The third regional installation competition in San Leandro, California was held at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) training facility where ten flooring installers competed in either the wood or carpet category for a chance at the National Installer of the Year title which will take place during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas. With only two days to complete their install, each competitor worked diligently to finish their assigned category's work order. 

The wood category competitors are Hugo Hernandez with MS Rouse Company from Covina, California; Hasan Basic with D.S. Baxley Inc. from San Ramon, California; Mariano Sanchez with D.S. Baxley Inc. from Tracy California; Joseph Edmond with Andersons from Concord, California; and Brett Potter with D.S. Baxley Inc. from Tracy, California. 

The carpet category competitors are Robert Herrera with MS Rouse Company from La Puente, California; Adam Furlanic with Furlanic Floors from Santa Cruz, California; Justin Lopez with D.S. Baxley Inc. from Livermore, California; Gary Harrison with IUPAT DC16 from Pinole, California; and Jesus Cervantes with All County Flooring from San Jose, California. 

The winners from this round of the installation competition are Hugo Hernandez in the hardwood category and Justin Lopez in the carpet category. 

Additionally, the wildcard selections were also announced. Allen (Roy) Lewis with Eagle Interiors in Phenix City, Alabama is the wildcard carpet entry. Hasan Basic will compete in the carpet category in the Finals. 

They will travel to Las Vegas in February 2023 to compete in the TISE Regional Finalist Competition alongside the other regional winners. 

Mohawk is the exclusive hardwood sponsor. In addition to providing hardwood, they also provided soft surface flooring and Performance Accessories for all competitions. Taylor Adhesives is the exclusive adhesives competition sponsor, and QEP/Roberts Consolidated Industries, Inc. is the exclusive tool sponsor.

The International Surface Event in Las Vegas is taking place January 31 through February 2, 2023.

For more information, visit intlsurfaceevent.com.