John Parks has spent much of his life working toward something he always knew he wanted. Owning his own business was not a distant idea. It was a steady goal that shaped the decisions he made along the way.

John was born in Pennsylvania, then moved to Greensboro for elementary school before his family relocated to Tennessee. He finished his education in Cleveland, Tennessee and went on to attend Tennessee Tech. In 1985, he moved back to North Carolina and began building a career in High Point. He spent nearly 30 years there, gaining experience in the industry that would eventually become the foundation of his own company.

“I’ve been very entrepreneurial all my life,” John says. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business, so I worked hard towards that.”

That drive led him to create a business within another company, focusing on wholesale door hardware and plumbing products. It gave him the opportunity to deepen his product knowledge and explore new ways to grow within the field. “It was always a fun thing for me to do,” he says.

After stepping away from the industry for a time, John did not expect to return. That changed after he remarried. “My wife said, ‘Get back into it. This is what you know. You should do that.’” With that encouragement, John and Tammy launched Parks Decorative Hardware and Plumbing in 2018.

Today, the business reflects both John’s experience and the couple’s shared commitment. Tammy assists with the backend of the business and one of her daughters is now working closely with John. Together, they have built not just a company, but a family effort that extends into their daily work. John and Tammy also share a blended family of five children, including an adopted son from Russia.

What began as a vision has grown into a 5,500 square foot showroom that serves builders, architects, designers, and homeowners. A key part of that growth has been John’s long standing collaboration with John Gunter and Emery Cornatzer. The three have worked together for nearly 40 years, building a reputation grounded in product expertise and customer service.

“We want to help people find exactly what they’re looking for,” John says.

The company focuses on guiding customers through selections that match both their needs and their budget. From door hardware and plumbing fixtures to specialty lighting and technical hardware, the goal is to provide options that deliver long term value.

What sets Parks Decorative apart is its approach. Rather than offering retail branded products, the company works primarily with wholesale and higher quality lines, many of which are not easily found online. John often sources European products when possible, prioritizing craftsmanship and durability.

“We want to give our customers a better quality and value for their money,” he says.

That philosophy carries into the advice John gives to homeowners. He encourages people to step away from screens and experience products in person. “Get to a showroom, touch and feel, understand how a product operates,” he says. “Talking to a professional who knows the differences ensures you’re being educated before you invest in a quality item.”

That hands-on guidance is something customers notice. One client shared, “We are refreshing the kitchen in our almost 100 year old home. We are looking to retain the vintage style with modern conveniences. I have shopped around and can honestly say that the only person that has truly understood and cared about my vision has been John.”

For John, that kind of feedback reflects what he has been working toward all along. A business built on knowledge, relationships, and helping people make choices they feel confident about.

Address: 130 Stratford Ct, Suite C, Winston Salem, NC, 27103

Phone Number: (336) 829-5763

Email: Customerservice@parksdecorative.com