When the housing market collapsed in 2008, many business owners pulled back. Mark Wagner saw an opportunity to pivot, helping transform a small family flooring business into a national industry leader. His journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of long-term thinking.
In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Mark Wagner, Co-Founder and CEO of RM Interiors, to discuss his path from installing carpet alongside his brother to leading a company that serves customers across multiple states. Mark shares how he navigated economic uncertainty, seized opportunities in the emerging single-family rental market, and built a culture grounded in accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
The conversation also explores the role of mentorship, personal growth, and leadership development in scaling a business. Mark offers a thoughtful perspective on legacy, explaining why his greatest success is helping others become the leaders their families and communities look up to.
Key Takeaways:
About Mark Wagner:
Mark’s story in the flooring industry began long before RMI. For 15 years, he worked alongside his brother building Wagner Brothers Tile, where he learned the business from the ground up, installing floors, leading crews, and developing a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and hard work. Those early years shaped his understanding of what it takes to build not just a company, but a team and a culture that lasts.
In 2005, Mark and his brother launched RMI, quickly becoming one of Arizona’s leading providers of custom home flooring. When the housing market shifted in 2008, Mark saw opportunity where others saw challenge. Recognizing the growing Single-Family Rental (SFR) industry, he guided RMI into a new chapter, building relationships with national partners and helping to define flooring standards for the sector.
Under his leadership, RMI has grown into a $70 million company with 15 locations across major U.S. markets. Today, RMI is known for its reliability, consistency, and partnership-driven approach, values that reflect Mark’s own leadership style.
Mark believes success comes from people, from installers to executives, who share the same commitment to growth and integrity. His leadership is grounded in the FITT to GROW values that define RMI’s culture: Forward Thinking, Integrity, Teachable, Teamwork, Growth, Relentless, Ownership, and Workability. He leads by example, fostering transparency, accountability, and a genuine sense of purpose among his team.
For Mark, building RMI has never been just about business growth. It’s about building people, relationships, and a company that others are proud to be part of.
Connect:
Website rmiflooring.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/rm-interiors-&-design-inc/
Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by RM Interiors; a national flooring company helping builders, property owners, and operators complete projects with quality, consistency, and confidence. Visit rmiflooring.com to learn more.
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