Steven and Kathy Joss

Steven and Kathy Joss founded The Vertical Connection from their home in Columbia in 1977. It’s really a nice story. As a young couple starting a family, Steve and Kathy were trying to cover the windows of their new house. Their sliding glass door wasn’t a standard size, so off the shelf solutions didn’t work. They were also uncomfortable with the information they were told and the way they were treated in the area stores. It just wasn’t a great experience. Steve called his cousin who was in the blind manufacturing business in New York. Following some trusted advice and a few measurements, Steve and Kathy had brand new custom window treatments. A light bulb went off! They thought to themselves, “we can help our friends and neighbors with their window treatments. We can provide a much better experience and discount prices.” Nearly 40 years later their friends, neighbors and community are still coming back for the trusted advice, great experience and competitive prices. It’s not just verticals anymore though. Clients always wanted the Joss’ to help them with other aspects of their home, beyond window treatments. Today, The Vertical Connection provides carpet, flooring and kitchen cabinetry in addition to blinds, shades and shutters. Stop in and say hello. Steve and Kathy still love getting to know their customers.

Adam Joss

Adam joined his parents in business in 2009. Following a number of years in a corporate environment, Adam wanted to find a career in small business and a connection to his community. Carrying on the foundation his parents built was just the answer. Adam shared his parents philosophies regarding taking care of customers, as well as their desire to give back to the community. Adam has continued efforts to ensure customers are provided the best service and experience possible. He learned from his dad, who served as the Chairman of the Howard County Board on Consumer Affairs, that honesty and integrity come first. That’s something that’s important to everyone at The Vertical Connection. In addition to work, Adam has given back to his community through various Howard County non-profits including the Columbia-Patuxent Rotary, Neighbor Ride and Leadership Howard County.

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Stephanie Bunting

Need help bringing your vision to your space? Don’t know what your style is? Stephanie will guide you through the selection process with ease. Her attention to detail and great skill at design is what keeps her clients coming back. Stephanie has been with The Vertical Connection for over 20 years and specializes in all types of carpet, flooring and window treatments. She is flexible, patient and conscientious with a good eye for color. Whether it’s an “in home visit” or a meeting in the showroom, she will transform your design dilemma into a magazine photo op.

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Steve Bourque

Whether you want all the facts and details regarding a particular floor covering product and its installation or just want to pull together a rooms’ décor…I’m your guy! With over 30 years in the flooring industry and 15 years focusing on insurance replacement work, I have a complete knowledge of our products and their benefits along with a keen eye for color and texture. Redecorating isn’t supposed to be difficult and stressful. The process should be comfortable…it should be fun. Come see us and discover just how easy all this can be.

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Nicholas Jarosinski

With 13 years of flooring experience, working closely with the interior design and contractor community, Nick brings together the eye for interior fashion and the organization of a project manager. No matter how small or large he’ll work tirelessly to bring your project to a timely and satisfactory completion. Whether in your home or in our showroom, Nick will guide you through the flooring selection process with ease, speaking comfortably on all flooring types, ensuring the right product is selected based on your personal needs. After recently moving to Catonsville, Nick is looking forward setting up roots for his new family in the Baltimore/Howard County community.