Markworth has renamed the business Walter’s Flooring but he is leaning into the established 70-year traditions of the past as a tribute to the Walter family and to instill a commitment to serving the community for years to come.

The company was founded by Leo “Bud” Walter in 1949. The business, initially called Bud Walter Furniture and Floor Covering, was located on Barton Hill.

The store name later changed to Walter’s Carpet Gallery and the business moved to S. Main Street.

“My dad, Adam, was 19 years old when he started working for Bud and Steve Walter,” said Markworth. “He would install carpet and flooring and when I was growing up, I’d sometimes help him on the weekend.”

Markworth said his dad really liked what he did but tried to steer his son in another direction because of how hard the work was on the body.

“He said it’s a good honest job, but maybe something different.”

Markworth jumped into sales and business operations. He honed his skills in financing and customer service through a management program at Goodwill.

“I really learned to just be willing to talk and figure out the situation,” he said. “Don’t have a temper. Don’t be rude. Just be easygoing and talk it through with people.”

While Steve Walter was running the business Markworth would help on a weekend or fill in when Steve got sick.

“I came back part time to help and over the last couple of years to really pick his brain and learn how to keep this place running,” he said.

A couple years ago Markworth approached Steve Walter about taking over the business, but Walter indicated the time wasn’t right just yet.

“He loved coming in here. I think that’s what really kept him going,” Markworth said.

As the new owner, Markworth strives to maintain the trustworthiness and honest reputation the Walter’s family instilled in the business.

“We really wanted to honor Steve and his dad, we really wanted to keep the name because a lot of people in this community know it.

“It’s the same service and the same as how Steve ran the business,” said Markworth.

“Steve was honest and he was always willing to back his work. Those are the same qualities we want to keep.”

Markworth said they’ve done a lot of residential work, including the apartments at Cast Iron Luxury Living.

“People keep coming back because of our service,” he said. “We have all of our own installers so if there’s ever any issue, all you have to do is call and we will take care of it.”

Walter’s Flooring has a wide selection of vinyl plank, carpet, ceramic, porcelain, tile, area rugs. “We do all types of flooring. If people can’t find it, can they find it here,” he said

The hot trend now, according to Markworth, is luxury vinyl plank flooring that looks like hardwood is a rigid vinyl all the way. “It looks like hardwood. It’s waterproof and scratch proof and right now it’s the go-to flooring,” he said.

Click HERE for more information on Walter’s Flooring in West Bend, WI.

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