From Craft to Carlisle: Insights from Dennis Gasper of DG Floor Coverings

For Dennis Gasper, life at DG Floor Coverings isn’t just a job—it’s a family legacy.

Gasper’s father, Richard, was a hardwood flooring installer in San Francisco for more than 20 years. Once Gasper was old enough, he started working alongside his father and learning the tricks of the trade. As he moved from apprentice to artisan, he and his father started their own business. And once Gasper’s own children were old enough, they joined the team, too.

Gasper’s oldest son Chad specializes in floor color treatments. “He’s an artist, really,” says Gasper, with pride in his voice. And Gasper’s youngest son Shaun keeps everything behind the scenes running smoothly, managing the office operations and bid work.

It’s been nearly four decades of serving homeowners and Design Professionals all over the Bay Area. Gasper is part of Carlisle’s Referred Installer Program because he is an experienced flooring professional who’s installed Carlisle wide plank flooring while providing exceptional service and has met our highest level of installation requirements.

Superior Materials, Superior Results

For Gasper, one phrase comes to mind when he thinks about Carlisle: “They make our jobs easier.”

It’s two-fold: the product and the experience.

With many prefinished products, there are often less-desirable materials incorporated into the planks that need to be removed or worked around. But with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, that’s not an issue—just about every piece is usable. “The quality of the product is second to none” says Gasper. “I’ve always enjoyed the end result with Carlisle. And I’ve never had any issues with a floor after it’s been installed.”

For Gasper it’s the Carlisle experience that sets it apart from others, going above and beyond, making every part of partnering with Carlisle seamless. “They’re very, very, very easy to do business with and I enjoy the people that I work with,” explains Gasper. “The ordering process is very well-organized and everybody is so helpful and so well prepared. They’re on top of dates and timings and keep in touch throughout the ordering process.”

And when it’s needed, the team at Carlisle is happy to go out of their way to support their installers and clients. (“They step up, for sure,” says Gasper.) Gasper describes one occasion last year when the contractor wasn’t ready to accept the products, but it was too late to move the shipping date. Carlisle immediately arranged storage with the shipper and kept the material for over a month until the team could use it.

“Like I said, they make our job easier,” reiterates Gasper. “A client wants Carlisle? Yeah, no problem at all!” he laughs.

The feeling is mutual as conveyed by Carlisle Sales Manager, Terry McLaughlin, who works closely with Dennis and his team. “Dennis Gasper and his team have become our #1 installer on the San Francisco Peninsula. When someone needs an installer referral, DG is always on the list.” “From start to finish, Dennis and his team have it covered,” says Terry. “Dennis and his team are a pleasure to work with from the bidding process, ordering process and delivery. Always responsive and organized.”

Endless Inspiration for the Floor of Your Dreams

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Trendy, Timeless, and Totally Unique

Gasper doesn’t hesitate when asked about the trends in the wide plank flooring world. For the last five to seven years, the industry has been consistently headed in one direction: wide plank materials and wire-brushed textures. “It’s probably 80 percent of what we do these days.” says Gasper. “I don’t really see it slowing down or changing.” Wire-brushed textures are far more durable than sanded floors, he explains, making them an easy sell for clients looking for functionality alongside form.

But what is changing is the color palette. While shades of gray have been popular in the last few years, more and more clients are starting to lean toward warmer, natural tones. And others are breaking out the coloring book and getting more creative.

“We’re always dealing with interesting colors” says Gasper. “Some of the things that designers come up with are tough to achieve. Sometimes we think they’re next to impossible but with reactive stains and oils, we get to the end result. I think the craziest thing we’ve done is parquet flooring where you use four or five different colors for each square.” And when you want patterns done right, Terry says that Dennis is your guy. “When it comes to more intricate installs like patterned floors or panels, I trust that Dennis and his crew will do an excellent job!”

Amidst the changing trends, one thing is clear: “I do not see wide plank floors going away any time soon.”

Building Dreams—And A Legacy—One Floor at A Time

Hardwood flooring installation is much more than a labor-intensive craft—it’s a way to bring someone’s dream to life. For Gasper, being a part of someone’s dream is the best part of what he does.

It’s especially satisfying when he receives positive feedback—or the highest possible praise, a repeat customer. “I pride myself in having a lot of clientele that we’ve worked with for years,” says Gasper with a smile. And as he looks at the future of the business, resting squarely with his sons—and maybe even the youngest Gasper, his grandchild Rhiley—that’s the focus he wants to pass on.

“No job is too small” emphasizes Gasper. “Most of our work has always been referral work. The smallest repair job could turn into the biggest job down the road—from that person or somebody that they recommend. If you go over and above what’s expected of you, you know it will pay out in the end.” Terry agrees– “DG Floors has installed large projects with some of my top accounts such as TRG Architects and Brownhouse Design. The end results have been amazing!”

Learn more about DG Floor Coverings on their website.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Carlisle Referred Installer? Work with the wide plank experts that deliver above and beyond on quality and service. Installers who are interested in discussing our referral program can contact Paul Senechal at psenechal@wideplankflooring.com or by phone at (978) 973-2480 to learn more.