At the recent grand opening, Luiz Brito, CEO, Portobello America, talked about the new U.S. facility and its impact on the local economy, how they moved forward during the pandemic, and what’s in store for 2024. 

"The flooring industry saved my life," said Dottie Bonn, owner, A Girl's Flooring Company. Bonn, a tile-setter by trade, has been installing all types of flooring for 22 years. Listen as Bonn details her rough start into flooring installation, how she overcame obstacles, and how she is helping other women do the same. 

Mike Kelly, account manager with Synergy Flooring and a FCICA Certified Installation Manager, led a session titled Planning the Flooring Job for Success at the recent CFI/FCICA convention where he presented best practices for planning a flooring installation project, including construction plans and scope of work to project scheduling and closeout.

Ralph Grogan fills us in on his new role as commercial president for the Meridian Adhesives Group Flooring Division, which includes Taylor Adhesives, and shares what he anticipates for the adhesives and the commercial flooring markets in 2024.

Recently, the Lowe’s Foundation committed $50 million to prepare and train 50,000 men and women for the skilled trades over five years. Here, Betsy Conway, director, Lowe’s Foundation, shares who the grant will benefit, who they are working with to achieve this goal, and how the flooring industry, or anyone for that matter, can benefit.

Hear from Steve Abernathy, COO of the World Floorcovering Association, who works with CFI, and FCICA Board Chair Pat Kelly about the inaugural year of the 2023 CFI FCICA Convention and future collaborative opportunities for installation.

Shaw’s Susan Farris was recently inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Association’s Hall of Fame. She talks about her 30-year flooring career and the importance of empowering and supporting women in their career journeys.