Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Winter can be rough on floors; but whether you have a business with heavy foot traffic or an individual who just needs a seasonal polish and wax job, Wilcox’s Floor Care & Maintenance knows just what it takes to make those floors look their best.
“We started doing this as a business in October of 2006, for both residential and business customers. But I’ve got several years of experience in floor maintenance,” said Bonnie Wilcox, co-owner.
With the help of her husband, Carl Wilcox, Bonnie has stocked a utility trailer with all the equipment necessary to do what it takes to help your home, office or business look its best.
“A floor with a good, clean surface, that’s properly protected, can make a place more appealing. Too often people put all their time and money into keeping up everything else and neglect their floors. But it’s important to properly maintain them as well,” said Bonnie.
Keeping a floor looking nice isn’t something that has to be done on a weekly basis; touch ups every few months are often all it takes.
“We can strip and wax floors, burnish them – go back and maintain them if a customer so chooses,” said Bonnie.
“We can go back and recoat. Floors stay better if you go back every few months,” added Carl Wilcox.
Advice on how to take care of flooring is also available.
“We can show them (customers) how to take care of their floors after we’re done. We can show them what products to buy to protect floors and prevent wear,” said Bonnie.
The couple is willing to travel anywhere in Aroostook County to do their job.
“We were down in Houlton recently giving an estimate. We traveled to the Oxbow Lodge last fall around hunting season,” said Bonnie. “We’ve done churches and other facilities too.”
Since floor maintenance isn’t required weekly, travel isn’t as much of an issue.
“It would be hard to do if we had to handle customers on a weekly basis, but in many instances accounts are handled on a bi-annual schedule,” said Bonnie.
Having performed similar duties for her last employer, Bonnie has the experience to do the job right, said Carl.
“She did this for six years at McCain’s. She thought she’d try this on her own now,” said Carl.
“I like my work. I went into business so I can strip and wax floors – serve my customers. Plus it’s great exercise,” said Bonnie, with a chuckle.
Providing a well-groomed floor is important to Bonnie. It’s a service she feels strongly about. And work isn’t limited to the first floor of a facility either.
“I have a portable floor scrubber. I can carry it upstairs, so we’re not limited to ground floor structures,” said Bonnie. “If a job requires, we’ll do a second coat.”
The business offers free estimates, handled by appointment.
“People can call and set up an appointment and we’ll come out and give them an estimate, once we see what type of floor we’re dealing with,” said Bonnie.
Although both are capable of doing the job, the business is primarily Bonnie’s.
“I help her when I can. But for now, I’m still working full-time. This was something Bonnie wanted to do and I support her and help her when I can,” said Carl. “We got the trailer set up so she can go independently, but there are times I help out.”
A nice floor can make all the difference, according to Bonnie.
“It looks so nice when you get it done. A clean floor adds to any business. A groomed floor can change the whole appearance of a place,” said Bonnie. “And there’s also the issue of sanitation. Cleanliness is important.”
For elderly clients, Bonnie said she’s willing to do a bit more.
“For the elderly who want a bit of help, I do scrubbing, vacuum carpets,” said Bonnie.
Unlike many jobs, Bonnie sees the physical benefits of what she does.
“It’s good exercise. I enjoy the workout,” said Bonnie.
Wilcox’s Floor Care & Maintenance is a fully-insured business.
For more information or to set up an appointment and get a free estimate, contact 764-6407, 551-5341 or 551-5426.
