Floor & Decor Announces Leadership Transition as Bradley Paulsen Becomes CEO and Thomas Taylor Moves to Executive Chair Role
leading specialty retailer in the hard surface flooring industry, announced a significant leadership transition that underscores its commitment to strategic continuity and sustained growth. The company’s Board of Directors has officially appointed Bradley Paulsen, currently serving as President, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board, effective December 26, 2025, marking the beginning of the company’s 2026 fiscal year.
Simultaneously, Thomas Taylor, the current CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board, where he will continue to play a vital role in guiding Floor & Decor’s long-term strategic vision. This transition reflects the company’s thoughtful succession planning and continued focus on achieving its ambitious goal of expanding to 500 warehouse stores nationwide.
As part of the leadership realignment, Norman Axelrod, the current Chair of the Board, will assume the position of Lead Independent Director, ensuring strong governance and oversight as the company enters its next phase of growth.
A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
Under Thomas Taylor’s leadership, Floor & Decor experienced one of the most remarkable growth stories in the U.S. retail and construction materials sectors. Over the last 13 years, the company evolved from a regional chain of 31 warehouse stores generating around $337 million in annual sales into a national leader with 262 stores across 38 states and over $4.4 billion in revenue.
Reflecting on this extraordinary journey, Norman Axelrod praised Taylor’s vision and execution:
Under Tom’s exceptional 13-year leadership, Floor & Decor has delivered extraordinary growth and remarkable financial performance. His proven leadership and strategic foresight transformed Floor & Decor into a household name in the hard surface flooring market. We couldn’t be more pleased that Tom will remain actively involved as Executive Chair. His collaboration with Brad will provide the perfect blend of experience and innovation to propel the company’s future.
Axelrod further highlighted that Paulsen’s extensive experience in retail leadership, supply chain management, and commercial sales will complement the company’s next phase of operational and market expansion.
A Smooth Transition Toward Continued Excellence
In his new role as Executive Chair, Thomas Taylor will shift his focus toward long-term strategic initiatives, emerging growth opportunities, and major market expansion. While stepping away from day-to-day operations, he will continue to be deeply involved in shaping the company’s direction.
Taylor expressed enthusiasm for the transition, noting:
As Executive Chair, I’m energized to remain deeply engaged in Floor & Decor’s strategic direction. This new role will allow me to focus on long-term opportunities—new markets, partnerships, and innovations that will define our future. Over the past 13 years, we’ve built something special, but there’s still so much more ahead. This transition allows me to focus on the bigger picture while Brad leads our exceptional leadership team in daily operations. Floor & Decor’s best days are yet to come.
Bradley Paulsen’s Vision for the Next Phase
Bradley Paulsen, who joined Floor & Decor earlier this year, brings an impressive track record in retail and home improvement leadership. His deep understanding of merchandising, customer experience, and commercial growth positions him well to lead Floor & Decor’s ambitious expansion plans.
Paulsen shared his excitement about assuming the CEO role:
Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Tom and our incredible team, learning what makes Floor & Decor unique. I’m honored to step into this role and lead our next phase of growth—scaling toward 500 warehouse stores and accelerating our commercial flooring business. Our associates are the heart of this company, and together, we’ll continue to deliver exceptional value and service to homeowners, contractors, and professionals nationwide.
Paulsen’s focus will be on reinforcing the company’s market leadership, optimizing operational excellence, and ensuring that Floor & Decor continues to be a preferred destination for both retail and commercial customers.
A Company Built on Vision and Value
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Floor & Decor has built a powerful reputation as a multi-channel specialty retailer offering a comprehensive selection of hard surface flooring, decorative accessories, and installation materials.
As of September 25, 2025, the company operates 262 warehouse-format stores and five design studios across the United States. The brand’s competitive advantage lies in its broad in-stock assortment, everyday low prices, and expert in-store service for both do-it-yourself homeowners and professional contractors.
Floor & Decor’s model is built on key principles: maintaining an expansive selection of quality flooring materials—including tile, laminate, wood, vinyl, and natural stone—and supporting these products with the right tools, accessories, and expert advice. This approach has enabled the company to thrive even amid broader market fluctuations in the housing and construction sectors.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Innovation, and Strategic Focus
As the company looks to the future, Floor & Decor remains focused on expanding its footprint, strengthening supply chain capabilities, and enhancing customer experience through digital transformation and professional partnerships. The leadership transition signals a seamless evolution rather than a dramatic shift—one designed to ensure consistency, innovation, and stability.
The move toward 500 stores is more than a numerical milestone; it represents a continued commitment to accessibility, product excellence, and customer trust. Both Taylor and Paulsen are aligned in their belief that disciplined growth and operational efficiency will be the pillars of Floor & Decor’s success in the coming decade.
As with all forward-looking announcements, Floor & Decor’s leadership emphasized that projections are based on current expectations and subject to market dynamics. The company’s forward-looking statements address anticipated operational results, financial performance, and strategic goals, all of which are inherently influenced by factors such as macroeconomic conditions, consumer spending trends, inflation, and housing market fluctuations.
Key potential risks include:
- Economic downturns or reduced consumer confidence.
- Challenges related to new store openings and geographic expansion.
- Increases in supply chain costs, tariffs, or logistics disruptions.
- Rising competition within the home improvement and construction retail sectors.
- The availability of qualified personnel and leadership stability.
- Potential disruptions caused by natural disasters or global trade issues.
- Dependence on foreign imports and supplier quality assurance.
- Changing regulatory or tax environments affecting profitability.
While these factors present challenges, Floor & Decor’s proven resilience, disciplined management, and focus on customer value continue to position it as a strong player in both retail and construction supply markets.
This leadership transition reflects Floor & Decor’s maturity as a company that balances entrepreneurial energy with operational excellence. By promoting from within and maintaining the involvement of its long-serving CEO, the company is demonstrating both continuity and adaptability—qualities essential in a competitive, rapidly evolving marketplace.
As Bradley Paulsen takes the helm and Thomas Taylor transitions into his new role, both leaders share a vision of sustainable expansion, digital integration, and customer-centric growth. With its strong foundation, strategic foresight, and dedicated workforce, Floor & Decor remains poised to build upon its legacy of growth and shape the future of home improvement and construction retail in America.
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