17 Years of Spartan – A Legacy of “We Over Me”
Though we generally look forward, anniversaries like these make us stop for a moment and appreciate a look back in time. After seventeen years in business, Spartan Surfaces has balanced growth with staying true to our roots. Our team, our footprint, our product offering has grown drastically – but our approach to the business, our appreciation for the industry, our consideration for our clients, and our dedication to our employees has remained the same. This is the story of Spartan, where hustle meets heart. “We Over Me” isn’t just our slogan; it’s our way of life. Dive into the journey of 17 years of Spartan from small offices with three desks to a national footprint, and every step in between.
From City Streets to Mobile Showrooms – The Spartan Story Begins
It comes as no surprise to say that Kevin Jablon isn’t your typical CEO. Nicknamed the “2.0 CEO,” Kevin’s story is one of defying expectations, prioritizing people over profits, and building Spartan from the ground up.
Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit bloomed early on. At ten years old, he skipped grade school to sell pretzels on the streets of Philadelphia alongside “Undercover Boss” star Dan DiZio. This early hustle instilled a love for business and the value of hard work and relationships.
After graduating from York College with a degree in Business, Kevin’s career in flooring took off. He spent 12 years honing his skills, building a lucrative career, and forging lifelong friendships that would later become the foundation of Spartan Surfaces.
Planting the Seed that is Spartan – 2007-2012
In 2007, Kevin took a leap of faith and founded Spartan Surfaces. Kevin’s poured his heart and soul into Spartan, prioritizing the well-being of his clients and employees. This commitment to people-first leadership became the bedrock of our culture.
The next five years saw steady growth. What started in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the DC Metro area began to expand. Entering New Jersey, New York, and Chicago by the end of 2012.
Culture Over Strategy – 2013-2021
The following years were marked by a series of strategic moves that solidified our position as the underdog of our industry. In 2015, Spartan purchased the Aegis building in Bel Air, MD, and transformed it into headquarters. This investment in a physical space reflected Spartan’s belief in the power of creating a work environment built to foster collaboration and long-term company culture.
In 2015, Spartan began to invest in showrooms in major metropolitan markets. 2013, New York City. 201Washington, D.C., 2017, Chicago, IL.
Spartan continued to expand, venturing into new markets throughout the Southeast. By 2019, the company had established its mantra: “We Over Me.”
In 2021, presented with an opportunity to secure Spartan and his family’s future, Kevin made the decision to sell Spartan Surfaces to Floor & Decor. This exit marked the beginning of a new era, allowing Spartan Surfaces to reach new heights, expand into new markets, broaden its product portfolio, and offer stronger stability to its employees.
The Power of Autonomy – 2022-2023
Operating as an independent subsidiary of Floor & Decor, Spartan’s team gained new resources to better support clients. Expansion came fast, through industry acquisitions and top-talent recruitment. In 2022, Spartan purchased KRS, Inc. out of Wisconsin, Source One servicing the Ohio Valley, and HiLine based out of Minneapolis. 2023 marked the company’s largest acquisition to date, Salesmaster, strengthening both companies ability to service the Northeastern US.
Focusing on key market segments, Spartan launched two specialized divisions – Hospitality and Builder – created to bring a fresh approach to servicing the specific needs of the industry. At the close of 2023, Spartan fulfilled its goal of having a national footprint.
Seventeen Years of Spartan and Beyond
2024 is set to be a year of getting back to the companies roots. Humble, hardworking, and full of entrepreneurial spirit. We’re excited to be celebrating 17 years of Spartan, and look forward to the decades to come.
About Spartan
Spartan Surfaces, a subsidiary of Floor & Decor, is a specialty flooring supplier headquartered in Bel Air, MD. Employing over 150 team members, Spartan holds warehousing and offices in Maryland and Minnesota with showrooms in D.C. and Chicago. Its geography encompasses eighty-five percent of the United States, with continued expansion on the horizon. Taking a human-centered approach, Spartan prides itself on great people dedicated to great products, great families, great friendships, and great happiness. Whatever you’re working on, we’ve got you covered!