Fishman Named FCDA 2013 Distributor of Year

Accepting the FCDA Distributor of the Year Award on behalf of Fishman Flooring Solutions are (left to right) Len Goldheim, “D” Clark and Bill Mabeus.

Candidates for the Distributor of the Year award are evaluated on several criteria, including the number of FCDA manufacturer members whose products it sells, growth in sales of Powerhold products and average sales of Powerhold products by branch.  In addition, the award recognizes a company’s level of involvement with the FCDA board and committees, as well as its participation in annual meetings and marketing initiatives.Fishman Flooring Solutions was named Distributor of the Year for 2013 by the Floor Covering Distributor Alliance (FCDA) and its Powerhold brand. The award was presented at the FCDA annual meeting in Las Vegas on Jan. 27.

“This award means a great deal to the Fishman team because it is recognition by our peers of our performance in the marketplace, as well as our involvement in industry affairs,” said Fishman President Bob Wagner, who is a member of the FCDA board. “The Powerhold brand is very important to us and we believe very strongly in supporting and giving back to the flooring distribution industry whenever we can.”  

ANSI/IICRC S800 Standard for Inspectors Launched

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announces the publication of a new ANSI-approved Standard - ANSI/IICRC S800 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Inspection of Textile Floorcoverings (1st edition, 2014).

ANSI/IICRC S800 defines basic operational procedures and techniques for inspecting/evaluating: carpet types, characteristics and conditions; specification; installation procedures; and post-installation maintenance and cleaning. This standard was created for use primarily by professional inspectors, and secondarily for carpet manufacturers, product suppliers, building contractors, architects, specifiers, designers, distributors, flooring retailers, end-users, facility managers, institutions and others involved in the textile flooring inspection industry.

To purchase a copy of the ANSI/IICRC S800 Standard and Reference Guide and other IICRC standards, please visit www.iicrc.org/store or call the IICRC headquarters at (360) 693-5675.

Carothers Receives NTCA Ring of Honor

Scott Carothers participating as an evaluator during ACT certification at Surfaces this year.

Scott Carothers, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) director of certification and training, has received the coveted National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Ring of Honor for his service to the tile industry and NTCA.

Carothers’ career in the tile industry spans almost 36 years. Prior to joining CTEF, he was owner of Long’s Tile Company, Altoona, Pa., for 26 years. He served on the NTCA Board of Directors for 12 years and was president of NTCA from 2003 to 2005. He was a member of NTCA’s Technical Committee for 15 years and was chairman of the committee for five years.

Carothers joined CTEF in 2007, where he developed the Certified Tile Installer Program (CTI). In addition, Carothers has worked closely with other leaders of tile installer organizations to develop and implement the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers Program (ACT).

“I am extremely honored by this recognition, and humbled by the fact that I am joining the ranks of others who have so tirelessly served our industry,” Carothers stated.

INSTALL Doubles Commitment to Warranty

INSTALL Director John McGrath announces the expansion of the Warranty on Labor program at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas.

INSTALL announced that it has doubled down on its commitment to the INSTALL Warranty on Labor program, which is now valid for two years and $10,000. “Since we launched the INSTALL Warranty Program in 2013, the program has taken off. More installers are getting certified, more contractors are getting certified, and customers are noticing and considering the Warranty benefit when awarding jobs,” said INSTALL Director John McGrath.

INSTALL offers the free, third-party, value-added installation guarantee on the work of its Certified Contractors for commercial and residential installations of carpet, resilient and hardwood. Industries served include healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, residential and more.

For more information, visit www.installfloors.org/warranty.

The ‘Mapei’s World’ illustration by Carlo Stanga.

MAPEI Unveils ‘Mapei’s World’ Campaign

In the image which was created by renowned illustrator Carlo Stanga, MAPEI’s fifteen global product lines are referenced through construction products around the world, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, Beijing National Stadium in China and The Kremlin in Moscow.MAPEI is rolling out a new advertising campaign. Beginning this year, a new “Mapei’s World” image will be used by MAPEI Americas for all forms of communication, including printed publications, advertising billboards, posters, flyers, event banners, promotional giveaways, websites and presentations.

In Memoriam: Michael Reis

Michael Reis

On Friday, Feb. 7, sister publication Stone Worldlost its long-time editor, colleague and friend, Michael Reis, who passed away suddenly while vacationing with close friends in Jamaica.

