How One Panama City Home and Their Support Dogs Found Comfort, Care & a Brand-New Foundation
In every community, there are families whose strength inspires us and who persevere through life’s hardest chapters with love, resilience, and hope. This summer, one of those families received a life-changing surprise through Floor Coverings International’s® national $10,000 Flooring Makeover, featuring pet-friendly flooring in partnership with Shaw Floors.
From thousands of heartfelt submissions across the country, one story stood out: a story of love, caregiving, and two loyal support dogs who never leave their family’s side.
A Family Rooted in Love and Resilience
Cindy Bryant, a widow and devoted mother, lives in Panama City, Florida, with her adult son, Keith Dimick, and his two support dogs, Bonsai and Buster. Keith, who has special needs, relies on Bonsai and Buster for emotional support, playing a vital role in his comfort, daily well-being, and growth.
Over the past few years, Cindy has faced more than her share of hardship. After losing her husband in 2020, a proud military veteran, she found herself managing every aspect of their home and caring for Keith on her own. Between repairing Hurricane Michael damage, replacing a roof and air conditioning unit, and keeping up with day-to-day maintenance, the weight of homeownership often felt unrelenting.
Even while navigating her own health challenges, Cindy persevered, guided by faith, love, and the support of Bonsai and Buster. Despite the emotional and physical toll, she’s remained determined to keep her home safe, stable, and filled with love.
But like many families juggling health, caregiving, and life’s unexpected turns, their home needed a fresh start—one that would bring comfort, durability, and a renewed sense of hope. Winning the flooring makeover felt like a long-awaited blessing and a chance for Cindy to restore not just their floors, but their sense of peace and comfort at home.
“I feel beyond blessed and grateful to Floor Coverings International of Panama City,” shared Cindy. “This new floor will be a ray of sunshine for us after all we’ve been through.”
A Community-First Surprise, Led With Heart
When Niki and Tim Hermes, owners of Floor Coverings International of Panama City, learned Cindy’s story, they knew this was more than just a flooring project; it was a chance to make a difference.
Niki and Tim didn’t just show up with samples, they showed up with heart. When they first visited Cindy’s home, it was clear that years of wear, storm damage, and deferred maintenance had taken their toll, not just on the flooring but on nearly every corner of the house. The carpets were worn thin, the asbestos tile beneath was unsafe and outdated, and even the kitchen floors were showing their age.
Niki saw a home ready for renewal—a space that deserved to feel safe, beautiful, and easy to care for once again. A former teacher and coach turned home-design expert, Niki believes that business is about serving others first. Her background, combined with the legacy of her father’s 50 years in the flooring industry, shapes how she runs her franchise: with empathy, craftsmanship, and a promise that every customer feels truly cared for.
“I always wanted a business that allowed me to lead with empathy and community involvement, while leveraging my design instincts,” said Niki. “Our mobile showroom model lets us connect with families where life really happens—in their homes.”
Leading With Empathy, Delivering With Excellence
With the help of community partners, that vision came to life. For 20 days, the local FCI Panama City team worked hand-in-hand with trusted local nonprofits to pack, move, and declutter the family’s home, clearing out rooms and closets to make way for the renovation. Niki brought together community partners, including:
- A-Team Bay County
- Humble House Ministries
- Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary Club of the Emerald Coast
- Soaring Eagles Concierge Event Services
- Tradebank of Panama City
- TRIO Signing Services of Panama City
With expert craftsmanship, the FCI team installed stunning new Shaw Floors throughout the home. Durable Shaw Cortec Luxury Vinyl Plank in Reylea, Marsh Oak now flows through the kitchen, dining room, living room, and hallway, offering waterproof protection, easy maintenance, and a timeless wood-grain look perfect for everyday living. In the bedrooms, soft Shaw Floors Elaborate Carpet in Artifact Ashes added warmth and comfort underfoot, creating a peaceful retreat for Cindy, Keith, and their loyal dogs, Bonsai and Buster.
What began as a flooring project became a complete transformation made possible by empathy, teamwork, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a home they can feel proud of. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, the Hermes team was there every step of the way, ensuring Cindy and Keith’s new floors offered comfort, style, and durability for years to come.
“This is why we started our business,” said Niki. “Beautiful floors can change how a home feels, and for Cindy and Keith, we want this to be a fresh start that’s safe, durable for pets, and easy to maintain.”
A Home Renewed and a Community Inspired
Cindy and Keith’s home now reflects the love and resilience inside it. Their new floors aren’t just beautiful; they support easier caregiving, safer movement for Keith, and a more comfortable environment for Bonsai and Buster.
“I am so grateful to Floor Coverings International for selecting my son & me as the winners,” said Cindy. "We are thrilled with the new flooring for our pups and us. Your team here in Panama City did a great job helping me get my home back to normal. This was a true blessing to us. Thank you!”
This isn’t just flooring, it’s stability, confidence, and a home where love has room to grow for Cindy and Keith. At Floor Coverings International, moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Homes matter. People matter. And when communities come together, beautiful things happen.
If you’re ready to transform your home with care, guidance, and flooring made for the life you live, schedule your free in-home consultation with your local Floor Coverings International team today.
