The Little Office Space That Could

You know, there’s something special about a small space with a big heart. This little 12x12 office might not look like much, but let me tell you, it’s the birthplace of a comeback story that I’m damn proud of.

When the Cumberland River decided to wash away our past and our future in one fell swoop back in May 2010, it felt like the end of the world. Our warehouse? Gone. Our inventory? Gone. Our headquarters? Underwater, literally. We were left with a million dollars in damage and vendor obligations that would make your head spin—$800,000 with no flood insurance to bail us out. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years, it’s that when life knocks you down, you’ve got to get up, dust yourself off, and start swinging.

This little 12x12 office was our swing. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t what we were used to. But it was ours, and it was a symbol of our refusal to give up. We packed that tiny room with all the essentials—samples, desks, phones, and a whole lot of determination. We weren’t just operating a business; we were fighting for our survival, for our families, for the dream we refused to let die.

In this cramped space, deals were made, vendors were paid back, and our comeback story began to take shape. It was hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and cramped all year round, but it was also filled with the spirit and grit that make McGrath what it is today. We weren’t just running a flooring business; we were building a future from the ground up, one square foot at a time.

And you know what? We made it. We clawed our way out of the hole the flood left us in, paid back our vendors, reopened a showroom, and launched a new website. But this little office—this humble 12x12—was where the magic happened. It’s where we proved that no flood, no financial disaster, and no naysayer could keep us down. We might’ve been soaked to the bone, but our spirit stayed dry and strong.

Looking at this photo now, I see more than just a small, cluttered office. I see the birthplace of our rebirth. I see a place where dreams didn’t die but were reborn stronger and more determined. And every time I step into our new, much larger showroom, I think back to this little room and smile. Because if we could make it through that, we can make it through anything.

So here’s to the small spaces, the big dreams, and the indomitable spirit that keeps us moving forward, no matter what life throws our way.

Looking back now, that little office feels like a distant memory, but it’s a memory I’ll never forget. It was a crazy, challenging time—a time when we were tested to our limits and found out just how resilient we really are. That tiny space holds a big place in my heart because it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we refuse to give up, no matter how tough the odds.

Rick McGrath, reflecting on the little office that saw us through the storm and into the sunlight.