Raised in Little Ferry, N.J., Michael graduated from the journalism school at Rutgers University in 1992. He started with Stone Worldin March 1993. When Stone Worldbegan to shift its focus to the fabrication segment, Michael immediately set out to meet with fabricators from around the world, visiting their shops and attending workshops and seminars.

Named editor in 1995, Michael became a fixture at trade shows around the world. When the magazine launched its Stone WorldFabrication Workshops, it was Michael’s initial idea to start the series and his knowledge and leadership that kept them going. In 1997, Michael was named associate publisher.

Michael has moderated countless fabricator forums at trade shows over the years, and he has been flown in to speak at events all over the globe. He was incredibly proud to receive The Stone Master (Mastro della Pietra)  awardin 2005 at a ceremony in Verona, Italy. Michael was also especially proud of an award he received in 2001, in Macael, Spain, the Premios Comarca del Marmol, XVII Edicion.

Laticrete Acquires L&M Construction Chemicals

Laticrete International has acquired L&M Construction Chemicals, expanding the company’s presence in the restoration and decorative concrete category. Headquartered in Omaha, Neb., L&M produces a diverse line of concrete construction chemicals, including coatings, sealers, construction grouts, patch and repair mortars and color hardeners for polished concrete.

L&M’s product lines will continue to carry the L&M name under the Laticrete corporate brand identity, with manufacturing and sales functions remaining in Omaha. The acquisition is expected to take three months to complete. Full integration of manufacturing, sales and service functions will occur throughout 2014.

First WFCA/CFI Training Event a Success

Jim Walker (standing, center) leads an installation class during the inaugural WFCA/CFI training event.

Scott Humphrey, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), said the 2014 kickoff of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI)-led on-site installation training was a success. Sixty-two installers from across the country attended the weeklong inaugural program near Chicago at E.J. Welch this past January.

Workshop participants received hands-on training and certification in carpet, ceramic, resilient, laminate and wood flooring installation. The initiative also provided training in installation sales and inspection. All sessions were led by CFI instructors and overseen by Jim Walker, CEO. Tom Jennings, WFCA vice president, member services, was also on hand to provide instruction on client service and customer relations.

“The WFCA exists to ensure the success and profitability of our members,” said Humphrey. “Together with CFI, we are delivering on this commitment by providing professional training and tools for success that the industry needs to ensure long term growth.”

“The opportunity to attend with the support of the WFCA Scholarship programs was appreciated by everyone,” added Walker. “The industry needs more of this type of commitment.”

The next WFCA-sponsored installation workshops included the recently concluded March 4-7 event in Baltimore at Fishman Flooring Solutions, and an upcoming event at Star Flooring and Design in Wichita, Kans., March 18-21. For more information, visit www.cfiinstallers.com.

Shaw Exiting Area Rug Business for LVT

Shaw Industries announced it is exiting thearea rug business and will convert the current Ringgold, Ga. rug facility into a new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) manufacturing facility.

“The economics of the rug business today simply do not allow for future growth or encourage further investment,” according to Vance Bell, chairman and CEO. “We have been intentional about exiting this business at a time when more opportunities exist for our associates.”

The vast majority of the 400 associates employed by the Shaw Living Rug Division will have opportunities at other locations in the company. Customers will be serviced through a transition period. Shaw plans to invest over $100 million in its new LVT manufacturing facility and when complete, the investment is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the Ringgold, Ga. area.

Quick-Step Unveils New Hardwood Flooring

Quick-Step’s Q-Wood engineered hardwood floor, in Sweet Tea Oak.

Quick-Step has entered the hardwood flooring category with its new Q-Wood product line. “As a fitting complement to Quick-Step laminate, we are now launching our new Q-Wood line of engineered hardwood,” noted Paij Thorn-Brooks, Unilin vice president of brand marketing.

Harry Bogner, Unilin senior vice president of hardwood, added, “Q-Wood products are offered in a spectrum of colors, luxuriously finished, and available in three attractive surfaces – smooth, soft-scraped and wirebrushed accentuated by soft-scraped tooling. Q-Wood also features our patented Uniclic glueless installation locking system.”

The product also features Opulux, a cross-linked coating system that offers the appearance of an oil finish while maintaining the advantages of a convention urethane floor, the company noted. The line includes eight oaks, three hickories, two maples and one walnut surface. The products are made in the USA.

