Tops to Floors
Tops to Floors owner: David Arsenault
For David Arsenault, entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career path - it was part of his upbringing. Hard work shaped his early years, whether he was pumping gas at the local Irving, working as a 12‑year‑old labourer alongside his father in the family construction business, or refurbishing condos with friends during university. By the time he completed his business degree at UPEI and spent time working in finance at Veterans Affairs, David had already built a blend of practical experience and business insight that would later anchor his entrepreneurial journey.
Tops to Floors wasn’t his first business, nor was it a standalone idea. It was a strategic piece in his long‑term vision for a vertically integrated operation. While developing real estate properties, he often had to outsource major components like flooring and countertops. When the opportunity arose in 2020 to purchase Tops to Floors - a well‑respected company with more than 20 years of history - David saw a chance to bring more control, efficiency, and alignment to his growing enterprise.
What he gained turned out to be even more valuable than expected: an exceptional team.
“When we acquired Tops to Floors, most of the staff and management stayed with us,” David says. “We’ve put a lot of focus on internal growth and giving people opportunities to advance. Having great, capable people around - that’s what drives our success.”
The timing wasn’t without its challenges. Just six weeks after closing the deal in January 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic shut everything down. Staff were sent home, and uncertainty filled the air. But once construction was declared an essential service, the team returned under strict safety measures - and business took off. With homeowners spending more time inside and investing in renovations, demand surged dramatically.
Today, Tops to Floors juggles more than a dozen active projects at any given time, adapting to the needs of a wide variety of clients. The company’s reach continues to expand, bolstered by the recent acquisition of an HVAC business and the addition of the Summerside Timbermart - further strengthening David’s vision for vertical integration. Whether the team is handling a quick installation, a full home renovation, or a 75‑unit apartment development, David is quick to credit the people behind the work. “Working with good people every day makes it feel less like a job,” he says, recalling events like their annual Christmas party as standout moments.
CBDC has played an important role in supporting this growth. When the chance came to move into a larger facility on Granville Street in Summerside, CBDC provided funding for part of the build. This support enabled Tops to Floors to double its production capacity, hire additional staff, and meet the surge in demand - ultimately building a stronger sales pipeline for the future.
“CBDC is easy to work with. Their funding is accessible, and the staff help make the process smooth for entrepreneurs,” David adds.
Looking ahead, he remains committed to sustainable expansion. His priorities include developing internal talent, taking on more ambitious projects, and embracing emerging technologies - such as leveraging AI to enhance operations and support professional growth within his team. When asked how CBDC can continue supporting Tops to Floors, David is clear:
“Keep doing what you’re doing - especially the marketing and helping businesses increase their visibility. It’s a great initiative and incredibly valuable.”