The power of change
In addition to helping people make powerful changes within their homes, Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio helps to make a big difference in the lives of veterans.
One of the main charities Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio supports is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Through it, housing assistance and services have benefited more than 17,500 veterans. Pictured left to right: Gab Ruberto, Jillian Brickman and Mike Guhde. (Photography: Adrienne Rose)
T he powers that be at Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio are making the most of the power of change through their global partner’s charitable efforts.
“When we first aligned ourselves with Flooring America many years ago, our reason was to tap into the buying power of a nationwide group to provide better selection at lower prices to our loyal clients,” says Mike Guhde. “What we also appreciate as a family-owned business is that Flooring America goes big when it comes to giving. We’ve always put community first, so this aligns perfectly with those values.”
Go Big or Go Home
One of the main charities the Guhdes support is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“Since this is the 25th anniversary year of September 11, we are embarking on a commemoration that honors the past, serves those in need today, and educates the generations of tomorrow,” says Mike. “Funds we are raising go to offering mortgage-free homes, housing assistance and support services to veterans.”
For Mike, and Kitchen and Bath Designer Jillian Brickman, this effort is especially meaningful and personal, as both have veterans and first responders throughout their family trees.
“Making sure those who served our country can have the chance for a better life is important to us, and we hope people will help join the cause and donate,” she says.
Through the Smart Home Program, Flooring America’s partnership with Tunnel to Towers Foundation also focuses on providing top-quality flooring solutions for smart homes that are adaptive so veterans who have been catastrophically injured can live more independent lives.
Mike is proud to be partnered with this charity. He notes that more than 1,700 mortgage-free homes have been delivered or are in progress, and housing assistance and services have benefited more than 17,500 veterans.
“In addition to donating funds, we’re hoping people will get involved by hosting runs or climbs, like the main one in New York City, which takes place at Ground Zero,” says Mike. “This is a charity with integrity. An estimated 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the vital programs serving veterans.”
Tariff-Proof, Eco-Conscious Product Lines
In addition to their charitable efforts, Mike and Jillian are sensitive to their clients’ concerns, which include worrying about rising costs due to the precarious global economy and supply chain issues.
“The good news is we can offer them reassurance—since many of our lines are made in the United States, pricing has not been affected by tariffs or overseas disruptions,” she says.
Jillian and Mike report that just like people are more concerned about knowing where their food comes from, they are also interested in knowing where their flooring products come from.
“It seems across the board, every manufacturer is introducing eco-sensitive and sustainable lines,” says Jillian. “This aligns with a growing consumer mindset. Much like the farm-to-table movement, homeowners appreciate things that come from close to home.”
They explain that the flooring industry is embracing eco-conscious innovation. From renewable materials like compressed wood and rubber to more sustainable manufacturing practices, flooring manufacturers are making strides across the board.
“Every company is moving toward environmentally responsible production,” he says. “This is more more than a trend, it’s about a commitment to better living. We have loads of samples to show people when they come shop in our design studio.”
Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio
7200 Center Street, Suite 100, Mentor
To donate to the Tunnels to Towers foundation. Find out more at t2t.org.
In addition to giving back, Guhde keeps the focus on offering environmentally responsible production lines in handmade tile and hard surface flooring with eco-friendly cores.
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