Dee Lenston, technical and training manager, Bona, tells a unique story about getting the opportunity to travel to Korea to play basketball for the Air Force and how his military background played an instrumental part in his entry into the flooring world. He also has an offer for military veterans who are looking to get into a career in the flooring industry. Be sure to listen to the end to hear what he and Bona have cooked up. Anyone interested in participating in Bona’s nationwide training certifications can visit the site to find training in your area. If you are military and interested in attending a training session, you can reach Dee at Dee.Lenston@Bona.com.

Industry consultant Jim Buckles talks how to prepare for growth by initiating planning all aspects of one’s business—including a personal analysis.

In the second episode of a three-part installment standards series, John McGrath, executive director, International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL), explains what has changed with the resilient category that has caused the need to make many changes to INSTALL’s standards that guide installers in a successful flooring installation.

For this month’s #WomenInFlooring podcast, Jennifer Zimmerman, general counsel, AHF Products, shares a fluke lifeguarding accident she suffered as a teen and tells the story of how AHF Products came to be, and how her own role evolved with it. She has recently been involved in a number of acquisitions from the product perspective as well as the legal side of things. This experience has given her a great deal of insight both personally and professionally that she willingly shares.

Retailer Scott Perron, owner 24/7 Floors and Floors 4 Pros in Sarasota, Florida, discusses how he's reacting to the changing economic environment.

In the first episode of a three-part installment standards series, John McGrath, executive director, International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL), walks us through the most recent changes to INSTALL’s carpet standards, why these changes are so important and what that means for the installer and the customer.

For our #WomenInFlooring podcast, Anita Howard, COO, National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), talks about her journey from city life to country living, her college goals and how her college education brought her to the flooring industry. She speaks to her 21 years with the NWFA, the support she has received, the growth she has experienced and the confidence she has built through it all. At the end, she gives some sound advice to other women on navigating career challenges.