People

David is the charismatic guru of analytics on Spartan’s marketing dream team! As the Digital Marketing Manager, David’s passion for web development ignited at a young age, leading him to major in Computer Information Systems. Armed with a decade of experience, he skillfully dissects online performance and crafts organic search optimization strategies. With David’s strategic digital marketing plan, his expertise in SEO is the secret sauce for spreading brand awareness in uncharted territories.

Ken Sheldon is a seasoned flooring professional with nearly three decades of experience in manufacturing and distribution. He loves building relationships with his customers and helping them complete their projects. A hard worker and team player, Ken is always looking for new ways to improve. Ken is also a great listener.

Michael is the passionate Director of Spartan Hospitality’s National Business Development! Since 2016, he’s been a trusted partner for top developers, hospitality brands, and design professionals. With a passion for enhancing the industry, Michael’s care, dedication, and contagious enthusiasm make him a perfect fit for Spartan’s vibrant culture. Get ready to witness his boundless energy as he expands the division and brings complete solutions to his clients’ hospitality projects.

Ann “Order Processing Extraordinaire” Keeney joined forces with Spartan’s Order Processing dream team, and is here to make sure every order runs like a well-oiled machine. With a background in finance and office administration, she’s a detail-oriented wizard when it comes to processing orders. But Ann’s talents don’t stop at work—off the clock, she transforms into a DIY dynamo, conquering everything from small family projects to full-on house flipping adventures.

Adrianna is one of the powerhouses behind Spartan’s Product Specialist team. With a decade of customer service experience in the tile and stone industry, Adrianna brings unrivaled expertise and attention to detail to her role. From managing orders to fostering vendor relations, she’s the go-to person for specific products. Behind the scenes, Adrianna unleashes her creative flair, channeling her graphic design degree into passion projects. A team player with contagious enthusiasm, she’s thrilled to be a part of Spartan’s dynamic crew.

Ken brings the heat to Spartan’s lively Samples Department. With a decade of customer service experience, Ken’s attention to detail and organizational skills set Spartan’s samples apart. Off the clock, he tackles challenges, lifts weights, indulges in games and books, and is mastering swing dancing.

Joining Spartan in 2022 with the launch of Spartan Hospitality, Vinny Dimino brought along decades of experience to help him in his role. A force in the industry since ’95, Dimino believes positive attitudes stem positive outcomes and uses that mindset to propel him forward in his career. In life, he also focuses on the positives – he’s positively unable to narrow down his hobbies. From cars, fishing, golf, tennis, biking, indoor rowing, supporting his two children, traveling with his wife, and lovingly doting on his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Olive, it’s a wonder he has time for Spartan at all. 

Katie Nuce, the design dynamo, bursts into Spartan’s Marketing team, infusing our brand with creative passion. With a Graphic Design degree from Salisbury University and years of industry experience, Katie brings a knack for brand identity and an appetite for collaboration. Her captivating logos and web design capture each brand’s essence, forging a deeper connection for clients. As Spartan ventures into new markets, Nuce’s skills soar, taking our branding to new heights. She eagerly embraces personal and professional growth among the brilliant, talented marketing crew.

Our IT Director and resident tech guru, Rob joined the team with nearly two decades of tech experience. Robert manages our IT infrastructure, architecture, security, and day-to-day operations with finesse.  When he’s not rocking the IT world, Robert indulges in his passions for hockey, LEGO, and all things Star Wars. May the force be with you!

Laurie, our flooring and momentum maestro, injects nearly 2 decades of quirky charm, healthcare know-how, and flooring finesse into Chicago’s vibrant market. Collaborating with Kelli Mildren and Kyle Keating, Laurie’s synergy and unstoppable spirit propel us onward. With a sharp focus on healthcare and senior living, matched by her wealth of experience, she’s the ultimate addition to our dream team. Brace yourself for exceptional solutions and a riot of laughter, as Laurie continues to rock the architectural and design scene in the Chicago Metro Area.

