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How many teenagers, when told by dad they are better suited to sales than more physical work, wouldn’t rebel and go off in another direction entirely? Hastings took the words to heart and has been marketing flooring for more than 20 years.

And how many general managers would you find at a store no matter what day of the week or hour of the day you popped in? Hastings is there 24/7. In fact, he’s even brought his hobby to work.

When there is a rare slow moment, he transforms what once was a desk to be trashed into a gorgeous piece of furniture with a high black sheen in the warehouse in back.

Even the name of his company speaks to Hastings steadfast nature. He’s the general manager at Forever Floors and More on Interstate 30 in Garland. Hastings is a forever kind of guy.

Originally from Tennessee, northeast of Chattanooga, Hastings came by his flooring career quite naturally. Raised by a “flooring family,” his father was one of the Dobson brothers. Dobson’s has provided flooring, tile, and countertops to North Texas for more than 36 years.

As a kid, no one bridled his outdoor spirit.

“I went four-wheeling, mudding, hunting, and fishing,” he says. But, recreation is a part of life that comes easier in youth than adulthood sometimes.

“I never leave here,” he says. Okay, not entirely true. He may be at the Garland store from opening to close, seven days a week, but so far he has not succumbed to hoisting out a big roll of carpet on which to snooze. He does go home. He does visit his sister and other relatives who live nearby.

What if a free weekend came around? His response is sure and quick.

“I’d go camping at Beaver’s Bend, OK. It’s close by and has beautiful scenery,” he smiles, wishing for the day.

Forever Floors and More provides flooring for a long list of clientele that includes doctors’ and dentists’ offices, telecommunications companies and other businesses. - mh

©2010 Construction News, Ltd.