Leah Ledoux
Founder
My start in what has become a wonderful career in the Floor Covering Industry was somewhat accidental, as is the case of many people that have gotten in the business. I was twenty-three years old, and I had just moved to Maine from Long Island, New York after marrying a Mainer who convinced me that it would be a great place to raise a family. Circle Floors posted an ad for a Part Time Book Keeper and the position offered insurance! Within two years of listening and learning like a sponge from my boss and mentor Joe Disanza, who happened to be from Jersey, and their top sales person (Chris Twombly), little by little they gave me more and more opportunities to shine, and soon thereafter I assumed Mr. Trombly's role as lead Sales and Project Manager with full Project Management responsibilities.
After this auspicious beginning I have enjoyed several opportunities including:
J & J Industries, where I learned the nuances of making custom products; cultivated architectural/design relationships with wonderful specifiers who helped me understand how to be an asset to this rich community; NRF Distributors, where I had the opportunity to work in the the light of a true Distribution Icon, Norman Pomerleau. Norman encouraged to me to look at things with multiple lenses and created an opportunity to create and lead the Commercial Sales team for 12 years; Starnet provided opportunities to work with senior management from many of the leading manufacturers and ownership of some of the strongest and most progressive flooring contractors in the world!
All of these experiences and knowledge have prepared me along with Ben Giamichael to establish and create opportunity for Arch 180 to not only survive but thrive during these perilous times!
I am so blessed to have the support of my loving family and friends.
BEN GIAMICHAEL
Founder, Managing Partner
18 years ago my experience began as a flooring mechanic in Ithaca, NY. After years of installations I shifted into a sales role, catering to the commercial flooring contractor. It was here, my love for the business became clear.
I thrive on building and maintaining relationships in the commercial flooring arena. From support at the Architect/Design level to the end user and commercial contractors, I pride myself in educating the channel. After starting my journey as a professional flooring mechanic, I moved into the retail segment where I spent several years. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to shift into wholesale distribution where I spent 13 years working alongside some of the most hard working people I know. I now have entered into a business venture as Co Founder and managing partner of ARCH 180 INC. This new opportunity allows me to represent global flooring manufacturers.
Every commercial project has its own identity and challenges. My years of experience through all the different channels and the relationships that I have built in the flooring business has given me this tremendous opportunity. I am beyond excited and optimistic on the future of the commercial flooring space.
I am most thankful to my family and friends who have supported me from the beginning. They are the ones who keep me going!