Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1547562
Today, the familiar red Kennedy trucks and 1-888-KENNEDY phone number are recognizable throughout the area, but the company remains grounded in the values that guided Jay from the start. In 1978, there was no large fleet, flooring division or construction operation—just a homemade carpet-cleaning system, a willingness to work and a lot of flyers. Each job became an opportunity to build a reputation one customer at a time. "We have so many repeat customers," Kennedy says. "We're local and we stand behind everything we do, everything we sell. If there's a problem, we fix it." He also takes pride in maintaining a personal connection with customers. "We have real people here who answer the phones," he says. "Including me." That emphasis on people extends to the company's approximately 55 employees, many of whom have been with Kennedy for more than 20 years. TheSouthShoreMagazine.com "Our employees like working here," Kennedy says. "We make sure they get the training they need." Kennedy Carpet now operates 12 state-of-the- art customized cleaning trucks, supported by in-house mechanics, as well as four in-house flooring installation teams. While carpet cleaning remains an important part of the business, flooring sales have become its largest division. The company has showrooms in Weymouth and Needham, where customers can compare a wide selection of products. It also brings that showroom experience directly into customers' homes through a mobile flooring showroom. After taking measurements, Kennedy representatives bring samples to the space where the flooring will be installed. Customers can see carpet and other options alongside their furniture, wall colors and natural light, often finding the right product without making a separate trip. 11