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Mark Ford of American Dakota praises Calhoun, credits Georgia for connecting his business to buyers
Summary
Mark Ford of American Dakota said Calhoun offers a small‑town feel and that state of Georgia staff helped his rug company reach customers abroad; he said the firm aims to grow over the next three to five years while prioritizing employees and community giving.
Mark Ford, of American Dakota, said Calhoun offers a small‑town atmosphere and state support that helped his area‑rug company reach customers in Canada and Japan.
Ford, who identified his firm as a family business that makes area rugs and carpet planks, said Georgia officials “sat down with us and mediated meetings with potential customers in an environment I never could have fostered.” He credited that assistance with opening market opportunities his company had not been able to access on its own.
The company makes rugs and carpet planks aimed at a rustic western lifestyle. “In the next 3 to 5 years, we were seeking growth,” Ford said, adding that the business’s top priorities as it expands are taking care of employees and finding ways to give back to the community.
Ford described being recognized by the state of Georgia as a privilege and said he sees many opportunities for small businesses in the state, especially those that can operate via phone or laptop. No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript.
