Who We Are at Better Floors

Discover the story behind Better Floors and what sets us apart

Our First Business Card

1984

Ben and Tony’s business card from 1984 when they operated their business from their home basement.

Tony with vinyl rolls

1986

Tony at the Stratford Hills location.

Our First Vinyl Installation

1984

Ben installing vinyl at the Stratford Hills location.

First showroom sales associate

1984

Debbie Burns our first showroom sales assistant at Better Floors.

Our First Bill Board

1984

Better Floors billboard in the 1980’s

Stratford Hills Showroom

1986

The showroom at the Stratford Hills shopping center location where the current 2020 tennant “Once Upon a Vine” is located.

Forest Hill Ave.

1993

Tony, Ben’s wife (Terri), and Ben at the Forest Hill Ave. location.

Ben's family Forest Hill location

1996

Ben & his family including our current owners Tracey and Joy at the Forest Hill showroom location.

New Showroom Construction

1998

Tony & Ben at the construction of their new showroom and warehouse near the Belgrade shopping center in Midlothian, Virginia

New showroom in Belgrade Shopping Center

2000

Better Floors’ showroom and warehouse located off of Polo Parkway in the Belgrade shopping center in Midlothian, Virginia

The Better Floors Story

A Godbolt Family Tradition

1975

Our history starts when Terry Godbolt owned Quality Tile. Terry sold and installed every type of flooring and ceramic tile for commercial and residential uses from 1975 to 1984.

Terry’s younger brothers Tony and Ben Godbolt worked at Quality Tile when Tony had just graduated from high school in 1975 and Ben had recently returned from serving in the army as an E4 engineer. Ben attended a 3-year apprenticeship program that the military (VA) paid for while he worked at Quality Tile. After completion, the State of Virginia issued Ben a diploma for flooring.

For ten years, Ben and Tony went through various programs to become certified flooring installers and advance their knowledge in the flooring industry. After nine years of serving customers in the Richmond, Virginia region, Terry sold Quality Tile in 1984.

1984

With the experience that Ben and Tony learned while working with their brother, they formed a business plan to run their own flooring store. From there, Better Floors, Inc. was created. After working from the basement in their Bon Air home, the brothers saved money to open their first showroom located in the original Stratford Hills Shopping Center off Forest Hill Avenue in Bon Air, Virginia, but quickly outgrew that space. They moved into a stand-alone building on Forest Hill Avenue and continued to grow their business. Ben and Tony focused on expanding their business in hopes of having their very own custom building. In the early 2000’s their dream came true and they built a unique, one-of-a-kind combined showroom and warehouse located off of Polo Parkway in the Belgrade shopping center in Midlothian, Virginia. They continued to grow and advance in that location until they decided to retire in 2018.

2018

The business was passed down to the next generation of Godbolts. Tracey and Joy are daughters of Ben Godbolt, took over to run Better Floors, Inc. Tracey left her job as a fund accountant in wealth and investment management at Suntrust Bank. Joy had worked at Better Floors, Inc. since she was a teenager and continued her role as bookkeeper as well as taking on a new role in ownership.

2020

Joe Godbolt, the son of Tony Godbolt, rejoined the business in early 2020. He had worked at Better Floors, Inc. from the time he was a young teen until his mid-20s. During that time he learned the trade of being an installer as well as a salesperson and continued to advance his knowledge in the flooring industry. He went on to pursue other avenues but ultimately came back to his roots and is now a part-owner of Better Floors, Inc.

This family-owned, second-generation business has continued to advance and grow in knowledge and looks forward to many more years of serving people and the community in the greater Richmond area.

Better Floors, Inc. is located at 2601 Buford Road, not far from its original conception.
For generations, our team has made flooring projects easy and seamless, assisting with each step along the way.

2025

Combining our years of expertise with our current knowledge of new products and advances, we’ll help you choose products that meet your goals for function and style. Our installers are also employees of our company, so you’re assured of receiving the best installation experience. Plus, we offer tips for maintenance so you’re happy with your floors for a long time.

Reach out today to discover the best flooring solution for your project!

