Names:
Julie and Don Herndon
TITLES:
President (Don) and Vice President/Secretary (Julie), Classic Wood Flooring
How long have you been married?
20 years
Children:
Scott Herndon, 44; Andrea Miller, 39; and Alicia Anderson, 24.
YEARS IN BREVARD:
Don – 48 years; Julie – born and raised in Melbourne
Do you social network?
facebook.com/ClassicWoodFlooring and LinkedIn
What do you love about your job?
Meeting new people, guiding them through the flooring selection process and giving quality service – in turn, giving them the floor of their dreams.
What is the biggest challenge?
We like being involved in the community. Since we like to help as many organizations as we can, with the budget we have, it can be a challenge deciding on what philanthropies we want to support; they are all deserving.
What inspired you to own a business together?
After running a successful installation company in Brevard for 28 years, we saw a need for a designer showroom. We created a place where our customers could touch and feel quality flooring, get ideas and become inspired. It’s one thing to see it on a display rack, it is another when customers see it utilized in a beautiful room setting.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a family-run business?
Running a family-owned business can be challenging so you have to be open-minded. As a family you succeed together and fail together. But nothing is more rewarding than reaching a goal knowing everyone worked together; it’s great sharing achievements with those you care about.
What is one thing you’ve dreamed of doing but haven’t yet?
(Don) I’d like to be launched from an aircraft carrier sitting in the back of an F-14 breaking the sound barrier. (Julie) I would like to become a Pilates instructor.
Who do you admire and why?
(Don) My dad, JC Herndon. He was a great example as a child. He is now 90 years old and is the most kind and generous man I know. (Julie) The individuals who give up their lifestyle in the U.S. to help the underprivileged in other countries. My daughter Alicia is currently in Nicaragua on a mission trip to use her knowledge in physical therapy to help local residents.
What do you think have been your keys to success?
Our faith in God comes first. Our Classic Wood Flooring team is what makes us so successful. They know our goal is that the customer always comes first. That is why referrals are a large part of our business.
Favorite vacation spot?
Anguilla in the British Virgin Islands.
What do you like to do in your free time?
(Don) Gardening, cooking, fishing, woodworking and volunteering with troubled youth. (Julie) Pilates, going to the beach, reading and spending time with my family.
