In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush sits down with Greg Gaylord, owner of Gaylord Hardwood Flooring, to explore what it truly means to go away, come back home, and grow a global business from a small town.

After going away for school and gaining perspective beyond his hometown, Greg made the intentional decision to return—raising his family locally while continuing the legacy business his parents founded in 1985. What began as a small, family-run operation has grown into an internationally recognized hardwood flooring company, supplying custom floors to builders and homeowners across North America and beyond.

This conversation dives into leadership succession, craftsmanship, sustainability, and the power of relationships in building long-term success. Greg shares how staying rooted in core values, listening closely to clients, and making thoughtful, incremental improvements have allowed the company to evolve without losing its identity.

This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t always mean leaving—it can mean coming back, staying rooted, and building something meaningful that lasts.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Welcome to The Country Club Podcast & episode introduction

02:00 – 03:10 | The origins of Gaylord Hardwood Flooring (founded in 1985)

03:10 – 04:20 | Growing up in a family business & early lessons

04:20 – 05:30 | Choosing to carry the legacy forward

05:30 – 06:40 | Leadership challenges & growing in a competitive market

06:40 – 08:00 | Balancing tradition with innovation

08:00 – 10:10 | Building global reach from a small town

10:10 – 11:20 | The power of referrals & long-term relationships

11:20 – 12:45 | Featured projects & Netflix exposure

12:45 – 14:30 | Hardwood flooring trends: low maintenance & natural finishes

14:30 – 16:10 | Quality, sourcing, and what buyers should know

16:10 – 17:30 | Sustainability & the value of buying local

17:30 – 19:00 | Choosing to raise a family in the community

19:00 – 21:20 | The showroom renovation & creating an experience

21:20 – 22:45 | Family, business, and community connection

22:45 – 25:45 | Personal stories & family moments

25:45 – 28:15 | The legendary company limo story

28:15 – 30:45 | Final reflections & closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

1. “You don’t have to leave home to build something exceptional.”
2. “Innovation doesn’t always mean big breakthroughs—it’s about getting better every day.”
3. “People want their floors to look like wood again, not a piano.”
4. “There’s nothing more sustainable than buying local and building to last.”
5. “Referrals come from relationships, not transactions.”

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy businesses thrive when core values stay intact—even as markets change
2. Global success can grow organically through trust, referrals, and consistency