In memory of James Donald “Don” Conner, Jr., a beloved hardwood flooring industry legend who passed away in October 2022, Mullican Flooring is encouraging individuals to contribute to a National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Education and Research Foundation (ERF) Named Scholarship Fund in his name.

Conner, a 44-year veteran of the wood flooring industry, retired in 2013. He was introduced to the industry at the age of 8, when he began working with his father in the family business, Conner Tile & Floor Covering Company, in his native Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Air Force, which included a tour in Vietnam, and received numerous decorations and citations for his service. After his military career, he attended college and rejoined his father’s business before co-founding his own floor covering company.

After working as vice president of research and development for Harris Tarkett, Conner joined Mullican Flooring as director of product and research, where he also served as director of training and national sales representative.

Conner was heavily involved with the NWFA, where he helped develop technical manuals and guidelines, and served as an instructor at the NWFA/NOFMA/MFMA schools and on the board of directors. He also established the NWFA Certified Professionals (NWFACP) program and earned several NWFA degrees, including Craftsman, Master Craftsman, Advanced Master Craftsman, Vanguard and Ambassador.

Conner retired from his role as NWFA technical director in 2013, one year after receiving the prestigious Industry Leadership Award at the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo, something only 10 other individuals had achieved before him. In addition, he was given honorary lifetime membership and certification upon his retirement.

Donations to the NWFA Education and Research Foundation in Conner’s honor will be used to fund scholarship programs for future generations of wood flooring professionals. A total contribution of $20,000 will meet the eligibility requirements for the NWFA’s Named Scholarship, which permanently honors an individual who made significant and lasting contributions to the industry. Donations honoring Conner are currently slightly past the halfway point for the Named Scholarship and may be sent to the National Wood Flooring Association, 111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd., Chesterfield, Missouri, 63005, or submitted online.

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