After graduating from Ohio State University in 1973, Gary began his career in a furniture and flooring chain on the East Coast where he rose to an upper management position. Founded in 1936, Pearl Carpet and Tile had already established itself as a highly respected multi-store chain throughout northeast Ohio. From 1985 to 1996 Gary and Shelly ran their ever-expanding enterprise. Finally in 1996 after tiring of the weather, Gary suggested that the family move to a more hospitable climate. Scottsdale, Arizona, was the unanimous choice. Although Shelly had never lived away from their hometown, she overwhelming supported the idea. It was settled. Together, with their children, they transitioned effortlessly to the Valley of the Sun, establishing new friendships in the community and a new business model.Their relocation was perfectly timed with the growth of both the residential and commercial building business in the Southwest. Gary recognized the potential of the flooring businesses and together with Shelly they founded Lester & Associates, a manufacturer’s representative agency for fine carpet and rug lines throughout the Southwest.Through Lester & Associates, Gary built enduring relationships with design professionals while traveling Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. The business grew exponentially, due in large part to a demand for exclusive flooring solutions for luxury homes, five-star hotels, high-class retail shops, as well as upscale medical/office buildings. To accommodate the market, in 2006 Gary opened the UnderFoot showroom, as a premier – to the trade – source for luxury carpet and fine rugs. Then in the spring of 2012 he and Shelly expanded their fashion-forward selections to include elegant tile, exquisite hardwood flooring, and wall coverings with a new partner, Stanley Upiter.Today, Gary works with designers from around the country with notable projects in Florida, Costa Rico, Scotland, Michigan, Utah, and Ohio.