Emily, our rockstar Distribution Sales Rep, dominates in the DC Metro area. With trade show expertise, she blends charm and solution mastery at Spartan. Learning from our VP and joining our stellar reps, Emily’s fresh ideas and zen vibes boost our team. When not bonding with contractors and dealers, catch her rooting passionately for the Kentucky Wildcats. Go Cats!

Say hello to the fabulous Natasha Burke, Spartan’s tile-tastic Sample Processor extraordinaire! With her can-do attitude, top-notch customer service skills, and computer wizardry, Natasha has been rocking it on the Samples team. She’s an integral part of the Spartan family, bringing her passion for dance, cherished moments with loved ones, Netflix indulgence, and serene nature walks to the table. We’re lucky to have this multifaceted powerhouse on our team!

Katie Kansler, a vital member of Spartan’s Accounting Team, guides us towards a prosperous financial future. With a keen eye for analyzing our numbers, she paves the way for our growth trajectory. Armed with almost a decade of financial planning expertise, Katie’s toolkit is perfect for her role. From audits to budgeting and forecasting, she’s got it covered. She thrives on meeting people and conquering new challenges. Beyond the office, she’s a passionate hiker, conquering breathtaking trails from Glacier National Park to the Grand Teton, relishing in the world’s awe-inspiring vistas.

With a background at M&T Bank, Alicia’s customer service skills and meticulousness make her a soaring superstar. She adores Spartan’s laid-back atmosphere and relaxed vibes. When not conquering spreadsheets, Alicia indulges her certified animal lover status by dog-sitting or exploring the wonders of the National Aquarium. Oh, and her coffee addiction? Totally under control. She can quit anytime she wants. Seriously.

Smile unrivaled, Tim is HQ’s sweetest man alive. From HQ’s open to close, go to Tim to turn your frown upside down. Starting in Samples and now working in the warehouse, Tim is the one who loads your Cobalt into the truck so your project gets installed on time.

At home, Tim is the male version of Snow White. Animals seem to make their way to him. Flowers bloom around him. He grows his own vegetables. He has no need for seven dwarves. He is every man.

Joining Spartan mid-pandemic, Creed slid into the team with ease, learning everything she could and mastering an impressive amount of industry specific tasks.

Now, Creed is a pro at wearing many hats and loves to help in all departments. At home, Lindsay is a mom of three youngsters and can be seen running around town with a crazed smile.

A Spartan OG, Ken Mann has the rare quality of somehow being in a good mood all the time but sounding negative about it. Managing data entry, Ken works to ensure all customer service orders are entered and placed correctly in the system.

On the weekends, Ken is at home, swimsuit adorned, drink in hand, hanging by the pool and telling his kids that they’re old enough to figure out their own dinner.

Beginning his Spartan career in the warehouse, Lavrich was known early-on as a jack of all trades. Since then, Lavrich has settled into customer service and has spent years giving support with a smile.

Outside of Spartan (and sometimes for Spartan), Lavrich is a woodworker. Founder of Bel Air Woodworks, Mike has made his passion for wood turning into a small business. Check out his work here!

Erika Wittstadt is with the Accounting Team as the Accounts Receivable Assistant. From managing cash receipts to collecting payments and more, Wittstadt does it all. With a natural affinity for numbers and a decade of accounting experience, she’s a force to be reckoned with on Spartan’s A-Team. Erika thrives on team collaboration and fully immerses herself in Spartan’s vibrant company culture. When she’s not conquering spreadsheets, she dominates the mom game, kicks butt at her kickboxing gym, and daydreams about her next adventure abroad.

Though we know Spartan’s main office did function before Michelle Schmand joined the team, we don’t entirely remember how we did it without her. From assisting the CEO to managing the phones, to maintaining all workspaces, to juggling the needs of every employee during a pandemic, Michelle’s daily to-do list is a wonder to behold.

Out of office, Schmand is either cuddling with her nieces, playing with her golden retriever, Dude, or changing her hair color.

Taking 2024 to learn the ropes of customer service, Gerard Jones has been the magic that keeps Spartan’s mobile showroom rolling. He is hardworking, kind-hearted and carries a positive attitude in everything he does. His dedication is what makes our showroom on wheels possible. Give him a thanks and a 👊 when you see him on the road.

