Why Harmony?

I first started Harmony in 2007 in response to 2 needs I recognized, one in me and the other in the marketplace. I realized everyone had been switching to hardwood floors and were now asking how to upgrade the style of their stairs to fit the new style of their home and I realized I was done with the frustrations of working for someone else. I wanted autonomy, independence and creativity in my work and I wanted to be free to shape the terms of engagement with the people I work with in a space of mutual respect and decency, rather than the ego-driven power games I had experienced in various organizations. Harmony was created to meet both of these needs.

Personal Harmony

I had originally gotten into the flooring world as a means to pay my way through university. I studied psychology and philosophy with designs on becoming a psychotherapist. I earned my degree but found my own thinking deeply dissonant with what I was being taught, so I chose to start a family and find work in the flooring world instead.

Background Harmony

Growing up in my Dad’s woodworking shop gave me the practical background I needed to launch a stair and railing renovation business. My love of art gave me the aesthetic orientation I needed to turn staircases into something beautiful. My background in psychology helped me to listen, connect and communicate well with people. My background in philosophy helped me to create the space of mutual respect and decency in which Harmony operates with people.

Present Harmony

Harmony has gone through many phases since I first founded the company. I could always get more business than I could do myself. At first I thought this meant I should expand and grow the company. Unfortunately, every attempt to do so resulted in a reduction in quality and an increase in frustration. I have found that quality of life and quality of work are things I am not willing to compromise. I have also found that quality of life and quality of work are best when I am hands-on with all aspects of the business. I do my own marketing and sales. I do my own website and Facebook work. I do my own scheduling and logistics. I do my own staining, finishing, painting and installation work (with a little help). This is why, when you get Harmony, you get me. You get my best.

Paul Mawdsley, Owner
Harmony Hardwood Stairs