Carpets launched Basta's business

Scott Basta knows carpets. The York County native owns Basta's Floor Covering & Installation on Hayes Road.

He's lived in Gloucester for 38 of his 48 years.

What attracted you to owning your own floor covering and installation shop?

Basically I was maxed out where I was. I was told they couldn't pay me more and really wouldn't pay me more.

So I started out installing carpets out of a shop here in Gloucester, and they basically said, if you sell carpets on your own I'll sell to you at 5 percent over cost.

So I started out evenings going out and selling carpet.

What's changing in your work and what are your challenges?

Mainly the different types of floor covering. We're selling a lot of cork floors.

We're getting a right good demand for cork floors. And a lot of hard surfaces instead of the carpets.

It's a lot of the upper end stuff instead of the lower end.

What's fun for you in your work?

Meeting different people. Of course, some are challenges and some aren't.

Seeing the pleasure of them seeing the finished product on their faces. If they are satisfied that's great.

And if not, you stay there until you can make them satisfied.

I want them to be happy with what they have.

I've done about every church in this county. I always do something extra, throw in a portion of it. I always make a contribution to the church.

If someone unfamiliar with Gloucester asks what's cool or unique about it, how do you answer that?

I guess you would say it's a fast-growing community.

When I first moved here, you would drive down the road and everybody had their hand up whether you knew them or not. I know the majority of Gloucester. Most everybody knows me.

What's something about you people would be surprised to learn?

After 31 years I'm still on my hands and knees and interested in the intricate part of carpet. If there's a special need I'm interested in doing that.

Read the original here:
Carpets launched Basta's business