Special Advertising Section family business revolves around SUCCESS FROM THE GROUND UP Steven, Ashley and John Stark Rooted in a passion for design, the Stark story embraces neces- sity, invention and close family ties. The venerable firm founded by Arthur Stark more than 60 years ago has evolved from a custom to-the-trade carpet house to an encyclopedic resource for carpets, rugs, fabrics, wallcoverings and furniture. Stark and his wife, Nadia, concentrated on needlepoints, Orientals, Wiltons, Aubussons, petit points and Tibetans. Soon after Arthur died in I96°/> Nadia enlisted her college-aged sons, John and Steven, into the business. Today John is chairman, and Steven president. The two still share an office after 36 years. ("Unlike most families, we get along," says John.) Ashley Stark, John's S>5~year-old daughter, sits just over the threshold, adding a fresh perspective and the energy of the next generation. "I've wanted to be here since I was little," she says. Since Nadia's death in 1992, the Stark brothers have built a two-showroom operation into a burgeoning multinational firm with 31 showrooms across the U.S. Old World Weavers in the early I99°s launched Stark into fabric now incorporates seven noted brands, among them Fonthill and Grey Watkins. In I99T Jonn and Steven initiated the furniture unit. Over the years the two have also broadened the company's floor- ing options, purchasing Larsen Carpets, Missoni and Darius, and developing licensed collections by leading designers. Stark's global plans include ventures in Europe, Asia, Russia and Dubai. Ashley works with her father and uncle, updating palettes and sensibility. "As much as I love modern," she says, "I also love already expansive mix, ensuring that Stark stays current. That's family planning.

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