Marshfield Chamber of Commerce to Recognize Rice's Capitol Carpet as Small Business of the Year

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 -- 1:00 PM

The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and Industry is holding their Small Business of the Year Recognition Breakfast tomorrow morning.

Rice’s Capitol Carpet of Marshfield was selected as the Small Business of the Year.  I spoke with Brad and Kerry Lenz, the owners of the business and Brad began by explaining the background of the business.

Listen here:  Rice's Capitol Carpet Interview

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 successful venture during their existence.  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 6,000 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 laminates 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.”

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