, Jr., Son and General Manager
Bio: Literally grew up in the business, as Diane brought a playpen into the store. Studied at Kent State University.
Job Specs: Mike ensures operational cohesion while promoting a positive and productive workplace. 
Favorite Part of the Job: “Turning a vision or idea into reality. Being part of the process is rewarding, especially when driving by the job months later and remembering that I had something to do with it.”

Monica Guhde-Rosa, Daughter, Wife and Office Manager
Bio: See above about growing up in the business, same playpen—five years earlier. Studied at The Ohio State University.
Job Specs: Oversees daily operations, running the financials and administrative side of the business.
Favorite Part of the Job: “Getting to work with my family and my husband every day is special. And I enjoy building relationships with customers who put their trust in us.”

Shawn Rosa, Husband and Sales Manager
Bio: Spent his career in flooring, first working for another local company, then, upon marrying Monica, came to work for Guhde.
Job Specs: Oversees sales and ordering, interfaces with product representatives and attends trade shows. 
Favorite Part of the Job: “We have grown to the point that we needed to hire sales staff outside of our family, but they have become part of the family. When you create that kind of environment for your team, I believe that transcends into customer service.”

Vayda Rosa, Boxer, Chief Officer of Tail Wags
Bio: This sweet-natured pooch joined the Rosas two years ago and comes to work every day.
Job Specs: Greets customers and spreads happiness.
Favorite Part of the Job: “Seeing people cheer up around me.”

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Cait Rudolph, Special Projects Manager

Bio: Has a degree in interior architecture from Ohio University.
Job Specs: Will oversee the soon-to-open kitchen and bath showroom
Favorite Part of the Job: “When people bring in pictures of their dream room and we bring it to life.”

Donna Guhde, Sales Specialist
Bio: As Mike Sr.’s sister, and Donald Guhde’s daughter, Donna has been working here on and off since her high school days back in the 1970s.
Favorite Part of the Job: “Sometimes the customer knows exactly what they want. Others have no idea what they want. Those are the ones I love helping the most. There are so many decisions along the way in the selection process, I enjoy taking customers from A to Z and easing their way through it.”

Nikki Weber, Sales Specialist
Bio: This Mentor native joined the family in 2015. She is Shawn’s sister. 
Favorite Part of the Job: “It’s exciting to work someplace where there are always new products coming out.”

Jaca Rigo, Sales Specialist
Bio: Graduated from Ohio University with a fine arts degree.
Favorite Part of the Job: “Helping people make choices, bringing my knowledge of color theory to work.”

Timeline

  • 1957 – Donald Guhde opens first store in Euclid
  • 1989 – Store moves to Mentor Avenue in Painesville to meet growing number of clients
  • 2000s – The family branches out from carpet and hardwoods to new luxury vinyl tiles, countertops, backsplashes, custom showers and paint
  • 2017 – By year’s end, the Guhdes are unveiling a new showroom featuring model bathrooms and full kitchens

Guhde Flooring America is located at 1880 Mentor Avenue in Painesville Township. Hours are Monday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Call 440-639-1990, or visit GuhdeFlooringAmerica.com for more information.