FCI Editorial Director Jon Namba is at the NWFA Inspector Program at the National Wood Flooring Association headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri

By definition, it seems we’re riding the perfect storm after the start of the pandemic last year, and now, as the aftermath is continuing in 2021, we’re faced with all types of shortages—a shortage of products and on top of that a shortage of labor.

Dottie Bonn started installing floors out of necessity to feed her family as a single mother of five kids. After more than 20 years in the industry, she has started her own flooring installation company, A Girls Flooring Company, in Youngsville, North Carolina.

It’s always a treat to end the year celebrating the winners of our Installation Awards.

The FCI Installation Awards honor the most creative installers and interesting installations in a range of flooring categories, in both residential and commercial settings.

Eric Zurn is the director of innovations at Beno J. Gundlach Co. and has his own tool brand, Edurus Tools, which is now a subsidiary brand of Gundlach. 

Be open to exploring all avenues when it comes to gaining more knowledge and expanding your network, and let’s finish the year off strong.

From the point of sale to the installation, flooring retailers and installers are working together for the common good and goal—a satisfied customer and a profit.