Becoming a flooring inspector requires more than a keen eye and steady hand—it demands expertise honed through rigorous training. Now, Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS) is raising the bar with the assembly of an elite instructor team poised to transform how the next generation of inspectors learns their craft.

From basic certification courses to Master-level instruction, these industry veterans bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom, offering students hands-on training that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Meet the Instructors

Dave Garden – Senior Instructor
 A recognized leader in the flooring industry, Dave Garden began his career as a carpet installer in 1988 and currently serves as the Executive Director of Education for CFI. As a CFI Master II Certified Installer, he has been training and certifying professionals since 2002, developing expertise across laminate, wood, LVP, ceramic, and resilient flooring. His leadership has transformed a modest workroom into a thriving regional operation.

Tony Hojnacki – Lead Technical Support
A nationally recognized flooring inspector with over 40 years of experience, Tony Hojnacki started his career in 1983 and achieved Master Certification through FCITS. He provides vital technical support to FCITS while mentoring emerging inspectors and elevating industry standards.

Steve Phillips – ASTM Standards and Concrete Moisture Testing Instructor
 With more than 30 years in commercial flooring management, Steve Phillips currently serves as Managing Partner at MAST Partners, LLC. His expertise in performance standards, installation procedures, and substrate testing is supported by certifications from FCITS, IFTI, and WFCA. Steve’s clear reporting and effective mentoring make him a trusted industry resource.

Evan Lauridsen – Specialist Advanced Course Instructor and Technical Support
 A second-generation veteran with over 50 years in the flooring industry, Evan Lauridsen transitioned from roles as an installer, manager, and retail store owner to technical services in 1996. Holding a Master Certification from FCITS, he has been instrumental in establishing hardwood floor inspection standards and now leads the Lauridsen Consultancy Group, offering advanced training and technical support.

Brian Stevens – Color Blending, Installation & Specialty Courses
 An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience and 17 years as a certified inspector, Brian Stevens has conducted more than 4,000 inspections. As a CFI Certified Installer and former Mohawk AirO trainer, his expertise in remedial work, master color blending, pile lifting, and micro shearing is highly regarded.

Roland Thompson – Tech Support, Installation, and Hands-On Instruction
 Beginning his career in 1972, Roland Thompson has earned hundreds of certifications and secured prestigious contracts—including work at the Camp David Presidential Retreat under five U.S. Presidents. Now serving as President of the Delmarva Chapter of CFI and Educational Director of the Maryland/Northern Virginia Flooring Association, he delivers essential technical support and hands-on instruction.

Scott Faulknor – Commercial, Installation & Technical Support
 With over 30 years of experience in installation and a dedicated focus on inspection since 2012, Scott Faulknor has advised manufacturers both domestically and internationally. His extensive background in residential and commercial services enriches the training experience.

Become an Inspector

The next FCITS instructor course will take place March 3-7, 2025, in Dalton, Georgia. Attendees will explore a comprehensive range of flooring categories—from carpet and hard surfaces to advanced resilient flooring such as LVT and SPC. Course highlights include interactive mill tours of local manufacturing facilities and hands-on report-writing sessions, providing practical experience with product defects, installation challenges, and performance evaluations,