Rice's Capital Carpet Selected as MACCI's 2021 Small Business of the Year

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 -- 2:00 PM

The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the 2021 Small Business of the Year.

Rice’s Capital Carpet of Marshfield was selected for the award.  Scott Larson, MACCI’s President, discussed the criteria they look at when selecting the Small Business of the Year.

"They must be a business or enterprise for at least 5 years.  So, it's got to be somebody whose been in business for at least 5 years.  They're employing fewer than 35 full time equivalent people.  Must be a MACCI member."

"Economic impact on the community, so that can be employment growth, other things, expansion of business and facility or products and services.  Longevity or continuity with consistent growth over time."

"So, again, not only in business for 5 years but they've been a growing succesful venture during their existance.  And then we look at things like how involved they are in the community.  And other things like innovation can play a factor in that determination."

He then gave examples of how Rice’s Capital Carpet has met that criteria.

"They've been growing.  They're in the next generation of ownership.  They've been able to continue to grow.  They started off, a number of years ago, with 3 employees and they're employing over 14 employees now."

"They're up to 14,000 square feet now with a 6,00o square foot addition that was done just a couple years ago.  They've been very involved in the community from helping sponsor youth soccer, the Boy Scouts, Shirley's House of Hope, Dance for Diabetes, Dueling Pianos, and they're actively helping other organizations in the community as well."

"And they continue to offer new product lines and technology in their business.  When the business started back in the 70s, they were just a carpet and linoleum store."

"They've evolved to having tile and vinyl and hardwood and laminents and window treatments and paints and such.  So, they've continued to evolve and offer new product line, new services, and new technologies."

Scott also said that they had a number of excellent nominations for the Small Business of the Year, so “it’s a real testament to Rice’s growth and community involvement that they were selected from such a strong field of nominees.”

The store began back in 1968.  However, it was known under the name of Capitol Furniture & Appliance, or Capitol Furniture & Carpet, when the store removed appliances and carpet was brought in.

In 1975, with new owners on board the organization changed names again to what it is today, Rice’s Capitol Carpet.  At the end of 2015, Brad and Kerry Lenz purchased this family-owned business from Brad’s parents Dave and Kathy Lenz.

Brad and Kerry said, “What an honor to receive the MACCI Small Business of the year 2021 award. We are blessed with an amazing , dedicated and driven team, unbelievable community support, and wonderful family. We couldn't do what we love without the help of everyone.”

Rice’s Capital Carpet will be honored at MACCI’s Small Business of the Year Recognition Breakfast on May 12th at Hotel Marshfield.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.