The International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) association has established its 11th chapter, serving the Akron, Canton and Cleveland, Ohio area. The CFI chapters are open to members and non-members, offering a range of training and education related to installation products, tools and techniques.  

“The idea of having chapters is to be the arm of CFI in the local areas,” said Roland Thompson, board chair of CFI’s chapter program, and owner, Thompson Flooring, Installation & Consultant Services. “They're all going to be set up with the supplies and the tools so we can keep [training] localized and better serve the installers and the dealers.” 

Mark Herakovic, installation training manager, MDG Flooring America, and CFI #17907, is Chapter President and Tim Bell, owner, A1 Flooring in Massillon, Ohio, assumes the Vice President role. Don Green, vice president and co-owner, MDG Flooring, will serve on the chapter board.  

Herakovic’s goal for the chapter is “to see people show up. It shows they're willing to learn and educate themselves but also better themselves and better the industry. It's about wanting to put out higher quality and bringing back the craftsmanship to the trade.” 

According to Herakovic, they currently have three retailers who are willing to support the chapter by hosting trainings and are in talks with a potential fourth location. He sees the trainings alternating locations per month to maximize reach.  

The new chapter will offer a range of certifications, product trainings, product demonstrations, business education courses and product giveaways.  

According to Thompson, the CFI chapters drastically reduce the travel (and expense) to attend trainings elsewhere. “They now have the local chapter that can be there to help them with the local needs,” he said.  

The current chapter locations: Delmarva - Delaware, Maryland and Virginia; Kentucky; Wisconsin; California; Iowa; South Carolina; Connecticut; Fort Worth, Indiana; Indianapolis, Indiana; Colorado and Ohio.  

The chapters that are in progress: Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas. 

If you are in Ohio and are interested in getting involved, you can reach Mark Herakovic at 216-256-9015 or Tim Bell at 330-209-0861. Join the CFI Chapters Facebook group to learn more about the other chapters.