Brian Gracon, Brian Gracon & Associates, talks more about the reasons many training programs in the flooring industry are not successful, calling it a change management issue, and how retailers can ensure that training programs focus on meeting their specific needs. Gracon discusses the concept of providing a vehicle that permits retailers to communicate with trainers prior to signing up for educational sessions and the importance of training for the survival of a certain percentage of retailers. Also discussed are alternatives to traveling to a central location for educational sessions, such as webinars, programed e-learning, and content curation systems, available via subscription platforms online.

Brian Gracon, of Brian Gracon and Associates, talks more about the reasons many training programs in the flooring industry are not successful, calling it a "change management" issue, and how retailers can ensure that training programs focus on meeting their specific needs. Gracon discusses the concept of providing a vehicle that permits retailers to communicate with trainers prior to signing up for educational sessions and the importance of training for the survival of a certain percentage of retailers. He also discusses an alternative to traveling to a central location for educational sessions in the form of webinars, programed e-learning, and content-curation systems, available via subscription platforms on line.

Brian Gracon of Brian Gracon and Associates responds to the question about retailers opting to not attend many industry training events, delving in to the potential answers: do they feel it’s not needed, or is it too costly, inconvenient, or does not address the correct topics? Gracon talks about the dramatic changes in the marketplace, including changing trends, increased competition and changing wants and needs among consumers. He also talks about the importance of trust in the providers of education and the success of the TISE educational program.

Kim Oderkirk executive vice president of the FCICA, the industry’s contractor association, talks about the association’s upcoming mid-year meeting in Hershey, Pa., talks about the various events scheduled to be held at the meeting, including a CIM certification session, recruiting, motivating, and retaining top talent, LVT and ASTM F 3261, business succession planning, and communicating back to the office. Also discussed is the industry’s installer problem and whether to hire or use independent contractors.

Kim Oderkirk executive vice president of FCICA, the industry’s contractor association, talks about the association’s upcoming mid-year meeting in Hershey, Pa., and the association’s membership. Oderkirk talks about the group’s Certified Installation Manager (CIM) program, a program aimed at providing industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage commercial flooring projects. She talks about the availability of certifications and the certification that will be available at prior to the mid-year meeting.

Bill Yeadon discusses the quality of carpet cleaning today verses 10-15 years ago as a result of improved equipment and chemistry as well as better relationships with carpet producers. Yeadon names the encapsulation method of carpet cleaning as the most important development in the cleaning and maintenance sector in a number of years, for many reasons, the prime reason being its ability to effectively clean without the need for truck mounts, long hoses, and noisy machinery. Also discussed is the increase of franchise operations in the retail maintenance sector.

Bill Yeadon, training facilitator for Jon-Don, shares his insight into carpet's place in the future of homes in the U.S. He also notes the shortage of qualified installers in the industry and the shortage of craftsman in the building industries, as compared to the abundance of cleaning technicians that have been entering the maintenance sector for a host of reasons. Also discussed is the low cost for entry into flooring maintenance.