Dan Kahn is president and co-owner of Floors To Your Home, a four-generation family business founded in 1921. The Indianapolis-based company has earned a reputation for combining strong purchasing discipline with consistent customer service for more than 100 years.
Kahn grew up around the company and took over the management in 1986 together with his brother Marshall. Since then, he has helped lead the company through major changes in the retail and e-commerce landscape while remaining true to its original values.
“My company was founded by my grandfather based on the highest ethical principles,” says Kahn. “We have maintained this strong tradition of honesty and outstanding customer service for future generations.”
One of Kahn’s most important contributions was to strengthen a warehouse-first business model. Instead of relying on third-party suppliers, the company owns and stores the majority of its inventory. This allows for faster shipping and more direct control over the customer experience.
“We own and stock 99% of all the products you see on our website,” he explains.
Kahn has also decided to make large-scale purchases of remaining stock. By purchasing discontinued and surplus flooring in bulk, the company has created a system that works differently than many traditional retailers.
His leadership reflects a hands-on approach to growth. Focus on what works. Improve operations over time. Stay consistent.
Today, Floors To Your Home continues to develop under his leadership, with the fourth generation now working in the company.
A conversation with Dan Kahn from Floors To Your Home
Q: You come from a long line of business owners. How has that shaped your career?
I grew up with the company, so I saw how it worked from a young age. My grandfather founded the company in 1921. After his death in 1948, my father took over the company and ran it until 1986. Then my brother and I joined.
You learn a lot just by being around them. You see how decisions are made. You see how customers are treated. That stays with you.
“My company was founded by my grandfather based on the highest ethical principles,” says Kahn. “We have maintained these strong traditions.”
Q: What were the biggest changes when you took over the company in 1986?
Retail was already starting to change. Larger chains grew. Competition increased. We had to think carefully about how we wanted to stay relevant.
We didn’t try to keep up with everything. We focused on what we could do well.
That meant buying smart and building strong relationships with suppliers.
Q: One of your key strategies is purchasing flooring from closeouts. How did this come about?
It has evolved over time. We saw opportunities in discontinued products and excess inventory. Manufacturers and large retailers often need to move inventory quickly.
“Do you know any clothing or shoe outlet stores?” Kahn says. “We’re just like those outlet stores, but we sell flooring.”
Once we got used to this model, it became a core part of the business.
Q: You have also chosen to store most of your inventory. Why was that important?
Control. That’s the main reason.
Many companies don’t actually own what they sell. You list products and then order them from someone else after the customer purchases.
“We own and stock 99% of all the products you see on our website,” says Kahn.
This gives us more control over shipping, accuracy and communication.
Q: What impact does this have on the customer experience?
It reduces uncertainty.
When you own the product, you know exactly what you have. You know when it will ship. You can check it before it goes out.
“We double and triple check the flooring before we ship it,” says Kahn. “We will call you personally to let you know that your flooring has been shipped.”
It’s about making the process clearer for the customer.
Q: Flooring is a big purchase. How do you help customers feel confident when purchasing online?
We try to give you as much information as possible.
We photograph and scan all of our products ourselves. We also encourage customers to order samples.
“Nothing compares to keeping a piece of the actual flooring in your home,” says Kahn.
It helps them make a more informed decision.
Q: Your inventory is constantly changing. How do you manage that?
That’s part of the business. With remaining stock, it is not always possible to restock the same product.
“With many of our offerings, once they are used up, it is possible that we will never be able to catch up with them again,” says Kahn.
We focus on keeping a wide range of options available and introducing new inventory regularly.
Q: What has leadership meant to you over the years?
It’s about consistency.
You don’t have to reinvent everything. You need to understand what works and build on it.
We remained focused on buying well, serving our customers and running the company responsibly.
Q: What do you think helped the company survive for over 100 years?
A long-term mindset.
We don’t just think about today. We think about the next generation.
“Our flooring experts have years of experience,” says Kahn. “They can help you choose the right soil for the right environment.”
This type of knowledge and service builds trust over time.