Off the road, Gerard is a loving father of two boys and a dedicated coach.

Lexi joined Spartan fresh outta college in 2014, and quickly found rhythm on the Marketing team. Now Meredith and Lexi are Spartan’s dynamic marketing duo, helping the sales team with something new every day.

Although Lexi constantly has workouts on her calendar, she is more obsessed with workout gear than she is with actually going. That being said, nothing stops her from attending cheer practice all year round, where she will happily spend hours coaching her team for their next competition. Lexi is the perfect balance of sparkles and cheer bows with an aggressive obsession for all things Star Wars and outer space.

A well known Spartan favorite, Emily came to Spartan’s Sample Department when the “department” was just a pile of loose samples on a wooden table in our old warehouse. We shudder at that past. Since then, Emily has turned Samples into Spartan’s most well-oiled machine. We save money. We give clients samples. We get them there on time. And we look great doing it.

Off the clock, Emily enjoys time with her girlfriend in their new house. She loves beer and coloring and other wonderful therapeutic pastimes.

Bringing Spartan into the video age, Chris Judd joined the team in 2018 and quickly made a name for himself as EMF extraordinaire. He has a passion for everything that requires a lens, and can out-create us all.

At home, Chris is a proud DIY expert, husband, and cat-dad. Whether it’s Spartan or home related, you’ll always catch him working to improve.

Meet Kyle Keating, our Midwest Spartan rockstar! With a go-getter attitude, sharp focus, and valuable experience from internships at Spartan HQ and Chicago, Kyle is making waves as our Sales Rep. VP Mike Blasek says he’s a winner, just like his Clemson Tigers. Kyle embodies Spartan values and is ready to conquer!

Rocky, a Texas-born flooring industry veteran, takes charge of Spartan’s expansion into Southern Texas. With decades of experience and a passion for sharing wisdom, he’s ready to fuel Spartan’s growth in the Lone Star State. Known for his people skills and sales prowess since his college days, Rocky teams up with VP of Sales, Mike Blasek, to showcase Spartan’s products to new and long-term clients. Off the clock, he enjoys outdoor nights with his fiancé and cheers on his stepson, a Defensive End for West Texas A+M, no matter the eight-hour car ride. Dedication at its finest!

Spartan HQ’s personal ray of sunshine, Gabrielle joined Spartan in 2019 with the hopes of taking our Corporate Development to the next level. Since then, Amig has been a smiling face in an office where the door is always open. She brings new ideas and fresh takes on old favorites.

After work, her three kids keep her on the move. One of six herself, Gabrielle loves a big family and thrives in organized chaos.

The master of data and online tracking, Rick came to Spartan in 2016 to heat up our back end sales game.  An expert in what we fondly call “business stalking” Rollins poo poos the amateur Facebook creep.  Armed with information, there is no hiding from the Rollinator! He knows when a project goes to bid, and which products will be hits with every client, by region. A true sales rep secret weapon.  Behind every successful Spartan, there’s Rick Rollins.

Meredith is a self-proclaimed gypsy, having moved up and down the east coast since childhood. After relocating to Baltimore, she landed at Spartan in early 2011.

Meredith loves everything creative and is having a ball telling Spartan’s story and spearheading our marketing efforts. She is a sucker for infomercials, believes treadmills are for rodents, and puts peanut butter on everything.

This pro golfer turned flooring expert is your one-stop shop for everything Spartan products. With 10+ years in the industry, Joey either knows the answer, or knows someone who does.

No matter the challenges of work, Joey knows how to kick back and relax. He has no problem putting his phone on BUZZZZ after a long day to enjoy watching his son hit one out of the park, or watch his daughter flip on the field with a baton in her hand.

In 2007 Kevin jumped ship from the corporate world with dreams of what Spartan could be. Jablon’s first priority was people – the hunt began. Since then, Kevin has partnered with the best teammates from New Jersey to Virginia and everywhere in between. For those of you who are curious, the name Spartan was born from Jablon’s alma mater, York College, where he and now several of our employees studied.