Horizon Forest Products Opens Baltimore Branch

Horizon Forest Products has opened a new branch in Baltimore. The facility, located at 7022 Golden Ring Road, occupies 13,000 sq. ft. and is the company’s only location in the area. Jim Gray will lead the branch, with more than 20 years of experience. He and his team, including Todd Gurley and Paige Slade, say they look forward to assisting contractors.

David Williams, vice president, said, “With the market growing and more and more construction taking place, the time was right to open this Baltimore-area branch to bring our large and diverse inventory of premium hardwood flooring materials to contractors across this area.” The branch is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.horizonforest.com or call (443) 376-3300.

Tec’s Expert Advice Blog Includes Articles, Videos

Tec has launched its Expert Advice blog, an industry journal dedicated to providing subscribers with valuable installation advice through written posts and videos. Available on the company’s website and through subscription email, the blog features technical tips from tile and flooring industry experts as well as how-to videos for a variety of installation products. Visit tecspecialty.com/blog to read articles, watch videos and subscribe.

Tom Plaskota, technical support manager for H.B. Fuller Construction Products, is one of the blog’s primary writers – a highly knowledgeable authority experienced in solving a variety of technical installation issues.

Bona Opens New Training Center Near Seattle

Bona US has opened a new Bona Regional Training Center near Seattle in Kent, Wash. The 1,800 sq. ft. facility is fully equipped for training on the installation, sand and finish, and care of hardwood floors. Located 10 minutes from Sea Tac International Airport and about 15 minutes from downtown Seattle, the center will serve the Pacific Northwest including Washington, Oregon and Idaho as well as Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

To schedule an appointment for the Seattle training center, contact Kevin Reyes at (303) 882-6480 or kevin.reyes@bona.com. The Seattle training center is located in the West Valley Business Park at 6613 S 192^nd Pl.; Units K104 and K105 in the city of Kent, WA 98032.

Fuse Alliance Members Divert 8 Million Lbs. of Waste

Fuse Alliance announced that its members diverted more than 8 million pounds of carpet waste from landfills in 2013, for a total of more than 40.6 million pounds diverted since 2008, as part of its Ecollect program.

The member-owned network of professional commercial floor contractors said it “seeks the best options for diverting carpet waste from landfills including recycling, reuse, donation and waste to energy.” For more information, visit www.fusealliance.com.

Stauf’s Sweezey Announces Retirement

Bob Sweezey, technical director for Stauf USA, announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2013. In a brief statement acknowledging Sweezey’s contributions to the industry, the company said, “Bob has had a lasting impact on many people in the flooring industry, being a trainer for Bruce Hardwood Flooring, NOFMA and NWFA, as well as owning his own floor covering store in Michigan for many years. His infectious smile, enthusiasm and work ethic will be missed.”

Kennebec Lumber Co. Adds Three New Kilns

Kennebec Lumber Company has begun construction on three new kilns, each capable of drying 60,000 board feet, increasing overall capacity to nearly 1,000,000 board feet. The new computer-controlled propane-fired kilns will nearly double current hardwood drying capacity on-site at the Maine Traditions manufacturing facility in Solon, Maine. Construction was ongoing through the winter, and the new kilns should be operational soon.

NWFA Certifies Installers During Habitat Project

Prestige Flooring employees install flooring in the Habitat for Humanity home.

Employees of Prestige Flooring in Fenton, Mo., worked with the National Wood Flooring Association to install 900 square feet of flooring in a Habitat for Humanity home on November 18.  The home, which is located in University City, Missouri, is located near both Prestige’s offices and the NWFA’s headquarters.

The crew members installing the flooring each earned their NWFA Certified Professionals installation certification during the project. NWFA’s Director of Education and Certification Brett Miller supervised the project and the testing at the Habitat site with the assistance of Middle Tennessee Lumber Business Development & Technical Advisor Wayne Lee.

All of the materials used during the testing and the installation were donated by NWFA member companies. Underlayment material was donated by Fortifiber Building Systems Group and the wood flooring for the project was donated by WD Flooring.

FCICA Updates Concrete Moisture Testing Whitepaper

Near the end of 2013, FCICA released an updated whitepaper on Concrete Moisture Testing. FCICA was one of the original sponsors of the document when it was first released in 2001. According to the group, “We have taken on the task of updating the information contained in this document to better reflect the best floor installation practices.”

Originally written from a flooring inspector’s viewpoint, the new version of the whitepaper is the result of “working directly with our contractor members and associates to present to the industry what we believe is the most responsible position with regard to the testing and evaluation of concrete floor slabs as it pertains to floor covering installation.”

