The family-owned flooring company Giant Floor announced the passing of its founder, Peter A. Rubando, on January 12, 2026. Rubando, who founded the company in 1965, is remembered as a visionary leader whose commitment to service, product quality, and community helped establish the company's reputation over more than six decades of operation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His death represents a significant transition for a business that has maintained its independent, family-owned structure while expanding across the region, highlighting the enduring impact of founder-led enterprises on local economies.
Rubando built his career around people-first values that translated into business leadership. After working as a territory salesman, he relocated to Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley and incorporated Giant Floor in Wilkes Barre in April 1965. His leadership was marked by resilience, particularly during the aftermath of the 1972 Agnes Flood, when the company worked to help local families rebuild. From that experience emerged the company's enduring promise: "We will always be here to serve you." This commitment to community support during crises established a template for how local businesses can serve as pillars of stability, creating customer loyalty that transcends generations.
Under Rubando's stewardship, Giant Floor expanded across Northeastern Pennsylvania while maintaining its independent, family-owned structure. He remained deeply involved in operations and credited employees as the driving force behind the company's growth. "Peter believed that a successful flooring business was built on trust, consistency, and showing up for customers long after the sale," said Giant Floor leadership. This philosophy underscores the importance of relationship-based business models in an era increasingly dominated by impersonal transactions, demonstrating how traditional values can drive sustainable growth.
In honor of Rubando's legacy, Giant Floor has introduced a new flooring product that reflects his commitment to durability, design, and long-term performance. The Stony Brook Carpet is a versatile residential solution designed to deliver lasting comfort, durability, and timeless style. The product features a balanced construction ideal for active households, offering dependable performance while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic suitable for a wide range of interior spaces. More information about the company's products and legacy can be found at https://giantfloor.com.
The introduction underscores Giant Floor's continued focus on curated product offerings that meet evolving customer needs while honoring the quality standards Rubando established. "Peter believed innovation mattered only if it truly benefited the customer," the company noted. "Stony Brook reflects that belief by combining comfort, durability, and everyday practicality." This approach to product development illustrates how legacy businesses can innovate while staying true to core principles, creating products that serve practical needs rather than following fleeting trends.
Beyond business, Rubando was respected for his generosity and community involvement. In 1984, he established the Andrew Rubando Scholarship at King's College, supporting higher education in the region. His influence extended well beyond the showroom, earning him recognition as a leader who understood the broader role independent retailers play in their communities. Today, Giant Floor offers comprehensive flooring solutions and maintains its commitment to helping customers create durable, functional spaces, continuing to operate under the values instilled by its founder. The company's trajectory demonstrates how founder values can become institutionalized, creating businesses that serve as community anchors while adapting to changing market conditions.