Kevin is always on the move. From running a business to his love for his wife and four children, spare time is merely a mirage.

Doug is an OG, having been with Spartan since early 2008. From the start, his role has played an integral part in Spartan’s day to day operations, managing nearly half of customer service and making things happen with a smile and an easy going attitude.

Doug’s Spartan story is an office favorite, having landed this job by calling Kevin “Mr. Jablon” and vetting a position in Jablon’s company before he even created Spartan. At any given time in the office, you can almost always hear “Hey Mr. Jablon! It’s Douggie Fresh from the club!”

Ben keeps business humming leveraging his vast knowledge of Spartan’s inner workings. He spends 99% of his day on the phone taking names and making things happen.

Ben likes spicy chicken and sipping on Gin & Tonic. Ben enjoys live music, but his favorite pastime is twerking it out to Miley Cyrus. Ben has two children and a dog named Walter Sobchak. Ben loves Walter and Miley (and his children.)

As the man responsible for all Spartan’s big spenders, Adam hasn’t had a free minute since he joined the team in Spring 2014. After a full day of staring at spreadsheets and dolla dolla bills, you can find Adam on the water, golf course, or spending time with his wife, Sarah and their children Andrew and Alison. Don’t let his professional demeanor fool you, on the weekends he lets his inner redneck shine getting muddy in his 4×4 toys or covered in fish blood on the boat.

Phil came to Spartan at the start of 2010 with an extensive dealer background. Carey is a valued trouble shooter on job site variables from installation to maintenance.

Phil loves pop culture and any show on ABC Family. He spent eight years as a lifeguard in South Jersey saving lives and making girls swoon. Phil is now a loving husband and father of two teenage girls.

Wayne, AKA the self-proclaimed Mr. Happy, is here to solve all of your flooring problems. No matter the question or project, it’s likely to fall under Wayne’s umbrella.  From ordering to material delivery, he is your go-to man.

While grinding it out in the office, Wayne’s often daydreaming of sunny days on the golf course and winning wagers on the craps table.  Gimmie that YO!

Blodgett is a bulldog. Regardless of the task Joe gets it done – quickly and effectively. Joe called on Spartan for several years before being recruited to the team in 2010.

Joe has a Pug named Ugh and two beautiful daughters. He is a huge Redskins fan and can belt it out to every song on the American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest. Joe is an amazing singer.

After two years grinding with supplier Capri in Dallas, Texas, Hannah packed up her belongings and drove east to Miami. A Bel Air, Maryland native, Miami may be Verschoore’s new home, but she proudly wears purple in the face of orange and green (go Ravens!).

To Hannah, a perfect Sunday starts with brunch, and ends with Game of Thrones. #WinterIsComing

Lacognata, aka Guido, was born and raised into the flooring business back in Brooklyn, NY. Keith called on Spartan for a couple of years before being recruited to the team in 2016.

After a day in the trenches, Keith likes to wind down to a nice glass of red wine, listening to the Bee Gees and spending time with the family. He enjoys weekend getaways with his wife and kicking it with his two boys Anthony and AJ.

After years learning the ropes at Spartan’s HQ, Collin switched from customer service to sales in 2019 and started his new life as a Georgia peach. Slingin’ samples across the state, Collin has made a name for himself quickly and had fun doing so.

In 2020, Keating brought his love for surfaces and his love for beer together on one Youtube channel. Check out his weekly show Three Minute Thursdays!

After 23 years of marriage, two teenagers, and 17 years in the flooring industry, Craig has seen and dealt with it all. It’s going to take more than a crazy custom request to knock him off his feet. Whatever the project, whomever the client, Craig is the expert you want in your corner. No amount of time in the industry will make him stray from his daily goal: giving accurate, unbiased info to every client, no matter what.

Though Craig has a special place in his heart for Alabama football, he’s surrounded by UA all year ‘round. This alumna is proud to have his oldest rolling tide like Dad.

