May 15, 2017

Meet Motti Vaknin of International Flooring Center in Mid City

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Motti Vaknin.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Motti. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Two years before my shop opened, I already had the store set up and idea on what I am about to open.

Was looking to open a professional store for flooring (hard surface) that include tools and accessories just like an electrical or plumbing supply store.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had to build it from scratch, build up inventory as I go. After two or so years, the market crash took my business down to almost bankruptcy, I then decide on open a website to target more customers than my local only.

I added lots of small items that can be shipped easily and that helped grow my business and basically saved me.

Then few years ago again, a set back where the city took our front street parking for bike lanes and affect our local customers. I then had no choice but to go full force online. I start manufacturing my open products and increase my effort on online sales.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about International Flooring Center – what should we know?
As the years goes by, I change my business to fit me best. For the last 3 years, I started manufacturing my own brand of products, like Royal Drains Line that include linear and square drain, shower shelves and benches and shower head and accessories. I am very proud of this line as they are top quality for a very low price.

I also became the sole distributor of other product lines while I manufacture our own ready to tile products.

We also buy directly from manufacturers.

I am proud of our huge inventory where we stock all that we advertise.

We are the one stop for tiles and all around it, not many place can say that especially where we stock it all for prices other can’t even get near it without compromising the quality of our products.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Never give up. When you feel you have been pushed to the corner (like in 2008 or when they took my parking and few other setbacks) I always come up stronger, finding an out of the box solution to make up for the lost.

Pricing:

15% off on any of our Suntouch Floor Heating, special offer to Voyage LA readers
10% off on Royal Drains by Serene Steam Products Line, special offer to Voyage LA readers
10% on ATR Tile Leveling System, special offer to Voyage LA readers

Contact Info: