With new leadership and a freshly expanded showroom, Monarch Carpet One flies toward the future

By Adam Cook

For half a century, one business has intricately woven itself into the fabric of Brunswick. Monarch Carpet One is a name renowned in the town’s tapestry for premier flooring, superior service and an abiding commitment to the community.

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it reflects on the continuity of its business and the enduring values that have sustained it through decades of change. With a recent leadership transition, Monarch Carpet One is entrusting the next generation to carry its guiding thread into the future as the tapestry continues to unfold.

Matt Kloss, who has been a part of the company since the mid-1980s and has owned it since the early 2000s, has no doubt that Monarch is in good hands. He reflects on the business’s humble beginnings.

“My brother-in-law and his father started the company in the early ’70s,” he recalls. “Michael, my brother-in-law, began by doing carpet cleanings and installations basically out of the back of his station wagon, and he convinced his father, Will, who worked at a local carpet cleaning company, to partner up with him and start Monarch. Back in the day, there wasn’t a lot of competition in Brunswick. They saw an opportunity, a void in the market, and decided to fill it. They were here before Route 303’s expansion—before the town took off.”

The rest is history. Monarch quickly earned a reputation for quality workmanship and established trust in the community.

“We’ve always had a reputation for our workmanship, but more importantly, we’ve always strived to understand and meet each customer’s unique needs,” Matt says. “Most of the time we succeed. Sometimes we fall short. But we always try to please everyone.”

Over the years, Monarch has seen its share of changes, including the loss of its founders. Still, the values that Michael and Will Hazlett embedded in the business have endured.

“They were deeply involved in St. Ambrose Parish, active supporters of St. Vincent de Paul, the local food bank and everything else,” Matt says.

Now, at 65, Matt is stepping back.

“It’s time,” he says, reflecting on four decades of hard work. “Forty-plus years of deadlines and cash flow—it’s a lot, but it has been incredibly gratifying.”

The transition has been made smoother by the arrival of Steve Walbolt and Donny Green, local entrepreneurs from Medina.

Introduced through a mutual contact, Steve and Donny saw an opportunity to expand and carry forward the legacy Matt and his family had built.

“We weren’t actively looking to expand,” Steve says. “Once we got to know Matt and the story of Monarch, it was clear we shared the same commitment to quality and community. Just like Matt, we believe that trust and relationships are the foundation of our business. It’s not just about selling flooring. It’s about building something meaningful that resonates with the people we serve. It just made sense, and we wanted to build on that legacy.”

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Monarch has completely remodeled and expanded its showroom, reintroducing tile and custom showers to its offerings, alongside its extensive range of cabinets, countertops, carpeting, hardwood, luxury vinyl tile and plank, tile and laminate flooring.

The anniversary sale, running through Saturday, November 30, features up to 50% off select products and up to 65 months of zero-interest financing.

“I’m incredibly proud of how the new showroom has turned out,” Matt says. “It’s a complete transformation that not only honors our 50-year legacy but also sets the stage for the future. The expanded space and new offerings truly reflect the level of quality and service we’ve always tried to provide.”

The renovation and expansion added approximately 1,100 square feet to the showroom. Monarch held its re-grand opening in early September, reestablishing and solidifying its standing in Brunswick and beyond as a premier destination for flooring.

The leadership transition has been made smoother by Matt’s decision to stay on as a consultant.

“With 40 years of experience under his belt, Matt has navigated the company through economic shifts and challenges that many businesses fail to survive. His wisdom and legacy are invaluable assets in maintaining the high service levels that customers have come to expect and ensuring that Monarch’s core values continue to guide its future,” says Steve.

Steve adds that he and Donny see the transition not as a departure from the past but as an opportunity to grow and evolve while honoring the legacy that has made Monarch Carpet One a trusted name in the community. “Monarch Carpet One has always been the name for flooring in Brunswick,” he says.

For premier flooring crafted with care and superior service, visit Monarch Carpet One’s showroom at 3743 Center Road in Brunswick. Start your design journey today by calling 330-460-4681, or find inspiration online at MonarchCarpetOneBrunswick.com.