The McCool's Story
Webster’s Dictionary defines work as: sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result. Virgil McCool personified this definition from an early age. In his younger years, picking cotton was part of his daily routine. In his later teens, he joined the Air Force! Returning from the service, he began working in the Chrysler factory, and started a family. After he got off work in the evenings, Virgil started doing extra jobs like cleaning and installing carpet, always with a vision to operate his own store. In 1967, Virgil and wife Carole began McCool’s Carpet Service behind their home in a pole building. Still working in the factory and keeping up with the store, the McCools were no strangers to hard work and long hours.
As the business grew, they knew they needed to find a solid manufacturer with whom to partner. After much prayer, the McCool’s were led to Mohawk Industries. Mohawk, at the time, was only one of many small mills in Georgia and grew into the world’s largest floor covering manufacturer. It was certainly a divine connection as McCool’s also began to grow and expand the original vision. Their son Douglas became involved in the business, and they opened a small remnant shop in Kokomo, Indiana. By the early 1990’s business was growing, and they built their first full-size showroom and warehouse again in Kokomo. In 1992, McCool’s Flooring Outlet was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.
Shortly after opening their new store in Kokomo, the McCools began to expand by opening a store in Carmel, Indiana. Their idea of great products and great prices coupled with excellent customer service was expanding. In 2000, they built a Floorscapes Superstore and warehouse next to the original store in Kokomo. This would allow them to warehouse goods for their Carmel store and any future locations. They also developed a strong commercial flooring division, providing the same great service to schools, churches, and other local businesses. By this time, much of the McCool family was involved. Virgil’s original vision of a “family business” was truly coming to fruition!
In 2007, McCool’s branched out in faith to the west side of Indianapolis, in Avon, IN. Their grandson Brad assumed responsibility of their newest store and it quickly became clear that Avon was a perfect fit. Now, there were three generations all actively involved in making McCool’s Flooring the best it could be. Set up with the best brands in the industry such as Mohawk, Karastan, Dal-Tile, Congoleum, and many more, McCool’s is a full-service flooring store. McCool’s Flooring Outlet is one of Mohawk’s largest independent retailers in the nation and stands ready to show you that the hard work and determination that got them here is still present in each and every transaction.
1967
The Birth of McCool's Flooring
McCool’s Flooring is a multi-generational business started by Virgil and Carole McCool in 1967. Virgil began as a carpet installer to provide supplemental income for the extended family. After some time, Carole saw the opportunity to provide the materials. Together, Virgil and Carole built a building behind their home in Sharpsville where they stocked rolls of carpet for customers to browse – McCool's Carpet.
1987
Expanding
The business expanded when son, Douglas, opened a small remnant shop in Kokomo in 1987 – McCool's Remnant Outlet. While Carole continued to sell roll goods, Doug provided the community cash and carry service. These two separate enterprises continued to grow and become household names throughout Howard and Tipton Counties.
1991
McCool's Carpet Outlet Opens
In 1991, Virgil, Carole and Doug merged into McCool’s Carpet Outlet with a new 25,000 sqft showroom-warehouse in Kokomo – rolls of carpet for larger projects; remnants for one room – all under one roof.
1994
McCool's Carpet Outlet Opens 2nd Location
In 1994, Doug and wife Carmen opened a second location in Westfield at Village Park Plaza. This location thrived as well, and after five years, relocated to its current location in the heart of Carmel.
Bigger Business, Bigger Building
With an exploding business and satellite locations to support, McCool's Flooring grew out of its current building. Ground was broken on the same property just to the south and an innovative 30,000 sqft facility was built. As the flagship, all materials come through this warehouse system and then are shuttled to the south locations.
1995
Moving to Avon
By 1995, the trio had become a powerhouse for selection, pricing and service and was named to theInc 500 fastest growing businesses. With expanded offerings of vinyl, hardwood, ceramic, laminate and rugs, the name was updated to McCool’s Flooring.
The vision continued to grow with the establishment of McCool’s Flooring, Avon. A stand-alone building, this location is modeled after the Kokomo facility and serves the extended communities of Plainfield, Danville and Brownsburg.
We love more than flooring....
Our Love for Canines and Chrysler
McCool's Flooring has and will continue to support our American made vehicles and events like MOPAR days. Our founder, Virgil McCool, retired from the Chrysler Corporation Transmission Plant.
We are a dog-friendly company. Our Kokomo flagship offers free pets from Malaiah (Golden Doodle), Maya (Rescue Lab Mix) and Marlow (Golden Retriever). Macy (Tri-Color Toy Fox Terrier) was our tried-and-true companion for 18 wonderful years, leaving us January 2024. Mac (Black Rat Terrier) was the original mascot and crossed the rainbow bridge in 2006.