Cooch, Cooch Man, El Coocherino, Coochinator, Cooch Dog, The Cooch Monster – we could go on forever. As much as we love making up new nicknames for Scott, there is more to this equation. Cucci knows flooring.  He takes pride in learning the strengths (and weaknesses) of every product. Go ahead, ask him a question or request a sample. He’ll load up the Coochwagon and be right over!

When not cruising the Garden State making floor covering dreams come true, Scott loves hanging out with his two boys, Joey and Michael. Both are fanatical Giants, Yankees and LSU Tiger fans – just like their Daddy.

Started as an intern now he’s here in Richmond, ready to amp up Spartan in Virginia. After getting his rep feet wet in the Carolinas, Connor is excited to use his knowledge of the industry in his new territory.

Connor is what we like to call a slow burn. While shy at first, Connor is quick to show off his fun side – it won’t be long before your Richmond Spartan rep doubles as your after work beer buddy.

After spending three years in the DC area, Jake jumped at the opportunity to move home to land of sweet tea and Bojangles.  Fully caffeinated with a belly stuffed full of biscuits, Clary is ready to #REPRESENT in the Carolina’s. Jake comes to Spartan with experience as a flooring contractor, specializing in Healthcare with a not-so-low-key love for tech specs and installation methods.

Shawn’s not your ordinary southern gentleman. He’s been around the block, starting his flooring career straight out of college, moving from the East to the West, and back again. He knows this industry like the back of his hand, and we’re excited to have Shawn on board in the Carolinas!

Despite being a Carolina local for almost 20 years, Shawn holds strong to northern roots with sharp sarcasm. Good habits die hard.

A year into Spartan’s Midwest expansion, we’re excited to welcome new team member, Colin O’Donnell. Bringing seven years of flooring experience, Colin is ready to rock in his new role.

In the blistering cold Chicago months you might find Colin and his Fiancée eating at a new restaurant hot spot or running down Lake Michigan during the humid Midwest summer. A self proclaimed HUGE Detroit sports fan, O’Donnell is known to have serious conversations with players while sitting comfortably in his living room cheering for his Detroit teams. Lions and Tigers and Red Wings. Oh my!

Windy City native, and a lifelong Chicago sports fan, Kelli joins the Spartan team with nearly 3 years of experience in the industry. With a previous career as a middle school PE teacher and high school cheerleading coach, she brings energy, charisma, and some serious drive that comes in handy in her bustling rep lifestyle.

When she isn’t cheering on Da Bears, Da Hawks, Da Cubbies, or exploring Chicago’s latest and greatest restaurant, Mildren and her rambunctious puppy Dublin are out and about going to parks and running by the lakefront.

In August of 2012, Michael and Kevin Jablon joined forces to form Spartan Surfaces Midwest.  Currently Vice President of Sales, Michael’s background ranges from National Sales Manager to Independent Agent, Green Manufacturing Consultant to Healthcare Initiatives Coordinator. Blasek’s experience takes flooring professional to a new level.  As a published floorologist, Blasek wrote the talk and struts the walk.

Still one for extravagance, you can catch Mike around the Windy City making grand plans and buying seafood towers regardless of the size of his party. Lover of grand gestures, holder of positivity, and never fails to have the essentials (hairspray), Mike’s still the guy you want at the party.

Born and raised in Hudson Valley, a die-hard Yankee and Giants fan, Brady is a New Yorker through and through. He has done and seen it all, from co-owning a bar to a paving company, even owning a car detail shop – only to find true love in the architecture industry. With just over 18 months in the industry, Brady joined Spartan’s NY Metro team in Spring 2018.

Purcell has an undying love for Pizza and IPAs, but nothing compares to his love for Benson the Beagle. He gets a rush from the NY minute, but nothing beats blasting country songs in his Diesel Silverado.

Christopher, the Cork Dork of New York, is a child of the floor covering industry. With over three generations in the business, he was destined to carry on tradition.

Even in his free time, Christopher lives and breathes flooring. With almost 20 years as a member of the ASTM Resilient Flooring Committee and 6 years as Chairman of FCICA he has a true passion for the industry.