The document can be downloaded at www.fcica.com/technical-resource-library/white-papers. 

NAC Products Earns ‘A’ on Flame Spread Test

National Applied Construction (NAC) Products has successfully passed the test for surface burning characteristics of its crack isolation and sound abatement membrane system. NGC Testing Services was contracted by the company to perform ASTM E84-13a. NAC earned a Class “A” status once the test was completed.

For more information about NAC’s floor protection systems for crack isolation, sound control, waterproofing and moisture control, visit www.nacproducts.com.

Upcoming Events

WFCA/CFI Installation Training – Wichita, Kans. March 18-21.
www.cfiinstallers.com

ACI Spring 2014 Convention –
Reno, Nev. March 23-27.
www.aciconvention.org

Floor Inspectors Education Guild –
New Orleans. March 24-26.
selvalee@mac.com

Domotex Asia/Chinafloor –
Shanghai. March 25-27.
www.dacf.cn

Starnet Spring Meeting – Fort Lauderdale. April 10-13.
www.starnetflooring.com

NWFA Wood Floor Expo – Nashville. April 16-19. www.nwfa.org

Coverings 2014 – Las Vegas. April 29-May 2. www.coverings.com

For more industry events and training, visit www.fcimag.com and click the Calendar of Events link under the Resources tab.

New Hires and Promotions

David Koenig has been appointed director of Crossville Tile & Stone, the distribution division of Crossville. He will oversee the management of sales and operations for all CT&S locations.

Jonathan Conley

Bostik has hired Jonathan Conley as territory sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic. He brings more than 14 years of key market experience to his role.

FCICA has named Sarah Bays as the new membership and website coordinator, where she will be responsible for membership recruitment, servicing member requests, website content development and maintenance, electronic communications and staffing annual conventions. She has an extensive background in print and digital media advertising sales.

Futura Industries has hired Jeremy Hummel as regional sales manager of its Carpet Metal Division, succeeding Doug Mayeux. He comes to the company from School Improvement Network, where he most recently served as strategic partner advisor. He has more than 12 years of sales and account management experience.

The National Wood Flooring Association has hired John Forbes as manufacturer services director and Adam Williams as marketing manager. Forbes spent 12 years working at Eagle Lumber Co. in Stamford, Conn., and six years running his own business. Williams has more than 10 years of experience, including at Nestle Purina PetCare Co.

James Tyrone

Intertech Commercial Flooring has named James Tyrone vice president of operations in the Dallas/Fort Worth division. Rocky Griffith, who has been in the position since 2011, will transition to senior project manager with primary focus on managing the division’s key accounts.

Tracy Muller

Q.E.P. Co. has appointed Tracy Muller as senior product marketing manager of adhesives. Her background includes 10 years with H.B. Fuller Construction Products. Her most recent position was product manager of ceiling suspension systems for Chicago Metallic Corp.

Gavin Daniels

Taylor Tools has announced Gavin T. Daniels as president/CEO, succeeding his father Jim Daniels who will continue as chairman of the board. Gavin rejoins the company after several successful stints in sales and marketing management with companies including Dell Computer Co. and Newell Rubbermaid Corp.

Nuheat Industries has appointed Peter Thomson, director of sales, as vice president of sales. He has been with the company for 11 years. His responsibilities will now include all North American sales operations.

Distributor Appointments

Del Conca USA has announced that Acme Brick Tile & Stonehas signed on as its first official distributor. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Acme will distribute the Del Conca line throughout its 17 locations in the Southeast.

Horizon Floors has announced a partnership with Wanke Cascade for the company’s Montage European Oak wide-plank flooring in the Pacific Northwest markets.

IVC US has added Denver Hardwood to distribute its Moduleo LVT flooring. Denver Hardwood serves locations including Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Wyoming.

Kennebec Lumber, parent company of Maine Traditions Hardwood Flooring, has added tingle flooring to its distribution network. Formerly known as W.C. Tingle Co., tingle flooring is headquartered in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and covers the Midwest.

Urban Floor has added The RA Siegel Company as its exclusive distributor for Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

CORRECTION

In the January/February products section, MP Global Products’ new QuietWarmth Film was said to be “manufactured from a minimum 77 percent recycled textile fibers.” This is actually a feature of QuietWarmth Fiber, not QuietWarmth Film. FCI regrets the error.