Building a Business That Gives Back: Lessons from Glenn Scher of Carpets To Go
What does long-term business success really look like? In this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom sits down with Glenn Scher, owner of Carpets To Go, to unpack what it means to build a company rooted in community, trust, and genuine relationships.
With two thriving locations in Howell and Brick, New Jersey, Glenn’s story is about far more than flooring. It’s about passion, listening, reinvesting in your business, and never losing sight of the people you serve.
From Family Roots to Going All In
Glenn didn’t stumble into the flooring business by accident. Growing up in a family that owned multiple carpet stores, he learned the trade early. Before opening Carpets To Go, he even ran a carpet binding service, creating custom area rugs for other flooring retailers.
In January 2010, Glenn took the leap and opened his first Carpets To Go location in Howell—a modest 2,400-square-foot store focused entirely on carpet remnants. The concept was simple: buy it and take it home. No gimmicks. No pressure.
Sixteen years later, that single store has grown into over 15,000 square feet of combined showroom and warehouse space across two locations, making Carpets To Go New Jersey’s largest in-stock carpet store.
Growth Through Listening and Adaptation
Carpets To Go didn’t expand by accident. As customer needs evolved, Glenn listened.
What started as a carpet-only business grew to include:
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Hardwood and laminate flooring
Custom area rug fabrication (any size, any shape)
Contractor, designer, and architectural partnerships
Rather than chasing trends blindly, Glenn paid attention to what customers were asking for and adjusted his offerings accordingly—while still staying true to his original no-pressure philosophy.
“It’s all floors,” Glenn says. “You just have to know where the demand is.”
A No-Pressure Shopping Experience That Works
One of Carpets To Go’s defining traits is its relaxed, no-pressure environment. Glenn believes shopping for flooring should be enjoyable—not stressful.
That mindset has paid off. Customers don’t just buy once; they come back, refer friends, and leave glowing reviews. Contractors, interior designers, and architects increasingly view Carpets To Go as a trusted resource rather than just another vendor.
Giving Back: The College Dorm Rug Giveaway
Perhaps the most powerful part of Glenn’s story is his commitment to giving back.
Every August, Carpets To Go hosts a massive pay-it-forward event for college students, giving away free dorm room area rugs. What started as a simple idea—helping students like Glenn’s own kids—has become a community-wide celebration.
Last year alone:
288 rugs were given away in Howell
122 rugs were given away in Brick
Over 400 students were helped in a single day
The event includes free hot dogs, donuts, water, music, giveaways, and partnerships with local nonprofits. None of the rugs are donated—they come directly from Glenn’s inventory.
“Everybody comes happy, and they leave happier,” Glenn says.
It’s not a marketing stunt—it’s a genuine reflection of how Glenn believes business should be done.
The Power of Google Reviews (and Asking at the Right Time)
One of Carpets To Go’s most impressive accomplishments is its online reputation. Between the two locations, the company has earned over 800 five-star Google reviews.
Glenn is quick to point out that great reviews don’t happen by chance.
The secret?
Deliver an excellent experience
Follow up after installation
Ask for feedback when customers are happiest
That intentional approach has led to new opportunities, major accounts, and consistent inbound business—all driven by trust and social proof.
Smart Inventory, Better Pricing for Customers
Another differentiator for Carpets To Go is inventory strategy. Glenn stocks over 400 rolls of carpet, allowing him to buy in bulk at lower prices and pass those savings directly to customers.
While it requires significant capital and carries some risk, it gives Carpets To Go a competitive edge. Unsold inventory can be turned into remnants, custom rugs, or even donated during community events.
It’s a system built on reinvestment, flexibility, and long-term thinking.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting a business, Glenn didn’t hesitate:
Have passion – If you don’t love it, it won’t last.
Listen more than you talk – You’ll learn more that way.
Have financial runway – If you can’t cover rent for six months, you’re in trouble.
Stay adaptable – Business changes fast. Keep your ears open.
It’s simple advice—but it’s backed by 16 years of real-world experience.
Why Grit Really Doesn’t Quit
Glenn Scher’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from consistency, care, and community.
By putting people first—whether they’re customers, contractors, students, or employees—Carpets To Go has built something that lasts. And in a competitive industry, that might be the most impressive flooring job of all.
Want to learn more
Visit Carpets To Go at:
Howell: 1787 Route 9 North
Brick: 24 Brick Boulevard
You can also find Glenn and the team on Facebook at Carpets To Go, where they regularly showcase new products, custom rugs, and community events.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
