When Bob Dluhos purchased Headlands Tile & Flooring in 1997, it had already established itself on Hilton Head Island as a refreshing alternative to the big box stores that were beginning to pop up around the Lowcountry. Leaning into the true value of a small community business, namely the personalized service and greater attention to quality, Dluhos took that reputation to new heights. More than just a typical stop for tile and flooring, Headlands Tile became a trusted resource for both professionals and discerning DIYers.
Jose Cintron and his Golden Retreiver, Clark.
With Bob’s unexpected passing last year, it was a loss not just for the business but also for the community. Many wondered whether the business would continue without him. That’s when Jose Cintron stepped in, determined to build on the decades-strong reputation that Headlands had built.
“We wanted to keep Bob’s legacy and the Headlands Tile name here on the island. We’ve been a small business on Hilton Head and in the Lowcountry for 40 years, and there aren’t a lot of businesses that can say that,” Cintron said. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to work with repeat customers who have come in to share memories of Bob, and I’m excited to continue what he started.”
Coming into the business with 15 years of experience in commercial construction, focusing on large data and Wi-Fi installs, Cintron knew he was going to need some guidance on his side if he was going to properly continue the company’s reputation for quality. Thankfully, one of the island’s experts was waiting in the wings to offer that guidance.
“I’ve brought on Nikki Atkinson, who worked with Bob for years prior,” Cintron said. “She comes with such a wealth of knowledge from working so closely with Bob, and she has shared so much of it.”
His biggest lessons so far make up the pillars of what sets Headlands Tile & Flooring apart. The first and most important principle is to value the customer. “That’s our number one goal – to help them in any way we can with their project,” Cintron said. “The remodeling or redecorating process can be overwhelming, to say the least, so we try to make it much more relaxing.”
The second pillar comes down to three words: Quality over quantity. “Anyone can go to a big box store and pick out inexpensive tile, but the issue you run into is the quality of those products,” he said. “We pride ourselves on carrying high-quality products at a reasonable price. That allows you to really bring your ideas and dreams to life and not break the bank.”
The final pillar is maintaining that small business atmosphere while offering far more than meets the eye. That means tiles for every purpose and style, flooring from LVP to engineered hardwoods, and a commitment to finding you exactly the material you need. “We don’t want you to come in and feel like you’re limited to what’s in the store. If you’ve found something online or come to us with a sample, we pride ourselves on being able to take that idea and find something even better than what you had in mind,” Cintron said. “And really, finding and sourcing tile is one of Nikki’s favorite things to do. She truly enjoys it, and there is nothing she can’t track down and get her hands on.”
That speaks to the service that sets Headlands Tile & Flooring apart. The reputation built over 40 years is being carried into the future by an owner who understands the dedication to quality and the customers it took to get here. For more information, visit headlandstileandflooring.com