Our team was recently invited to sit down with Lisa Mazooka on the Shop Jersey Shore podcast. The full episode is embedded below. Here is a look at what was covered during the conversation.
A Family Business Rooted at the Jersey Shore
GM Carpet Care was founded by Mark Case and incorporated in January of 1978. For nearly 50 years, homes and businesses across the Jersey Shore have been served by our crew. The business is now being taken over by Mark’s four sons, all of whom were raised in the trade. Each one has been trained since childhood in cleaning, repair, and restoration work.
Our service area stretches from Sandy Hook Lighthouse all the way down to Cape May Lighthouse. Families and businesses throughout Ocean, Monmouth, and Cape May Counties are covered by that range.
How the Industry Has Changed Over Five Decades
In the podcast, Mark talks about how much the flooring world has shifted since the 1970s. Back then, wall-to-wall carpeting was installed on nearly every surface. Carpeting was even placed on walls for decoration and soundproofing.
Today, hard flooring options like tile, stone, and hardwood are chosen by most homeowners. Area rugs are then placed on top for warmth and style. That shift pushed our services to expand well beyond carpet cleaning alone.
Services That Grew With the Times
Over the years, the following services were added to meet changing customer needs.
- Hard floor cleaning for tile, stone, marble, and hardwood surfaces
- In-plant area rug cleaning at our Toms River facility
- Upholstery cleaning for microfiber, couches, and chairs
- Carpet stretching and repair using professional power stretchers
- Water damage restoration and emergency cleanup
- Deodorizing and stain protection treatments
Carpet Repair That Saves Thousands
A major part of the podcast is spent on carpet repair. Mark explains that most carpet problems are caused by poor installation, not by age or foot traffic. Ripples, bumps, and wrinkles are seen in homes where a basic knee kicker was used instead of a power stretcher.
A power stretcher is braced from wall to wall. The carpet is then grabbed and pulled drum-tight across the entire room. That level of tension is required by industry standards. Yet it is rarely done by installers in the Shore area.
A Smart Move for Home Sellers
Carpet repair was highlighted as a smart investment for homeowners preparing to sell. For a few hundred dollars, worn-looking carpet can be restored to its original condition. Thousands of dollars in buyer negotiations can be avoided through that simple fix.
Area Rug Cleaning Done the Right Way
The old method of beating a rug over a clothesline was mentioned by the host. Mark then walked through our in-plant process step by step.
Each rug is picked up from the customer’s home by our team. It is then brought to our Toms River facility. First, dust and debris are shaken loose by large mechanical beaters on a flat grate surface. Next, spots and stains are treated individually. The rug is then flooded and rinsed repeatedly until the water runs clean. Some rugs have been rinsed as many as 10 to 15 times before the job is finished.
After extraction, the rug is hung to dry. Deodorizing, stain protection, and fringe cleaning are all offered as part of the service. The full turnaround is typically completed within one to two weeks.
Pets, Families, and the Customers We Serve
About 80% of our work is done in residential settings. The remaining 20% is handled on the commercial side. Our core customers tend to be homeowners in their 30s through 60s, many with kids and pets.
Pet accidents were discussed at length during the episode. Urine stains are seen more often than any other issue in our line of work. Padding can even be replaced and puppy-proofed so future accidents are contained.
Deep Ties to the Jersey Shore Community
Mark also shared the story behind the name GM Carpet Care. The “G” stands above the “M” as a reminder that faith guides the business. His four sons — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — carry that same set of values into every job.
Community involvement has always been a priority. Work with Kessler Rehabilitation in Whiting was mentioned during the episode. Support for local churches and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy were also discussed.
Give Us a Call This Spring
Spring is the busiest time of year for carpet and rug cleaning. Salt, sand, and grime tracked in during the winter months need to be removed for the safety of your family and pets. Appointments fill up fast once the season kicks off.