Steve Abernathy, COO, World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), talks about how imperative it is for the industry to support flooring installation training and how the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) and the International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) association are working to recruit, train and place the next generation of installers. He reveals that CFI is celebrating its 30th anniversary at the convention this fall where it is partnering with the Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA) and hints at what attendees can expect. 

Bona's Resilient Flooring Renewal System has been utilized in a multitude of projects and is popular in a wide range of sectors, including education and healthcare. Dave Darche, national market manager of adhesives/A&D, Bona, explains how this system benefits everyone from the A&D community to flooring installers to general contractors. Listen as he provides insight on its many attributes. 

The International Union of Painters of Allied Trades (IUPAT) is launching a new commercial carpet certification in June. Robert Varden, flooring industry veteran, and Val Chestohin, lead floor covering instruct DC 16, IUPAT, have been working to develop this program with the input of various mills. It will only be available to IUPAT members and those at a level of apprentice or journeyman. Listen as Varden and Chestohin talk more in depth about the program and an upcoming resilient certification that is in the works. 

America's Floor Source Founder Jason Goldberg and Michel Vermette, who was recently named CEO, share their plans to grow the diverse flooring business to $500 million in sales.

Vegas Blanchard, electro-mechanic, Ecore, served eight years in the Army, traveled the world and learned a number of trades that led him to his current role. He explains how the G.I. Bill works and how he utilized that resource following his service. He shares advice for others who have served and are now looking for a career. 

John T. McGrath officially retired from his position as executive director, INSTALL, at the end of 2022 as David Gross took over at the helm. In this episode, McGrath talks about his career in the flooring industry and his plans for retirement, including spending time with his first grandson. Gross walks us through his extensive experience in the trades, specifically flooring and his plans for the future of INSTALL. Listen in as both McGrath and Gross take turns talking about the state of flooring installation education. 

Debra Lechner, chief marketing officer, Ecore, shares her brief and humorous pageantry career, her college journey and her entry point into the flooring world. She has served in a number of roles within the flooring industry, forcing her to adapt quickly to keep her career moving forward. Listen as she also offers advice to other women who are looking to advance in their careers.