Imagine walking into a business that has been a staple in the Hartland community for over 50 years, where you’re warmly greeted by a father-daughter team who have been working side by side for the last two decades. That’s the experience you’ll have at Klink’s Karpets!
This third-generation flooring business that has been improving homes with their high-quality flooring options since 1971. With a rich history and a reputation for customer satisfaction, Klink’s Karpets is more than just a flooring store – it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of their family business, valued relationships with their clientele, and dedication to both quality service and their community.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with this father-daughter duo, Mark Klink and Kristine Schutte, to learn more about them and the history of their business in the community. Their story is fascinating, and I was captivated by who they are as people and how they choose to show up for their clients and in Lake Country. I truly hope you enjoy learning more about Mark, Kristine, and the legacy of Klink’s Karpets! – Jessalyn Rich
The History of Klink’s Karpets
Mark’s parents, Francis Jr (“Jr”) and Judith (“Judy”) Klink, were magnetic, family-oriented and value driven. They had multiple businesses and were considered pillars in the community, giving “Klink” great name recognition in the area. In 1971, they opened Klink’s Karpets, and it wasn’t long until their reputation grew. They truly maintained a family-owned business feel, becoming friends with their installers, building relationships with their clientele, and growing as a staple in the Lake Country area.
That reputation proved to be the perfect foundation that carried on through the next generations.
Mark was an installer for the store and his sister Margaret, also know as Peggy, worked in sales. Together, they decided to purchase the store from their parents in the early 90’s and continued the legacy their parents started.
Then, about 20 years ago, Klink’s Karpets became a third-generation business when Mark’s daughter, Kristine, began working at the store. While Peggy retired in 2019, Kristine and Mark have worked together as a father-daughter team ever since. After Covid, they decided to reduce their hours, but they’ve been busier in the last two years than the previous 10 years. Nearly all their work is referral based, and they are so grateful to their loyal clientele.
About Mark Klink and Kristine Schutte
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Mark is married to Tammi, and together they have 4 daughters (Jami, Jenifer, Kelli and Kristine) and 7 wonderful grandchildren, two of which are Kristine’s. They all grew up in Oconomowoc.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Mark: I enjoy cooking, ice fishing and golf. We like to go up north to the Minocqua area with the whole family to relax, do fun family Olympics that are different themed every year, and just be together.
Kristine: I enjoy spending time with my family and reading.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
We both love being part of a family business that has been around for over 50 years and has had 3 generations helping the Lake Country community.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
It is difficult finding qualified installers and competing with the big box stores “sales tactics”. We are a family run business, so everyone we hire is an extension of who we are and because of that we have been able to maintain a great reputation and great relationships with our customers. Nearly all of our work is referral based, and we are so grateful to our loyal clientele who keep supporting us.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
We love seeing and hearing from all of the happy customers that we have worked with over the years that have kept this small business running. People will come through during community events to say “hi”, or send their family members to us, and we love that.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
We would like to see more generations keep us as a staple in this community.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Make the most of what you are doing so that you enjoy it.
Mark Klink and Kristine Schutte & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
We love all of the lakes and parks, as well as the charming downtown areas, restaurants and community events that make living here very family friendly.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Mark’s parents, Judy and Jr, were a staple in our community for years. Their reputation was the perfect foundation that carried through the generations. They inspired both Mark and Kristine to carry on the family business and the name in the community.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Palmer’s Steakhouse and Red Circle Inn have both been family favorites for many years, and we look forward to the new opening of Red Circle Inn.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Supportive, friendly, outdoorsy! Hartland specifically is so nostalgic, family oriented and has a great downtown with a small-town vibe.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Kristine: I was born with two different colored eyes!
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Mark: My favorite song is Imagine. The song speaks for itself.
Kristine: This is such a tough question! I have so many favorites for different reasons. I love music and how a song can change your mood, or help you relate, or take you down memory lane.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Mark: My parents.
Kristine: My family.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Mark: A tall blonde… also known as High Life.
Kristine: Gin Fizz
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Mark: Any former president; I would love to hear their perspective on everything!
Kristine: My mother’s parents; they passed before I was born I would love to meet them.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Mark: Travel to Alaska
Kristine: Explore Iceland
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Mark: My wife and family… or a $20K sale!
Kristine: What he^ said!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Mark: Take it easy; don’t let the small stuff bother you.
Kristine: Be kind; you never know what the person next to you is dealing with, and kindness goes a long way.
Where to Find Mark Klink and Kristine Schutte
Mark Klink and Kristine Schutte
Email: klinkskarpets@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 490-8522
Website: klinkskarpets.com
