Lavone Pirner is a true industry visionary and is recognized for groundbreaking achievements. Pirner began his career in 1967 when he was approached by a friend and a family member about investing in Discount Carpet Center—now known as CAP Carpet. Never having run a business before, he learned quickly and immersed himself in the flooring world. Starting with an inventory of justsix rolls of carpet—all on consignment—Mr. Pirner grew his tiny business into 19 different business units that span the industry in the areas of retail, wholesale, transportation (aircraft interiors) and manufacturing. According to Floor Covering Weekly, his company is ranked as the 14th largest flooring retailer in America today. He employs over 180 dedicated staff members and the business has experienced double-digit annual growth since the early 90's.

By 1971, Mr. Pirner knew that in order to grow CAP, he would have to see how others were succeeding in the industry. This desire drove him to join the Retail Floor Covering Institute (RFI), where he served on various committees and in every officer position, Including President and Chairman of the Board, from 1982-83. Through this organization he met Howard Brodsky and Alan Greenberg. His relationship with them resulted in the founding of the Carpet Cooperative of America (CCA) in 1985. CAP was one of the founding members of CCA. To this day, Mr. Pirner serves on the CCA Board of Directors and acts as an outspoken advocate for dealers.

In addition to his notable professional achievements, Mr. Pirner is well known within the industry for nurturing and helping to strengthen and grow other flooring businesses. Sharing knowledge about the flooring industry and fostering professional growth in others are among Mr. Pirner's greatest contributions. Whether It's developing training models for employees or creating new relationships, Mr. Pirner is firmly committed to helping those around him In the same way that he was supported by his peers and those he respected. Mr. Pirner's mentoring spirit can be seen far and wide throughout the industry and in the leaders that he has cultivated including his son Aaron Pirner.

Along with his industry contributions, Mr. Pirner has dedicated substantial time and money to a multitude of non-profit and civic causes including: Interfaith Ministries, Senior Citizen Centers, The Lords Diners, Trees for Life, Wichita Sexual Assault Center, Battered Women’s Shelters, Guadalupe Clinic and Feed My Sheep, just to name a few.