MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the team at Sterling Carpet & Flooring! Our talented staff has accumulated years of industry experience that they will use to help you achieve your carpet & flooring dreams. For all your flooring needs, trust the team at Sterling Carpet & Flooring.

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Dan Mandel

Owner/President
As the proud owner of Sterling Carpet & Flooring, I am honored to carry forward a family legacy that began in 1962. For over six decades, we have remained a family-owned and operated business, grounded in the values of integrity, exceptional service, and community connection. Growing up in the flooring industry, I developed a deep respect and passion for this work early on, and today, I bring that same passion to every project, every customer, and every decision.
 
What truly sets Sterling Carpet & Flooring apart is our commitment to delivering not just high-quality flooring solutions, but a customer experience rooted in care and personal attention. Our long-standing reputation in the community is built on trust, craftsmanship, and consistently exceeding expectations.
 
Giving back is also a cornerstone of our mission. We are proud supporters of RAD Camp, Friendship Circle, and Santa Margarita Catholic High School—organizations that reflect the heart and spirit of our community.
 
Outside of work, nothing brings me greater joy than spending time with my incredible wife and our three amazing kids. Family is at the core of everything I do, and I’m grateful to blend that same sense of family into the business every day. Being in the flooring business is more than just a career—it’s a lifelong passion and a deeply fulfilling journey that continues to inspire me.

Rich Mandel

Special Account Manager

I have been involved in the flooring business since 1987 when my best friend from college (John Ernst) and I purchased Sterling Carpet. We were not experts on flooring but we realized customer service would make up for any technicals we didn’t know! Fast forward to 2016and our business. Was taken over by my son Dan Mandel. We now have 2 stores and he has grown the business exponentially, always keeping in mind that we are more interested in making a customer rather than a sale.

My life at Sterling has provided me with the time to Travel extensively, play some golf, and concentrate on charities that are dear to our heart.

Rich-Mandel | Sterling Carpet and Flooring
John Ernst | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

John Ernst

Sales/Designer Anaheim

I’ve been in the floorcovering business since 1987 when Rich Mandel and I purchased Sterling Carpet. I’m still involved in the business because I truly enjoy the people, both customers and co-workers. My favorite flooring is the one that meets the needs and expectations of our clients. When not at the store, you can find me on the golf course or at the beach. Cheers and thanks for your business!

Cari Wilkinson

CFO

Cari Wilkinson began her career at Sterling as the receptionist in 1994. She now oversees all finances as the Chief Financial Officer of the company. She spends her free time golfing,skiing paddle boarding and playing with her dogs.

Cari Wilkinson | Sterling Carpet & Flooring
Lupe Brookhart | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Lupe Brookhart

General Manager
I have been in the flooring industry since 2012. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization of people. We are a family and treat every customer as one of our own.
 
My personal time is spent with two amazing children. They keep me young and make my life complete.

David Fay

Manager-Mission Viejo store

I have really enjoyed working in the flooring industry. Starting in 1987, I have been lucky to work with amazing people and been part of teams that make the business grow. Although there have been new products launched in those years, carpet will always be my personal favorite flooring. Married over 30 years to my wife Kathy, my proudest achievement is watching our two children, Kaitlyn and Zachary, become caring and responsible adults.

David Fay | Sterling Carpet & Flooring
Marty Diaz | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Marty Diaz

Install Manager

I started at Sterling as a warehouse employee back in 1995. Since then I have worked my way to lead install manager and love my job! Dealing with our many install crews and seeing the customers finished carpet and flooring is what I look forward to most. I enjoy camping and spending time with my family.

Derryll Tolentino

Installation Manager

I have been at Sterling since early 2021 and am loving my job. I was an experienced flooring installer who decided to get into customer service and overseeing the many installations we do at Sterling. I like to spend time with my wife and two young kids.

