Capozza Floor Covering Center was founded in 1974 by Joseph A. “Buddy” Capozza Jr. with a typewriter, a family station wagon, and an unshakable work ethic. His wife, Doris, was beside him at the dining room table, which doubled as the office desk, helping manage the books and supporting the family’s new venture. From those humble beginnings, Buddy built the company on a foundation of craftsmanship, integrity, and service—values that remain at the heart of Capozza today.
As demand grew, Buddy’s son, Joe Capozza, joined the company to help expand its reach across Maine. Together, they established Capozza as a trusted name for both residential and commercial projects. With an eye for innovation and a commitment to customer relationships, the family built a strong foundation that has carried the business forward for five decades.
In 1986, Capozza set up shop at its present location on 267 Warren Avenue in Portland, bringing the commercial and residential divisions under one roof with a larger showroom, warehouse, and an expanded line of unique, quality products. Shortly after the expansion, Joe’s wife Jeanne joined to support the office, becoming a cornerstone of the family brand while raising three children.
In 2000, Joe + Jeanne opened Old Port Specialty Tile Co., operating out of the historic E. Swasey & Crockery Building on Commercial Street for seven years before moving in 2007 to a larger space on Middle Street. The showroom quickly became a destination for designers, architects, and homeowners seeking unique products and personalized guidance.
Over the next decade, the family evolved their own presence and roles within the divisions as Joe and Jeanne’s children—Joe III, Katie, Tia, and daughter-in-law Billie —came on board. In 2018, Old Port Specialty Tile relocated to its current, newly built, state-of-the-art showroom at 62 India Street, creating an inspiring space for expanded product offerings and collaboration.
Ownership of the company formally passed to the third generation in 2022. Joe Capozza III now serves as President, overseeing company management and development. His sister Katie is Vice President overseeing Old Port Specialty Tile. Co., while sister Tia is Vice President overseeing the Residential Division. Billie, Joe III’s wife, serves as Accounting Manager. With the next generation now running all aspects of the business, Jeanne and Joe remain steadfast mentors, offering guidance and support.
2024 marked a significant milestone for the Capozza team—our 50th anniversary! It was a year to reflect on our history, celebrate the incredible teams past and present who shaped us, and give back to our community. At our anniversary celebration, we raised more than $63,000 in support of Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Today, we proudly carry forward from a place of strength. After five decades of building upon strong principles, Capozza Floor Covering Center continues to lead the industry with a team that embodies our culture and upholds our reputation for excellence. With the third generation at the helm, bringing fresh perspectives and unwavering passion, we remain dedicated to delivering the highest standards in product, service, and craftsmanship. Just as we invest in the spaces we transform, we are equally committed to the growth and advancement of our team, providing opportunities, support, and development to help every member reach their full potential. Through mentorship and apprenticeship programs, we also work to strengthen the trades throughout Maine, sharing knowledge and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals.
As our next chapter begins, Capozza continues to evolve with the launch of FloorLife Solutions, a dedicated division focused on the care, maintenance, and longevity of commercial flooring. This addition reflects our commitment to offering clients complete flooring solutions—from installation through maintenance and restoration—under one trusted brand.
As Capozza Floor Covering Center moves beyond its 50th year in business, the company remains firmly rooted in the values first instilled by Buddy in 1974—quality, integrity, excellence, knowledge, and compassion. Over time, those values have been further defined, fostered, and woven into the fabric of our culture by the generations that followed. With each new chapter, the business has grown in vision and expertise, while never losing sight of what matters most, delivering exceptional flooring solutions and strengthening the communities we serve.
