Jean Whitley admits opening her new business, Carpet Outlet Inc. at 1123 U.S. 1 South in Lugoff, was a big leap … maybe even a “leap off a cliff,” she thought at the time.

But that jump is proving to have been the right move, she said, even if it didn’t work out quite as she had expected.

“I opened Carpet Outlet so my daughter, Tiffany, would have a job,” Whitley explained. “She graduated from Converse College and was experiencing the same as other new graduates, along with others already unemployed. I thought I would help. Little did I know she would decide to continue her education and would not have time to manage a business.”

Whitley brought Allen Becker, who worked for two past owners in the previous business, back on board. Becker, who is sales manager, has worked in the flooring business since he was 16.

Will Dinkins also joined the Carpet Outlet team as a sales associate. Under Becker’s guidance, Dinkins has learned the flooring business from the ground up, including how to bind custom rugs and runners.

“During my short tenure, I have enjoyed meeting other business owners in the community and learning that we all have similar interests and concerns, which has turned that ‘leap off a cliff’ into a ‘leap of hope,’” Whitley said. “It is for our businesses to stimulate our communities, our state and our overall economy.

Carpet Outlet Inc. is a locally owned and operated floor covering business that provides the largest in-stock carpet inventory in Kershaw County and the surrounding areas, Whitley said, including indoor and outdoor carpet, residential and commercial carpet, area rugs and room-size remnants.

The business also provides vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile, cork and padding. It specializes in custom binding rugs and runners, and also provides free on-site measurements and free estimates.

“Our mission is to provide our customers with products and services that exceed their expectations, since they are our most valuable asset,” said Whitley. “We value simplicity, responsiveness and integrity and will do whatever it takes to ensure all of our customers are 100 percent satisfied.”

Carpet Outlet Inc. is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 408-8707; the fax number is 408-8708. The website is www.carpetoutlet-lugoffsc.net.