Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben.
Hi Ben, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out as a software engineer/architect at Sprint (back before it became T-Mobile). I had a solid 18-year run in IT, writing code, designing systems, and drinking questionable amounts of office coffee.
But around 2004, a close friend of mine introduced me to the hardwood flooring trade—and somehow, the smell of sawdust and fresh finish was more intoxicating than debugging software. One thing led to another (and a few business formations later), and in June of 2006, I officially launched Kimminau Floors… all while still clocking in at my day job.
For nearly a decade, I lived the double life: tech guy by day, floor guy by night (and weekends, and holidays). But thanks to that steady IT paycheck, I was able to reinvest every dime the flooring business made into better tools, training, a growing team, and marketing. Eventually, in 2015, I hung up my corporate badge and went all-in on Kimminau Floors.
Today, we’re a team of over 20 awesome people with a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and showroom in Grandview, MO—and I haven’t looked back (though I do still enjoy a good spreadsheet).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? Not even close. More like a winding, pothole-ridden gravel road. There were plenty of moments where I seriously questioned my decision to leave the comfort of a steady paycheck and enter the world of business ownership.
But like most entrepreneurs, I was too stubborn, proud (or both) to give up. I had no prior experience in the flooring world—or in running a business—and I completely underestimated just how many hats I’d have to wear: marketing director, accountant, HR rep, customer service, forklift driver… you name it.
There were times it felt like I was building the plane while flying it. But I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some sharp, generous mentors who stepped in at critical moments and helped shift our course. I owe a lot to them, and I hope one day I can be that person for someone else who’s just starting out (hopefully with a better map than I had).
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kimminau Floors is a hardwood flooring company based in South Kansas City—and we like to say we’re where craftsmanship meets customer service. Our mission is to deliver a turn-key, stress-free flooring experience from start to finish.
We specialize in hardwood floor installation, refinishing, and maintenance for both residential and commercial spaces. If it involves wood and a floor, chances are we’ve done it—and done it well.
What truly sets us apart isn’t just the quality of our work—it’s the experience we provide our clients along the way. We’re known for clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and offering customized solutions tailored to each project. From coordinating movers and painters to plumbers and cleaners, we take care of the details so our clients don’t have to.
We’re especially proud of the culture we’ve built—both within our company and with the customers we serve. Today, we’re a team of 20+ talented individuals with a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and showroom in Grandview, MO. But we still treat every project like our name depends on it—because it does.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make the entire process easy, honest, and maybe even a little fun (yes, even with flooring). Whether someone’s building their dream home, restoring a historic gym, or recovering from a rogue puppy’s creative destruction—we’re here to help. And we aim to leave every client with a space they’re genuinely proud to show off.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love working with homeowners, builders, designers, property managers—you name it. Whether you’re planning a major renovation, starting new construction, or just need honest advice on what to do with your worn-out floors, we’re always happy to help.
People can work with us by reaching out directly through our website, visiting our showroom in Grandview, or giving us a call to schedule a free consultation. We’re big on collaboration, so if you’re a contractor, designer, or industry pro looking for a reliable flooring partner—we’d love to connect.
If you want to support us, follow along on social media, refer us to a friend, or just stop by and say hi. We’ve built our business through word of mouth and relationships, and we’re always grateful for the folks who help us keep growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KimminauFloors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimminaufloors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimminauFloors/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkimminau/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjj-u8dEclpzkQb1pTOSMuA
