Diane Conley
Tommy Conley
A Jonesville businesswoman says that she and her husband do not rely on the economy to drive business.
“It’s the word of God that gets us through each day,” says Diane Conley. “If times are tough, we pray, and God always sends us people to help us get through it.”
Tommy and Diane Conley are the owners of Conley Carpets in Jonesville located at 412 N. Bridge St.
“When I think of carpet, I think of Conley,” said Joan Summers of Elkin who was next door at a nail salon. “It’s practically an anchor to Jonesville, something very much needed, even if you are not looking for flooring.”
“Agreed,” said Ron Summers. “It’s all about the customer service. You get a friendly and familiar face in Diane. Those who know the store know Tommy is a fantastic partner too.”
The duo started the business in 1998 at a time when the economy was flat and financial institutions did not recommend going into business.
“Tommy looked to me and asked if we should start a business,” said Diane. “I was a nurse at that time and had a hunch that this was God’s calling, so we put it in God’s hands and the community.”
Diane and Tommy opened the retail store in 2000 in a leased location, but switched to the current address opting to own the building instead of leasing it. The investment may have had its ups and downs over the years, but the duo keeps pace. Getting Diane into the business required compromise though.
“The only way I was in on this venture was if I could design the front end of the store; a woman can design things better,” said Diane.
“That we know,” chucked Tommy. “Never get in the way of a woman who wants to design, remodel, or decorate.
“Better yet, when I see a male come into the store alone and I know they’re married, I usually recommend they come back to the store with the wife, who’s really the boss,” said Tommy.
Tommy and Diane sit on two separate sides of the office. During the humorous exchange they glanced at each other, both smiling. They paused for a moment, reflective of a couple who understand their business, but mostly appreciative of the time they have with each other.
“We’ve been married 46 years,” said Diane. “We have four wonderful children, and six grandchildren.”
Yadkin County has always been home for the family. Diane was a student at Jonesville High School.
“I used to go to high school when it was located in the current elementary school,” she said. “That’s a long time ago. I’ve seen good people in this town…people come and go all the time, but Jonesville is the best place in Yadkin County.”
Nowadays Diane and Tommy are preparing the children to take a greater role in the business. All four children are in someway connected to the family carpet company, according to Diane.
“When it comes to installation, my kids are perfectionist, just like their father,” she said. “Everything has to be perfect for the customer. Tommy is perfect.”
Diane and Tommy are in the early stages of eyeing the next phase of life for them, retirement.
“We would like to spend more time with family and have a place over on the east coast by the beach,” said Tommy.
“Maybe within the next 3 to 5 years that’s where we’ll be,” said Diane, “as long as I get to decorate it.”
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