Dibling Floor Covering & Interiors Has Been Serving Customers For 67 Years

BY NANCY GAGNET | MIRROR REPORTER — For more than six decades, Dibling Floor Covering & Interiors in uptown Maumee has provided quality products at the right prices. Third-generation owners Mike Dibling and his sister Beth Rumer have remained competitive, despite the ever-changing industry. “In today’s economy, I am glad we are a small business. We do not have the overhead that others have taken on,” said Mike. Customers shouldn’t be deceived by the store’s size when it comes to price shopping, especially when compared to big-box retailers, he added. “Our store size creates a huge misconception that we would be more expensive then a big-box store. Most of the time it is quite the opposite,” he said. Donna McManus, who initially went to a large retailer to purchase new flooring for her Perrysburg home, believes Dibling’s service and quality surpasses other flooring stores. “I went to a big-box store and they sent someone out to measure, and the person was very unprofessional and made me feel uncomfortable,” Donna said. Numerous “add-ons” also made the quote much higher, leading her to shop at Dibling. In addition to completing the work on time and on budget, Dibling installers took extra time to add special finishes that the builder failed to do. “My new floors turned out beautifully,” she said. “They take great pride in their work and I understand why they have been around so long.” Dibling carries all types of flooring options, including ceramic tile, carpet, laminate and hardwood. “Flooring is the starting point of design,” said Beth. “It sets the mood, look and feel that you want overall.” One of the newest trends in flooring is luxury vinyl, which is a high-end material that looks like wood and stone, but costs a fraction of the price. “It emulates the grain patterns of real distressed wood and can hold up to high traffic,” Beth said. “It is practical for a busy lifestyle.” The business also carries custom countertops, window coverings, upholstery and fabrics. Mike and Beth’s grandparents, Margaret and Edward H. Dibling, and their father, Edward J. Dibling, started the business in 1950. Initially, the store was located on Allen Street in a building that has since been torn down. In 1952, it moved to the current location in the 300 block of Conant Street. Their mother, Mary Catherine, and their brother, Tom, also joined the business, but both have retired. Mary Catherine, who turns 90 in May, still lives near Tom, just a few blocks from the store. “Being in uptown Maumee has been a source of family pride,” said Mike. “I’m pretty sure we have been doing business in uptown Maumee longer than any other current business.” The Diblings have always believed in giving back to the community, and Mike and his wife Karen chair the Maumee Summer Fair. In fact, plans for the first Summer Fair began at their store, with Mary Catherine leading the discussion. “Mom would have been one of the first groups of businesses planning it,” Mike said. This year, the event marks its 40th anniversary. Both residential and commercial clients are served, and many customers are multigenerational. For Mike, the best part about the business is the inevitable change that comes with it. “You don’t know what the next trend will be and timing for the next trend is pretty important. If you hop on the train as it’s coming in, it’s an easy ride. If you miss that train, it’s hard to hop on,” he said. Both Mike and Beth say that shopping at a local, family-owned business ensures quality service. “We pay attention to detail, whether it’s the color of the transition strip, offering suggestions or coordinating a carpenter,” said Beth. “We take great effort in trying to make sure that each project runs smoothly and stress-free for every customer.” • Dibling Floor Covering & Interiors is located at 321 Conant St. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Evening hours are also available by appointment. More information can be found online at www.DiblingFloorCovering.com or by calling the store at (419) 893-3256.