Since 1988, Randy's Carpet Plus on Dogwood Drive in Conyers has been a proud, family-owned and operated, independent business. Despite a tough economic climate, the business continues to strive to provide exemplary service.

According to its website, the business was named the top carpet store in Rockdale County for the past seven years. Because Randy's Carpet Plus purchases material directly from the mill, customers are spared the costs of a middleman, allowing the business to offer low prices, up to 60 percent in discounts.

Owner Randy Thornton, who grew up in California, began laying carpet with a neighbor when he was 15. He continued working in the field until he moved to Georgia, when he realized he could make a good living with floor installations.

"I just kind of fell into it," said Thornton. "I started out as a helper and have been in this ever since."
The business offers many styles of floor installations, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, commercial tile and carpet. According to Thornton, laminate flooring has grown in popularity due to its durability and attractive tile and hardwood designs. It's scratch-resistant, a feature that draws consumers.

Along with a 3,600-square-foot showroom that features all of the business's premier material, products and services, Randy's also offers in-home shopping, allowing them to bring the showroom to your home.

Randy's is a member of several organizations within the community, including the Conyers-Rockdale and Newton County chambers of commerce, Greater Atlanta and Newton County home builders associations, and the Atlanta Better Business Bureau.

"When I came here about 30 years ago, Georgia was behind the times," said Thornton. "It was a sleepy little town here, and since the Olympics, there has been major growth in the area."

That growth proved to be good for the floor-covering business, allowing a business like Randy's Carpet to blossom. With the current economic slowdown, the store has seen a decline in business, but has been able to maintain and provide premium services to its customers.

"We're very hands-on and we handle the jobs from start to finish," said Thornton. "If there's ever a problem, we stand behind it 100 percent. Our customers will never have to go through a middleman."