Local business changes hands

Mike Maxton has gone from cleaning carpets to selling them–and he couldn’t be happier.
The local businessman, known for his two businesses, Extreme Electronics and Steam Vac’s Cleaning Systems, recently took over the flooring and furniture department of Stan’s Carpet and Drapery Center Ltd. here.
“This all really happened in the new year,” Maxton said Monday. “Stan is 72 years old and he wants to go into semi-retirement.
“He is planning to keep up the paint and wallpaper end of the business but I will take over the rest.”
With an extensive background in furniture sales, Maxton is quite comfortable with his new position as head of the furniture store.
“I used to sell furniture in Thunder Bay at Peterson’s,” he noted. “I also had my carpet-cleaning business.
“I have gone from cleaning carpets to selling them. That is not too bad.”
Although Maxton said he’ll focus most of his time on his new business, he doesn’t plan to abandon his electronics store or customers.
“In about four to six weeks, I am hoping to have completely amalgamated Extreme Electronics into my new business, ‘Home Suite Home,’” Maxton remarked.
“Right now, we are just in the midst of getting all of our inventory completed to figure out what we may need.”
In the meantime, Maxton has been busy making a few small changes to the decor of Stan’s showroom at 500 Scott St.
“The room used to be blue and it seemed a little bit cold,” he admitted. “We have decided to go ahead and paint it beige and wallpaper the rooms and put up borders.
“We just want to try and make the place feel a little bit warmer.”
Maxton also is planning to attend the Toronto Furniture Show later this month, and hopes to come back with some new ideas for the store.
“I am planning on selling pretty much the same things Stan has always sold,” he stressed. “The only change I will make will be to carry a whole new spectrum of items that range in cost from low-end to high.
“I want to have something for everyone.”
A date for the official grand-opening hasn’t been set yet but Maxton is hoping people will take the opportunity to come in and see firsthand the changes he’s made.
“I don’t think too many people even know that the business has changed hands,” he said. “I am hoping people will take the time to stop in and take a look around.”