He left in the mid-1960s to join Missouri Floor where he purchased the Kercher family interests, and expanded the company's gym floor business, to become the largest sports flooring contractor in the St Louis area. He spent nearly four decades as a loyal Robbins dealer, actively supporting their product innovations.
At age 70, he fully retired and passed on his interests in the company to his two sons, Kirk and Kent. He enjoyed an over 45 year career in the industry and particularly enjoyed his contacts in both local and national industry organizations, including his terms as President of the local St. Louis Flooring contractors group (FIC) and also the Wood Flooring Institute, later the WSFI. He supported the establishment of the NWFA of which Missouri Floor is a charter member. He spent years as a lead negotiator on the Union contracts, known for his wise counsel and integrity, respected by both sides - union and management.
When Missouri Floor observed 100 years in business in 2010, he delighted in celebrating with his sons and grandson who currently run the company. At 84, he lives in suburban St. Louis and cares for his wife of 62 years, Earlene. He gave up golf and his country clubs in Florida and St. Louis at 83, since if he could not play competitively and shoot under his age, he would not play at all. His last hole-in-one was at 78.