Mary Byrd and her late husband Gary started carpet tech 40 years ago as a binding and rug making business in northern Virginia before moving to the Shenandoah Valley in 1993. They moved to the Valley because they loved to go fishing and the river here provided an abundance of fishing opportunities. Broadway’s small-town environment was the type of place they wanted to raise their family.
Starting the business was possible because of the family’s willingness to live frugally and the help of friends in the industry willing to lend product displays and other necessary items. For the first 6 years in Broadway the business occupied the space currently held by A New Era Hair Salon, later moving to its current location on Springbrook Rd.
The business has really grown from its start in rug making and binding to now selling and installing all types of flooring for homes and businesses. Carpet, hardwood, ceramic, vinyl and luxury vinyl tile and plank which are all available now. Carpet Tech is now serving multi generations of customers’ families “we are now working with the children and grandchildren of our first customers” Mary gratefully mentioned. Carpet Tech is known for quality installations and customer service.
Mary has been amazed at the development of some of the newest flooring products LVT and LVP (luxury vinyl plank or tile) in particular. The quality of this product is incredible, scratch resistant and waterproof with a lifetime warranty. Products like this do cost a bit more but the value they offer far surpasses the price.
6 employees,who are like family, staff the business including her son Jacob. Her installers all really take pride in what they do and want to do a job the business can be proud of! In the showroom Mary and Julee take care of sales and business administration.
Oriental rugs and area rugs can be made or ordered in. Remnants are a very popular item and can offer a huge value of in some cases 70% off the ordered price of carpet. Purchasing only 1st quality remnants ensures a good quality on those as well. Customers can browse a huge selection at the store in Broadway some even large enough to carpet an entire room!
2021 presented challenges for many businesses. One of the biggest is the monthly and sometimes weekly price/ delivery increases she receives from her suppliers. One example is a freight charge that cost only $100 a few years ago is now $600-$700! As a person who cares about her customers it’s important to Mary to keep prices from rising too high, so she is now very strategic with her delivery and combines orders to keep prices reasonable for her customers.
Broadway has really embraced them as business, and they have always felt supported. In 2005 a local artist Kimberly Juda painted a mural on the side of the building that is still visible today. Using the same superior quality paint that Disney World uses in its world class theme park has allowed the mural to hold up to the elements for so many years. Mary thinks murals are a great way to beautify a town and show its character.
Mary enjoys meeting and talking with people “I can be a chatterbox, I love people” she said.
Mary Byrd and her son, Jacob
On her bulletin board are pictures of her family, customers and even thank you notes from school classrooms appreciative of the carpet mats the business provided. Being involved with her community and helping others is important to Mary. Serving on the Broadway Hometown Partnership Board, Ruitan club and a former Boy Scout leader and Area Council Teaching Staff, giving back is clearly part of who she is. Each spring Mary and Carpet Tech sponsor the Gary Post Memorial Fishing Day held at Heritage Park. It brings Mary and her family great joy to see so many young children and families enjoy that event each year.
People interested in new flooring should take advantage of the normally slow month of January to have their rooms measured and shop for flooring in the store. Manufactures sales also usually occur at that time of year offering a savings for shoppers.
Carpet Tech of Virginia, you’ll be happy with every step!
