Let’s hear from this inspired change artist Lance Kramer of LGKramer Flooring and his wife Gianna as they take Sarasota and Manatee homes and businesses to the next step in flooring. They are a dynamic couple with high standards of customer service and quality craftsmanship. We interviewed each and what a delight as each extolled the virtues of the other in building this quality customer experience in flooring solutions.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your career?
A: I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself. So, I was 16 and working for a gentleman in luxury flooring. At first it was a job but I got hooked and recognized the art of the materials and the results for the customers. I could see how a more customer oriented process was needed. I just had to go out on my own to apply my ideas.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Sarasota County, and what do you love there?
A: Hyde Park, we love steak and the filet is the best.
Q: How long have you lived in Sarasota?
A: I have been here for 27 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you have met here in Sarasota?
A: We have met a lot of people. Cary Hicks, Part owner of the Palm Tower, a client of ours, a phenomenal gentleman, has a lot of wisdom, and knowledge.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: We were supposed to have my wife’s dirty thirty, if it is OK to say that, we were to go to Russia and then into Germany. If I could go anywhere now we would carry on with that trip.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: Go after your dreams, chase your dreams, do not let anyone or anything stop you. Figure out your obstacles, over achieve, and overcome.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Travel always has been on the bucket list and taking the time to learn the culture in those travels.
Q: What is your favorite music?
A: I love all genre, country, Hip hop, even the old crooners, Frank Sinatra, I love all kinds of music.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Sarasota?
A: I am a foody, so a great food experience, Ophelia’s on the Bay, it is a landmark and not something you see every day.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Sarasota County would you have lunch?
A: Elon Musk right now with everything with Tesla going on. He has it all, tech, cars, he is a man with a lot of intelligence. Being a foody, I would take him to a cool place, Either Duvall’s or Owen’s Fish Camp.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Sarasota?
A: I love the people most and foremost; the people here are amazing, so nice and generous. We have traveled a lot and been to many beaches and Siesta Key Beach is amazing. I think it is the perfect place to live.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: With my beautiful wife and the blessing of kids, business would be growing, more customers, and more friends.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I never graduated from high school; I got my GDE at 16 and wanted to work. I got into the flooring industry and then went to night school to learn about business.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: My wife, our puppies, and I would say friendship, we have a lot of good friends and good times.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for an interview for The Faces of Sarasota?
A: Holly Dennis of Holly Dennis interiors. She is a great designer and we have worked with her on a number of successful commercial projects.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: Leonardo Di Caprio, I love all of his movies, it would be an honor.
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose?Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: 100%, a Life Coach.
