Gillespie's Abbey Carpet and Floor Business of the Year Recognition

I’m proud to recognize Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet and Floor as the District 11 small business of the year.
Congratulations! A family-owned, community-oriented flooring company with ties to Fairfield and Vacaville is the 2016 Assembly District 11 Small Business of the Year. Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor was honored this morning at the Capitol during California Small Business Day 2016 observances.
The company is based in Fairfield and provides new flooring and carpet cleaning services. Founded in 1934, the business was acquired by the Hoover family in 1975 and is now run by the family’s second generation: Vacaville brothers Monte and Craig Hoover.“These folks are excellent community members who donate their time, energy and money to just about every parade, festival and big event held in Central Solano County,” Assemblymember Frazier said as he thanked the brothers for their hard work and upstanding business practices. “I am proud to work with them on behalf of and in support of small businesses in our community.” Gillespie’s is renowned for both its professional service and its commitment to the community. The company supports numerous schools, sports leagues and programs for children and students, as well as civic organizations and causes.
In addition, Monte Hoover, who serves as president and general manager of the firm, volunteers his own time to many causes. A member of the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce for more than 35 years, he currently chairs its Board of Directors. He is Vice President of the Board of the Busch Campos Business Park, a member of the Solano Business Group and a founding member of the Northbay Contractors Alliance. A past Vice President of the Heather House homeless shelter, he continues to serve on the Fairfield Tomato Festival committee.
The commitment to community “is something my parents instilled in us,” said Monte Hoover. “If we make sure our community is strong, healthy and educated, then our businesses will be healthy, too.”It’s a perspective the company shares with other local business leaders, he added.
“A group of us have been focused on that vision for the last 10 to 12 years,” Hoover said, adding he has seen it pay off. “Our business is thriving right now, and it has to do with the fact that the community wants to support local companies that support local communities. People tell us that on a weekly basis.”
Of course, providing excellent service is also part of the formula for success. Craig Hoover, who serves as vice president of the company and installation manager at the store, receives consistently high marks from contented customers. Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor regularly ranks No. 1 in readers’ choice surveys conducted by newspapers on Fairfield and Vacaville. The company’s prosperity can also be seen in its growth. When the Hoover family purchased the company from the Gillespie family, it had only two employees and was housed in a 1,000-square-foot space. Today, Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor owns a 19,000-square-foot building on Chadbourne Road and employs 15 workers, including a third-generation member of the Hoover family: Craig’s daughter Tempe, who manages the showroom.
Each year, the California State Assembly recognizes the contributions of small businesses and acknowledges their important role in the creation of jobs and growth for the California economy. The day began with workshops coordinated by the California Small Business Association, followed by a Salute to Small Businesses Award Luncheon honoring each Assembly District’s Small Business of the Year.
~Jim Frazier