Safford Floor Coverings to carry on service

By Keri Lunt
Staff Writer

John Martinez and Mike Nor-by are the owners of Saf-ford Floor Coverings, a new business that is having its grand op-ening June 2 through 6. Photo by Keri Lunt

An event that took place at a Valley business in December robbed several employees of their jobs but played a part in the opening of a new business in April.

The fire that burned Safford Carpet not only caused more than $1 million of damage but put two of its employees, John Martinez and Mike Norby, out of their jobs.

In spite of their circumstances, Martinez and Norby stuck together and formulated the idea of a new floor covering business – called Safford Floor Coverings.

Safford Floor Coverings employs 10 workers, all but one of whom previously worked for Safford Carpet.

Norby moved to Safford from Minnesota a year and a half ago and has been in the floor-covering business for almost 17 years. Martinez is a lifelong resident and has been in the business for 11 years.

Safford Floor Coverings offers many types of floor and window coverings for residential and commercial applications, Martinez said. The business also offers several financing options.

Norby and Martinez said the business is straightforward, honest and the employees will not try to oversell or over- promise any product. The business also stresses proper installation.

“We do it right the first time,” Norby said.

Safford Floor Coverings’ goal is to carry on the tradition and reputation of service that Safford Carpet gave to the Gila Valley.

Safford Floor Coverings is located at 317 North Eighth Ave. in Safford and can be reached at 428-4285. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and after hours by appointment only.