“We prided ourselves on getting to know each customer and before you knew it, we had generations purchasing from us,” Sandi recalls. “We played with the kids when they came in, taking them for rides on our hand cart, colouring, attending their sporting events – and now those very kids have their own homes and are buying from us.”
A former wallpaper salesman and Glidden store manager, Dave combined his skill set with Sandi’s strengths as a color consultant and office manager to build their business. The little paint shop in Vernon grew to become a success largely because of the couple’s commitment to go the extra mile.
“We have tried our best to cater to the needs of each customer, getting to know their likes and dislikes. If it was a Sunday morning or late at night, they knew they could call us with a question or meet us at the store for product.”
Leaving Customers in Good Hands
After serving the Vernon, Tolland and Ellington so well for the past 42 years, Dave and Sandi have announced that the time has come for them to sail into the sunset and enjoy a well-deserved retirement in sunny Florida. But that doesn’t mean the decision came easily.
“We have been privileged to have been invited to customers’ graduations, weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, funerals and more. We’ve laughed with them, we’ve cried with them. Our customers became our family and we will miss them dearly,” Dave says.
“But when we decided it was finally time to retire, we knew we were leaving our customers in good hands by choosing to turn the keys over to
John Boyle Decorating Center. Sandi and I are confident that they will carry on the tradition of a family paint store with dedicated community support and specialized attention - while breathing updated, contemporary air into Booma’s.”
Connecticut’s oldest and most trusted paint and decorating retailer, John Boyle Decorating Centers has been in the business of beautifying homes since 1878. Company owner Bryan King says he is excited about getting to know Booma Paint’s customers – and appreciative for the opportunity to do so.
“Dave ran this business for 42 years and he did it the right way,” Bryan says. “Whenever anyone opened the door, Dave made a point of coming out from behind the counter to greet them. He didn’t need an operations manual to tell him to do that – that’s just in his nature, and that’s what customers love about him. He makes them feel special and I really respect that.”
Bryan and Dave will continue to work closely together over the next few months to ensure a seamless ownership transition. Please stop in and say hello or goodbye to Dave. In the meantime, Booma customers can expect the same exceptional service and helpful advice when it comes to paint, products and color selection.
“To Dave and Sandi, I say thank you. Thank you for the years of hard work and TLC you have poured into this business and into your community,” Bryan says. “While we will miss you, know that you are leaving this town a better – and much more colorful – place than you found it, and for that we are all very grateful.”
Established and independently owned since 1878, John Boyle Decorating Centres specializes in residential and commercial interior design, including paint products, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, custom draperies and much more. With 10 locations across Connecticut, including New Britain, Southington, Wallingford, West Hartford (Farmington Ave. and Newington Rd.), Bloomfield, Cromwell, Bristol, Manchester – and most recently, in Vernon – the company has built its reputation on offering top-name products and expert advice – both of which are also available online at johnboyledecorating.com.