Deryl-Tolentino | Sterling Carpet and Flooring
Danny Flores | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Danny Flores

Operations Manager

Been working in the flooring industry for 10 years. Have experience installing carpet. Favorite part of the job: helping customers navigate the abundance of flooring options and seeing a smile on their face when the project is completed. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my child, during the summer I like to hang out poolside and on occasion I like reading a good book.

Kyler Robinson

Marketing Manager/Sales

Hello! I'm Kyler, a Media Specialist passionate about crafting exceptional spaces. My journey in the flooring industry started in October 2020, branching from a background in scenic design for theatre & film and custom interior carpentry. Here at Sterling Carpet & Flooring, I strive to make personal connections with our customers online and in their homes through social media, digital promotions, and our complementary in-home estimates.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I thrive on engaging in various creative pursuits. These include home projects that allow me to channel my carpentry skills, and collaborating on film projects with friends. Disneyland has always held a special place in my heart and you'll find me there many times a month.

Kyler Robinson | Sterling Carpet and Flooring
Jeanette Hill | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Jeannette Burns

Sales/Designer Anaheim
With over 30 years of experience, Jeannette Hill is a key member of the team at Sterling Flooring, where she combines her deep technical knowledge with a keen eye for design and color. Her passion for style and her commitment to customer service allow her to provide thoughtful, personalized recommendations that help clients find the perfect fit for their space.
 
Originally from Lake Forest, Jeannette now lives in Norco, California with her husband, Spencer. Together, they've embraced a rewarding hobby - caring for their three horses, Hawkeye, Diva, and Flea - and enjoying adventures with their dogs, Jax and Bowie. One of Jeannette's favorite pastimes is exploring new trails on horseback, discovering fresh scenery and making lasting memories along the way.

Robin Kemper

Sales/Designer Anaheim
I started in the flooring industry over 27 years ago in Pennsylvania when my youngest son (of 2) started pre-school. We moved to California in 2009 and I continued in the industry. I love helping people buy the right products for their home. Sterling is more than a flooring retailer, we are a family!
 
I’m a proud “Gramma” of 3 beautiful girls and enjoy the time I get to spend with them.
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Delis Walker

Sales/Designer Mission Viejo
Left UK in 1988.
Worked in flooring since 1989 and absolutely love it. Went to design school during this time. Also inspected failing floors for several years. Favorite flooring patterned carpets. Hard surface love them all.
Hobbies: Bike riding, gardening (my rose garden).
Family: Am happily married. Most of my family is in the UK.

Sal Barron

Sales/Designer Anaheim
I literally grew up in this industry. As a kid, I would spend my weekends helping my Dad install for his flooring business.
 
I started working here at Sterling in 2010 and bring over 40 years of knowledge and experience to help the customer make the best decision.
 
My favorite floors to sell are hardwood (nothing makes more of a statement) and commercial flooring because there are so many looks and finishes to combine. It gives me a special feeling to go back years later and see our floors down.
 
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and being Papa Sal to my 6 grandchildren.
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Jan Morales

Sales/Designer Anaheim

I have been in the flooring and building industry my whole long career and there is no better place than here at Sterling! Their commitment to the Customer allows me to offer the best price and quality of products and installation. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping our clients make the best decision for their needs and budget!

Ariel Ramos

Sales/Designer Mission Viejo
Hi, I’m Ariel. I have been in the flooring industry since 2019. I am a very passionate person which spills into my work. I went to school for interior design/business administration. My favorite type of flooring is engineered
hardwood due to its gorgeous, natural characteristics. Most of my time is spent trying new things and enjoying the sunshine.
Ariel Ramos | Sterling Carpet & Flooring
Kristie Heicke | Sterling Carpet and Flooring

Kristi Heicke

Sales Team Member
Kristi has been in the flooring business for since 2013, she started her career as Sales Representative for Anderson Tuftex, Mohawk on the Builder Multi-Family side of the business. She recently worked with Karndean Design Flooring. Kristi has experience with Carpet, Engineered Flooring, Laminate, and LVT.
 
