Baer’s Rug
& Linoleum Company was established by Al and
Claire Baer in 1939 as a “Mom & Pop” store
located on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, New York.
Baer’s prospered during World War II, using manufacturer
allotments (materials were restricted during World War II)
to furnish flooring to numerous homes being constructed in
Franklin Square.
In the early 1950’s
when supermarkets were changing from wood floors with sawdust,
Al Baer, Sr., contracted to put asphalt tile on the A &
P and Bohack supermarkets floors. In 1957 Baer’s moved
to its present location and showroom. During the late 1950’s
and early 1960’s the retail business continued to prosper,
while the commercial business was limited to supermarket work.
Al Baer, Jr., joined the firm in 1966, after graduating college
and working in the corporate world for 1½ years. Rather
than expand the retail business by opening additional locations,
a major decision was made to pursue the commercial and industrial
business. This allowed the commercial business to grow throughout
the tri-state area specializing in healthcare, supermarkets,
and office buildings.
In 1977, Brendan Cussen
joined the firm, bringing with him expertise and professionalism
within the areas of project management and estimating. These
qualities have greatly helped Baer’s to continue its
leadership in the industry. Baer’s became a third generation
company when Al Baer III joined the firm in September of 2001.
During his short tenure at Baer’s he has become a fine
asset to the company. His addition to the team will allow
Baer’s to prosper well into the future.
Baer’s has been a
member of the Greater New York Floor Coverers Association
since 1985, with Al Baer, Jr. currently holding the position
of Vice President. Additionally, he currently holds the position
of Vice President and Trustee of the Greater New York
Floor Coverers Industry Promotional Fund (funds used
to promote the union flooring industry in New York State).
Baer’s Rug is certified
for premium commercial flooring installation by the Floor
Coverers Installation Board. In addition, we are
proud to be a member of The Carpet and Rug Institute
of America Seal of Approval Program.
In 2001, Market Pulse, under
the direction of FCIB, conducted a consumer
survey of Baer’s customers. We were delighted to have
received the highest rating for customer service and quality
installation of all contractors rated in the U.S.
Furthermore, Baer’s
is a longstanding member of the Floor Covering Installation
Contractors Association, a national installers organization,
with Al Baer, Jr. as a former Board of Directors member.