BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – As Cornerstone Flooring Companies prepared to refocus on its residential division, Jim Lloyd, President and Founder, was introduced to Alliance Flooring as a potential partner. After conducting extensive research and participating in several conversations and meetings, Lloyd determined that Alliance Flooring was the right fit for Cornerstone’s next chapter of growth.
Manning Lloyd and Jim Lloyd
For more than 25 years, Cornerstone Flooring has built a strong commercial flooring business supported by valuable manufacturer relationships, experienced installers, extensive product knowledge, project-management expertise, and trusted relationships with contractors, builders, designers, and property managers. The company saw an opportunity to leverage those strengths and expand into the residential retail market with Alliance Flooring.
Already an incredibly well-run commercial business, Cornerstone recognized the opportunity in residential retail and wanted to partner with a group that aligned with its culture and values.
One of Lloyd’s most important requirements was finding a partner that would support the company while allowing it to maintain its independence.
“We wanted to partner with a group that didn’t mandate to us or tell us what we had to do,” Lloyd said. “We wanted one that would support us and be our partner. We’ve been in business for 25 years, and we wanted to keep our autonomy. Alliance Flooring lets us keep our independence and make decisions we feel are best for us and our market.”
Lloyd said visiting two Alliance Flooring member stores helped demonstrate the value of the group and its approach.
“After visiting two of their members’ stores, I saw the benefits of what they could offer us and how they operate,” he said. “They have what it takes to help small and large businesses succeed in retail.
We noticed something right away—they don’t sit on their laurels. They are constantly looking ahead and keeping their members on the cutting edge with technology, merchandising, and networking.”
Manning Lloyd, Cornerstone’s Corporate Recruiter, Brand and Marketing Manager, was equally impressed with Alliance Flooring’s commitment to innovation.
“I appreciate what they are doing,” Manning Lloyd said. “They aren’t satisfied with the status quo. They are continually innovating and making things better and smoother for us. They have an impressive team.”
Cornerstone decided to build its new showroom around the Perfect Home retail selling system. The showroom concept provides a clean, cohesive shopping experience while maximizing merchandising efficiency and product presentation. Displays are strategically positioned to create an easy-to-shop environment that feels open, organized, and welcoming.
Ray DeWitt, Residential Manager
Ray DeWitt, who joined Cornerstone in June as Residential Manager, was initially skeptical about working with a buying group. However, after seeing the Perfect Home selling system and the tools available through Alliance Flooring, his perspective quickly changed.
The Warehouse Crew with Ethan Logue and RJ Dunn
“At first, I thought we would have to do things the way they told us and that they wouldn’t be able to provide much to help us,” DeWitt said. “I was wrong about that. This group is top-notch and a true partner that I can now see will help us be successful.”
Ryan Dunn, CEO and co-president of Alliance Flooring, said he is excited to welcome Cornerstone’s residential division to the organization.
“We are thrilled that Jim Lloyd and the Cornerstone Flooring residential division have chosen to join Alliance Flooring,” Dunn said. “For more than 25 years, the Cornerstone team has built a strong reputation as a respected commercial flooring provider, and they are now bringing that same expertise and business approach to the residential market. Having experienced the benefits of a buying group, Jim and his team understand the value of finding the right partner—one that can provide resources, innovation and support while allowing them to maintain their independence.
“Another exciting aspect of this partnership is the future leadership already in place at both organizations. Jim has Manning, while Kevin and I have our sons, Ethan Logue and RJ Dunn, working alongside us as we prepare the next generation to carry both companies forward. That creates a natural connection between our organizations and a shared perspective on long-term growth, succession and the future of the flooring industry. We look forward to working with the entire Cornerstone team.”