Almost a quarter century ago, Keith Knecht found his way into the flooring industry. Fuzzy stuff, hard stuff, shiny stuff, matte stuff – Knecht has been there and knows that.

Keith prides himself on maintaining a great balance in life. In his free time, he likes to exercise (sometimes) and drink martinis and smoke cigars (all the time).   Most of all, Knecht loves to be with his family in the Adirondacks.

Doug took the flooring industry by storm in the mid-eighties. Since his debut, he has worked with several reputable firms making the move to Spartan in early 2011. Having previously had only one product in his bag, Doug is swimming in the great flooring alternatives at his fingertips.

Doug ends each day with some physical activity. From running to lifting, basketball to softball, tennis to a round of golf, Fulmer enjoys staying on the move.

Whether you’ve known Spartan for years or this is your first introduction to our crew, it’s obvious we’re full of characters. DING. Bring in the ringmaster, Mr. Tim Dormer. Tim came to Spartan in January 2013 with the official title of “VP of Sales” i.e. manager of the troops.

Married with two children, Tim loves spending time with his family, weekend escapes to the Jersey Shore and an early morning round of golf.  When the sun goes down, Dormer is overcome with Disco Fever. You should be dancing, YEAHHHH!

Ray came to Spartan after a long and illustrious career in the automotive collision industry. Now, he heads up Spartan’s recent venture into the retail space.  If you are a retail dealer in need of product displays, samples, or information, Ray Ray Cool J is your man.

Ray and his beautiful wife Misia like to unwind on the weekends watching their son Jake get after it on the soccer and baseball fields.  He can also be found experimenting with various flavors of vodka.  Needless to say, Szech makes a mean Orange Crush.

Chuck is a sponge for information. He came to Spartan in January of 2011 after eight years in concrete self leveling. Nine months in he can spout off technical information like he has been here for years.

Chuck is spunky and loves his oatmeal lumpy.

Though Neil can sometimes seem shy, one night on the dance floor with Spartan was enough to let his wild side shine.  When hitting the streets of DC, Neil brings both sides of his personality to the table.

On weekends, Neil is all sports all the time. If he’s not watching his favorite teams on ESPN, he’s outside reminding the rest of us that we’re never too old for pick-up games.

With over 15 years in flooring, Spartan snagged this flooring aficionado in Winter of 2016. Coming from L’evate group, Suzy’s experience with Spartan brands makes her a force to be reckoned with in the DC Metro market.

McGarity occasionally exits the flooring world to take gold in Olympic swimming and volleyball! Well…her neighborhood Olympics! When she’s not kicking some community butt, she’s out walking her 14 year old yellow lab, Abby.

Anthony, a native Long Islander, moved to Maryland and started his flooring career in 2005. Coming from ten years in the investment banking world, Anthony was well prepared for the fast paced world of interior specification.

At first, Anthony’s clients thought he sold caulk, rather than cork. Today, Ferrante tells himself he is starting to lose his New York accent, but we’ll let you be the judge.

Kevin found his way into the flooring industry in 2005 after working for Loudon County school district teaching physical education and health. Dunn enjoys cruising around his DC territory ending the day with a drink and view with clients at the waterfront.

Kevin is an expert dodge ball player and is well prepared to teach his two little ones the values of “saying no”.

Several years out from being fresh meat, Danny is now at the top of his surfaces game.  With the drive and energy of an untamed stallion and the teachings of DC’s finest reps, Danny has quickly learned the ropes of the flooring world.

After a long day’s work, Danny takes joy in the little things, like eating the brown crunchy pieces in Chex Mix, taking the outside blocks in a game of Jenga, and spending time with his cats, Tornado and Apple.

Danny was born and bred in flooring. His father, who owned and operated a floor covering company in upstate New York, had him working on job sites by the age of eight. At Spartan, we all know Danny as our hardwood guru. From application and installation to aesthetics and performance his brain is the world wide web of wood flooring.

Danny is half twelve, half eighty and sometimes somewhere in between.