Peter Martin and Teri Archer with new owners Katie and Craig Stephenson.
A changeover at the top of a Cambridge business marks the end of an era.
Peter Martin and Teri Archer were, until recently, the Wilson’s Floorings’ longtime owner/operators. After 35 years in the business, the couple have sold to ‘take time out’ for other things in life, handing the reins to Craig and Katie Stephenson.
The business has been dressing Cambridge’s floors and windows for decades. Along with his father and brother, Peter purchased the business in 1989, taking over from its founder Chris Wilson – hence the name. Within eight years or so of the Martins’ takeover, the business moved from its site in Duke St to its present spot at the south end of Victoria St where it has continued to thrive despite a few bumps in the road.
“Our 35 years have seen us go through a range of good and bad times,” said Peter. “The ’91 recession was probably the worst, and while the Covid pandemic and lockdown hurt a lot of businesses, it actually served us well as many people who would normally have spent on overseas trips ended up redecorating their homes.
The Martins say that while they will remain in and around Cambridge, they are planning other adventures further afield.
Craig and Katie Stephenson have a young family and are excited at the opportunity to take the business forward. Craig will work in it fulltime, while Katie will fill in while she also fulfils her role as an accountant with PwC in Hamilton.
“We’d been looking for a while when we saw Wilson’s Flooring up for sale,” said Craig.
“Along with a genuine interest in the industry, it had to tick a few boxes for us – we wanted it to have strong local ties and we wanted to be involved in the community. Peter and Teri have built a great reputation with this business; it was a perfect fit for us.”
Outgoing Wilson’s Flooring owners Peter Martin and Teri Archer, with their dog Gizzy enjoying a nuzzle, with new owners Katie and Craig Stephenson.