Kristi decided to come over to the retail side and become a new family member of the Sterling Family, Kristi is delighted to be here and is already making new friends with our customers. She takes pride working with her customers, she makes them feel right at home.
 
Kristi loves to spend time with her family and friends, her favorite thing to do is have family over to BBQ, visit and reminisce. Kristi has 3 children who she adores, Kristi and her husband love to spend the weekend in Palm Springs it’s their happy place. The love of her life is her Golden Retriever “Bogey”

Mary Beth Granger

Outside Sales

I started on State College Blvd in the early 1980s when tile and carpet were the predominant items for homes. I started on the Blvd. with California Wholesale Tile. After 6yrs, as our Tile Mile began to grow and more companies were opening, I moved over to Morena Tile. I was with Morena until I had my son in 1997. I did remodeling and consultation work while I was raising my son Garrett. I also owned a Hot Dog Cart and ran a snack shack to help support us. I truly enjoyed my career enough to come back when he was in middle school. I accepted a position with Delta Floors and became the Senior Project Manager within a couple years. I was with Delta Floors for 7yrs. My last position was with Belmont Carpet and Flooring as a Project Manager, most of my clients have followed me throughout the years and I am happy to say they still keep me Very Busy. Back in the beginning of my career there were 3 stores here, California Wholesale Tile, Belmont Floors, and Sterling Carpet. I am very happy to have accepted a position here with Sterling Carpet November of 2023. I was honored when Rich Mandel said, “MaryBeth, you are like the Mayor of State College Blvd.” Thank you Dan Mandel for the opportunity to work for you and with your staff. 

lDHWA | Sterling Carpet and Flooring
Vivien Meleen | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Vivien Meleen

Sales Support/ Accounting

Vivien enjoys working in the flooring industry, this marking her 28th year. She started working part-time while pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Marketing). She found a great fit with the STAINMASTER® marketing team, working directly with flooring retailers across the western states. This eventually landed her this opportunity to be a part of the team at Sterling Carpet & Flooring, a company she highly respects throughout her flooring industry career. It goes without saying her favorite flooring is carpet; however, she is gaining a new attraction to LVP. She enjoys photography, especially of her travels with her husband, family, friends and Boxer dogs.

Vicenta Henriquez

Sales Support/ Accounting Mission Viejo

“V” for victory. She has been in the restaurant industry as a banquet manager for 32 years before she moved her expertise to the flooring industry at Sterling in June, 2021. She jumped right in to bringing together the sales from Mission Viejo and the smooth coordination of installation schedules. Besides spending more time with her husband, her regular routine includes working out on her Peloton and walking her French bulldog Louie. Another love of V’s is shopping for the real Louis Vuitton.

Vicenta Henriquez | Sterling Carpet & Flooring
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Alexandra Segura

Office Manager/Order Desk
Hello I’m Alexandra Segura, and I am very happy and excited to start in the Flooring Industry. I have learned so much in the short time I have been working here at Sterling Carpet & Flooring. I have to thank my Dad and Family who work in the warehouse and as installers at Sterling as well. They have taught me so much about the Flooring Industry which has contributed a lot to my daily routine at work.
 
In my free time I love to go to viewpoints to admire the sunset/stargaze, love cosmetology, watch movies, dance, and love to try new food spots.

Zach Fay

Estimator

Hi, I'm Zach and I started with Sterling Carpet in 2025. My prior experience was in Hospitality where I spent 9 years working in hotels around Orange County. Working with Sterling is a great opportunity because I am surrounded by many experienced people whom I have much to learn from, and it gives me the opportunity to learn from my dad who has been with Sterling since 2015 and in flooring for over 35 years. Outside of work, I'm a big music lover and enjoy going to concerts with friends or spending too much on records, but it'll always be worth it.

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Noe Pedraza

Warehouse
Noe Crescencio | Sterling Carpet & Flooring
Eric Segura | Sterling Carpet & Flooring

Erik Segura

Warehouse

Jair Clara

Warehouse
Jair Barrera | Sterling Carpet & Flooring