With two small boys, a wife, and house payment to worry about he took a cut in pay and started a floorcovering apprentice program which led to work with Portland area stores. At the age of 32 he was considered an "old" apprentice but was very anxious to learn a new trade. In 1974 Oregon was in a recession and Will was laid off again.

With Sue's encouragement he pursued independent work, making the family garage double as a shop and showroom. When it became obvious that the business would outgrow their limited space they rented half a local appliance store. They purchased the present store location in 1980.

Good old-fashioned hard work paved the way for an honest business built on word of mouth, a reputation for quality, and the idea that the customer should be treated right.

That spirit continued into the 1990's when their sons, Doug and Derek, and Doug's wife Joy joined the business. Will retired in 1996 and Sue in 1998 but they still play very active roles.

In 2000, Gilford's became part of the Abbey Carpet group. We think it's a nice fit because we stay the size we want to be but get the benefits of belonging to a national group of stores.

In many ways little has changed since the 70's. Gilford's is still proud to be a small shop with close contact to everyone who calls or walks through the door. We think too many large businesses have lost that connection to the customer.

Personal service has been a constant throughout the years for Gilford's and is what continues to keep people coming back and telling their friends to visit.