The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has named Deb DeGraaf, co-owner of DeGraaf Interiors, the recipient of the 2024 Luminary Award. She will be formally honored at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the WFCA booth (#2413) during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas.
The Luminary Award recognizes individuals who positively impact those around them through outstanding mentorship, leadership and service to the flooring industry. “Deb embodies everything this award represents,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of the WFCA. “She is an inspirational leader, a tireless advocate for the flooring industry, and a heartfelt friend to everyone she meets.”
“Deb DeGraaf is a visionary leader whose influence reaches far beyond her organization, reshaping the entire floor covering industry,” stated Sam O’Krent, WFCA chair. “Her unwavering commitment to progress, paired with her renowned ‘GSD’ (getting ‘stuff’ done) approach, exemplifies a leader who envisions transformative change and makes it happen.”
Founded in 1993 by DeGraaf’s father Daryll, DeGraaf Interiors has evolved from a one-person operation into a thriving enterprise with more than 50 employees. In 2007, Deb and her brother, Dean, purchased the business, guiding the company to become a top 50 specialty flooring retailer and a member of the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA).
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, DeGraaf Interiors specializes in premium flooring and countertops for commercial, builder and residential clients. Under DeGraaf’s leadership, the company fosters a culture of mentorship and professional growth. In 2023, DeGraaf was honored with Mohawk’s Regional Edge Retailer of the Year Award, underscoring her dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Jeff Meadows, president of residential sales at Mohawk, shared his admiration: “Deb is an extraordinary leader, amazing businesswoman and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is a vital member of our floor covering community who has unselfishly volunteered thousands of hours to help create opportunities for other dealers and make the entire industry better.”
Adding to the praise, Ben Liebert, executive vice president of Shaw’s residential division, noted: “Deb was the first customer I met when I started at Shaw in January 2024. Her welcoming, sincere and direct approach has strengthened our partnership and personal friendship. On behalf of the Shaw family, I’m thrilled to congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
DeGraaf’s commitment to strengthening the flooring labor force is evident through her involvement with the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF). As WFCA chair at the time of FCEF’s inception, she was a founding member who rallied industry stakeholders to support the foundation’s mission. Now serving as FCEF chair, DeGraaf continues to champion initiatives that empower current and aspiring flooring professionals. Her company hosted a pioneering pilot program in partnership with FCEF, offering scholarships, hands-on instruction and the possibility of tuition forgiveness.
“When it comes to having a business partner who is also family, it can be tricky,” shared Dean DeGraaf, brother and business partner. “But not for me—because I have my ace, Deb. She’s forward-thinking, grounded and never rattled. She’s well-spoken, well-connected and always knows her team has her back. In over 15 years, Deb and I haven’t had a real argument. She stays in her lane, and I stay in mine. We laugh, learn from mistakes, share a hug and get right back to work.”
Today, DeGraaf Interiors operates three locations across Michigan and has recently expanded its corporate headquarters. Alongside modernized showrooms and cutting-edge training facilities, the company remains focused on uplifting others—a principle at the heart of the WFCA Luminary Award, the WFCA said.
