The International Surface Event (TISE) kicked off the second regional installation competition in St. Louis, Missouri at the National Wood Flooring Association's training facility. There are three competitors in the wood category and three in the carpet category. One will be selected from each category to go on to the finals at Surfaces 2023 where they will have a chance at the National Installer of the Year title. 

A written test was administered prior to the competition followed by the work order each competitor must follow for the category in which he is competing. Competitors will be judged based on how closely they follow the work order. 

The wood category competitors are Joseph (Joe) Wolfe with Southern Oaks Flooring in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; William Hensley with Totta Hardwood Flooring in Kansas City, Missouri; and Wayne Brooks with Just Around the Corner in Bonne Terre, Missouri. 

The carpet category competitors are Kevin Keefe with QEP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Daniel Guldner with Pruitt Flooring in Wichita, Kansas; and Allen (Roy) Lewis with Eagle Interiors in Phenix City, Alabama. 

The third regional competition will be held in San Leandro, California at the IUPAT training facility on October 27-28. 

To register for the San Leandro competition, click here.