From carpet installation and repair to hardwood floor refinishing, Brian Hinkley has spent three decades helping area homeowners improve their homes one floor at a time.
Hinkley, owner of D’Angel Carpet Service, was introduced to the carpet service business 30 years ago when his stepfather needed a carpet salesman. After his stepfather died, Hinkley was taught the craft by one of his stepfather’s friends, which eventually led him to start his own installation business.
Before he entered the carpet service business, Hinkley worked in several fields, including accounting, mailing and janitorial services. He was 26 years old when he entered the industry.
Originally started in Trenton, the company is now based in Allentown and provides carpet installation, carpet repair and carpet cleaning.
Hinkley, a borough resident, said that in addition to carpets, the business also specializes in laminate flooring and sanding and refinishing hardwood floors.
The business serves more than local customers. Hinkley travels around New Jersey to provide service to those who need it. He mainly serves the Flemington area but has also traveled to Burlington, Cherry Hill and Freehold.
While homeowners make up a majority of D’Angel’s customer base, the company also assists real estate and commercial property owners.
Carpets tend to last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type of carpet a customer chooses, and some can last for 20 years with proper care.
Hinkley said regular vacuuming is a straightforward way to extend a carpet’s lifespan.
“A lot of people underestimate the power of vacuuming your carpet in order to keep them in good shape,” Hinkley said. “If you got two people in your house, I would vacuum twice a week. If you have five people in your household, I would vacuum five times a week.”
Carpet stains typically occur when dust particles settle into the carpet, causing microtears. When people walk over those dust particles, the carpet starts to wear down.
For families with children or pets, D’Angel Carpet Service uses gentle cleaning formulas that clean stains effectively and do not leave a strong smell behind. Every detergent the company uses is rinsed out before use.
Most jobs take about a day, depending on the crew. Furniture can slow the process considerably, and Hinkley advises customers to remove all breakables and small items from the area beforehand. The company works with every customer’s budget and guarantees that customers will be able to get flooring, no matter the budget.
“If you think you can’t afford to get some carpet installed, believe me, it’s really affordable,” Hinkley said, adding that he consistently offers promotions to customers.
While installing carpet requires a lot of heavy lifting, and it can be difficult to find quality help, the most rewarding part of the work is helping customers, Hinkley said.
“The best feeling is when you have a customer, and you try to be perfect, and you aim for perfection and the customer really appreciates it,” Hinkley said.
“That’s the main thing, when your efforts are appreciated, especially when you know you’re giving it your best,” he added. “That’s the best feeling.”
Over the years, Hinkley’s business has gone through a number of changes. While most of his business once came by word of mouth, he has now decided to advertise more broadly. He also has gained more customers over the years.
“The Allentown area has been especially good and accepting to me,” Hinkley said.
The business has a slow and steady flow of customers throughout the year, but work starts to ramp up around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when people want their houses to look nice for the holidays.
Looking a few years ahead, Hinkley said he hopes he can find someone to take over his business after he retires, and he is hopeful that his son will take it over.
“I see my son Niles taking it over from there,” Hinkley said. “He has a slight interest [in the business]. That isn’t the direction that he’s going in right now. I don’t know what’s gonna pan out, too. He’s still young, and I like people to choose their own path.”
D’Angel Carpet Service operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The company also offers 24-hour emergency service Monday through Saturday.
The business offers free quotes.
D’Angel Carpet Service, Allentown. 609-635-6300. dangelcarpets.com.