Meet the Better Floor Team

The Faces Behind the Floors You Love

Holly

Showroom Consultant

Holly just joined her husband Joe in the flooring industry. She was in nursing for 13 years both geriatric and pediatric but wanted to start a new adventure and learn a new trade with the Better Floors team. She has been with the business since October of 2022. Although she is very new to the flooring world, she has learned a lot in such a short amount of time and is dedicated to further learning all aspects of the industry. With a veteran team to lead her she continues to help grow Better Floors business.

Fun Fact: Holly is a VA HS State Cheerleading Champion and competed in multiple beauty pageants, winning a few titles.

Dr. Watson

Greeter/Mascot

Hi there. I’m Dr. Watson the big eared Frenchie and Better Floors’ official greeter. I love when someone new comes into the showroom so I can show off my cute self and nonstop snorts. I like to nap in between customers and love when it’s treat time. I recently had a major surgery that makes me walk a little funny but the good news is I’m walking again and can continue my duties of official greeter. Please stop by to see me and the Better Floor team.

Fun Fact: I love long walks and have a cat brother at home named Detective Sherlock

Mike

Sales

Mike enjoys working for Better Floors, Inc. because of the small, team-oriented environment in which everyone supports one another. Mike has over 13 years of business development experience and we are very excited to have him in this role. He continues to demonstrate his ability to provide our customers with a very professional experience. From in-home measuring/consulting to being the “project manager” on all of his jobs, Mike’s #1 objective is a happy customer who recommends Better Floors to their neighbors. Mike was born and raised in the Richmond area and graduated from Radford University. He has 2 children, Cameron and Ethan. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, golfing, (really anything outdoors), and especially, spending time with family & friends.

Fun Fact: Mike has gone sky diving!

Tracey

An Owner

Tracey is the daughter and niece of the original owners of Better Floors, Inc. She saw firsthand all of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into running a small business and wants to carry on the legacy her father and uncle created over 35 years ago. Tracey received her degree in Finance from Radford University and then went on to further her education with a degree in Accounting from VCU. She then worked in wealth and investment management for 17 years at Suntrust Bank. In her spare time, she enjoys a wide variety of hobbies such as metal detecting, history research, knitting, and cooking. Her favorite place to vacation in Savannah, Georgia. Tracey has two children, Jack and Lily.

Fun Fact: Tracey had a pet pig growing up!

Bob

Warehouse Manager

Bob is a new comer to the flooring industries. Prior he spent 25 years as a transportation manager in the food service industry. This experience has helped him to focus on the details and to deal professionally with particular customers. With a BS degree in Organizational Management this career switch has been a welcome change as he is motivated by a challenge and open to learn new trades. He has quickly learned many tricks of the trade and has adapted to become an asset to the company. From preparing each job with the appropriate cuts and materials to assisting installers with questions and planning. On his off time, he enjoys camping, shooting, and hanging with friends.

Joe

An Owner

Joe enjoys running Better Floors, Inc. because he can be engaged in every aspect of the business. He loves being hands-on in installation and sales, educating customers on their flooring, and providing them with the best product for their needs. Joe began working at Better Floors when he was a teenager as a helper for the installation crew. As he got older he ran his own installation crew and became enamored with learning the trade. He then moved up to a sales position before taking some time to pursue other opportunities. Joe came back to his roots in early 2020, when he resumed running the business with his two cousins, Tracey and Joy. Together, they carry on the second-generation family flooring business. Joe provides a unique perspective to the business because he has worked in every part of the operation and was a skilled installer for many years. In his spare time, Joe enjoys vacationing and skiing in Colorado. When he has some downtime at home he enjoys weight training. Joe is married to Holly, and they have two pets, a kitten and a Frenchie.

Fun Fact: Joe was a Competitive Body Builder in the NPC and placed two times!

Joy

An Owner

Joy started working alongside her father and uncle at Better Floors, Inc. when she was a teenager and has been with the company ever since. She enjoys running the business because of its small, community-oriented nature. Being a part of a small business allows her to make connections and friendships within the community and help those around her. When Joy is not working she enjoys gardening and decorating her home. She likes to vacation anywhere as long as there is a beach! Joy is married to her high school sweetheart, Doug, and they have a daughter, Josie.

Fun Fact: Joy took Cosmetology classes in high school and almost became a Cosmetologist but decided to pursue the family business instead.