The International Surface Event (TISE) kicked off the 2023 National Installer of the Year Competition with the Southeast Regionals in Orlando, Florida, on July 31. The winner for each category was announced on Monday, August 1, during the International Certified Flooring Installers Convention. 

Six installers competed in one of two categories: carpet or wood. The competitors in the carpet category were: Christopher Cannell, Precise Flooring Solutions, Fargo, North Dakota; Roy Lewis, Eagle Floorcovering Supplies, Phenix City, Alabama; Zachary Stacy, Pruitt Flooring, Wichita, Kansas; and Reuben Potter, Floors By Southern Boys, Manchester, Tennessee.

The hardwood competitors were: David Beagle, Tile Tec, Winter Spring, Florida; and Benny Powell, Powell Flooring, Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

"The judges had their work cutout for them," according to Robert Varden, former executive director, CFI. Choosing the first place winner in each category came down to minute details based on each category work order. 

Roy Lewis took home the win for the carpet category, and David Beagle won the wood category. They will travel to Las Vegas in February 2023 to compete in the TISE Regional Finalist Competition alongside the other regional winners. 

Carpet category winner: Roy Lewis. Wood category winner: David Beagle.