By Linda McDonald
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19 Jan, 2022
Since 1927, Temple Johnson Flooring has been a family-owned and operated business. Temple, along with his wife and son-in-law, ran it successfully for decades until his death. In the 70’s, Jerry Sparks, who had conducted business with the company for years, bought it with his father, Clyde, from Temple’s widow. They brought in his brother, Jim Sparks, as well as his mother, Frances, for support. In 1985, Bryan Jones, husband of Janis, (the only girl among the Sparks siblings), joined the company. Bryan bought first Clyde, then Jerry out as they both retired from the business. Now, after 32 successful years under Bryan’s leadership, Temple Johnson is happy to announce that another member of the Sparks family is coming aboard—Jerry’s son. Matt Sparks joins Temple Johnson Flooring as a fulltime employee. In a recent interview, Matt not only talked about being a family man himself, but also showed he brings plenty of moxie with him to the company. He’s been in and out of floor work since he was 14, when he started working with his father at JL Flooring in the summers. Jerry is retired now, but Matt has continued contracting floor work with various companies, including Temple Johnson. He is experienced in all wood floor installation. Most of his jobs were engineered pre-finished wood. Recently, he has not only been doing a lot of the physical work, but running the business end of things for JL Flooring as well. Matt seemed happy to start 2022 concentrating on a new path. “Luckily, the business is not extremely new to me. I’ve always enjoyed the physical work, both laying floors, as well as the artistry in the installation. But I admit I'm looking forward to getting off my hands and knees every day. For the past twelve years, my doctor has been warning me to stop doing it, to save my back and knees.” Most installers eventually suffer from similar ailments, and many, like Matt, are still relatively young. “I'm excited to focus on the management part of the business for a change.” Matt brings an excellent education with him to Temple Johnson, including a Business degree from Oklahoma State University. “When I first started out, I wanted to become a firefighter. But that route turned out to be more of an engineering degree, dealing with areas like fire suppression systems. And I said, ‘that's just not what I'm here for.’ So, I went for a general Business degree instead.” Interestingly, during his junior and senior years at O.S.U., Matt found himself dabbling in some upper-level art classes, because he’s always really enjoyed art. “Most of the classes were Art History, and they were some of the toughest courses I took.” Those same art classes provided him personal insights to the unique artistry in floor design. He’s not only steeped in historical artisan work, but has seen a lot of trends come and go in the flooring business. He’s excited and curious about what is going to happen next. “Temple Johnson's reputation is definitely customer-based,” he said. “It’s a well-rounded company. They continue to give their clients exactly what they want, but they’re always looking to the future as well, when people will want newer styles and trends.” Matt appreciates the high standards Temple Johnson insists on. Right now, he’s watching that in action. “This morning Bryan was talking about all these samples they need to have, as far as color and the sheen of the stain. Temple Johnson offers herringbone, borders, and all sorts of complicated patterns.” The proficiency required has not escaped Matt. “Being in the industry as long as I have, I've seen plenty of people try to do it, but end up botching the whole job.” “When you watch a professional installer who knows how to do it right, it is an art form. You can tell when somebody is just guessing as they go, and it shows. But when somebody truly knows the art of flooring, that is, for me, pure entertainment to watch.” He feels good about what he’s doing, but understands there’s a lot to absorb. “I'm not cocky. I mean, I'm confident in what I know, but I’m always eager to learn. Bryan has so much knowledge and experience. I need to pay attention and learn all I can from him. Just from working in this field for the last 15 years, I’ve observed a lot of trends and techniques come and go, so I have some idea of the changing industry. But there's so much more involved that Bryan can pass on to me.” Matt is pleased that he can grow into a new role in a smaller but elite operation. “Instead of a cold, corporate place, this feels more like a family business.” That attitude will fit right in as he carries on the Temple Johnson tradition. Matt’s family includes his wife, Julie, and two daughters, Kinsey, 11, and Joey, 8. They all enjoy being around water and often visit places such as Lake Tenkiller, just south of Tahlequah. They have a boat, but he admits—a little sheepishly—that he’s the only one in the family who doesn’t ski. “Actually, I haven’t tried.” He said this with the air of someone who’s taken some ribbing about it, but then defended himself with good nature. “I can't get the wife to learn how to drive the boat correctly, so that's my excuse. Is that true? I don't know. But my daughters both know how to kneeboard, and I'm trying to get them to start wakeboarding. That's the fun for me, watching them behind the boat.” Drop by Temple Johnson’s showroom anytime and see what’s new in flooring design. While you’re there, take a moment to meet Matt. He’s looking forward to it.