When people ask me how I ended up in the wood flooring business, I tell them I am a product of genetic engineering. My father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C, started in the business in 1946. So, like my two brothers, I grew up around the trade. I left Charlotte shortly after getting my degree in economics from the University of North Carolina - Charlotte in 1969. By 1973 I was ready to start my own business. Like my father and brothers, my business was a one man operation and I intentionally targeted working directly for the homeowner. The opportunity to work directly for "the boss" has always been more challenging and rewarding than new construction or remodeling. And over the last three decades I have had the opportunity to work with some of the finest homeowners you could ever want to meet.

My first work was in older inner city neighborhoods where restoration work was in progress. This exposure to older housing generated a keen interest in the history of the wood flooring trade. What tools, equipment, stains, finishes or other products were used in the past? The research, writing and presentations I have been involved in over the last dozen years have added a new and pleasant dimension to my work. And this interest has manifested itself in pioneering the art of Passive Refinishing. I hope that in the future this option will provide any homeowner the same rewards it has in the historic properties we have worked in around the country.

I hope you enjoy this site. I want to provide homeowners and other interested parties with useful information concerning their wood floors. Many people consider wood floors one of the major focal points in their homes. My goal is to see that they maximize their enjoyment of this surface.