Floor Academy - Helping flooring, tile and stone contractors own an asset

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In this unique episode, we will hear from Justin Reilly, who has been working as a subcontractor in the flooring industry for nine years. Justin is considering the idea of starting his own business and finding his own clientele, rather than relying solely on workrooms or retailers.

Throughout the episode, we will work through Justin's questions and concerns, providing insights and guidance on what it takes to start a business in the flooring, tile and stone industry. We will discuss key considerations such as market research, business planning, marketing strategies, and financial management. We will also explore the importance of building relationships with homeowners, general contractors, and builders to find work and establish a client base.

Justin's journey will serve as a case study for flooring contractors who are considering branching out on their own and finding their own clients. We will provide practical advice and tips for navigating the challenges and opportunities of starting a business, as well as exploring whether entrepreneurship is the right fit for Justin and his career goals.

Join us as we dive into Justin's unique situation and explore the possibilities and challenges of starting a flooring business from scratch. This episode will provide valuable insights for flooring contractors who are considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship and looking to build their own client base.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

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In this episode, we will hear from Laura Fisher, co-owner of Fisher Global Developments, which encompasses several brands offering business suites, storage units, a podcast studio, and private jet acquisitions. Laura will share insights on the importance of having a solid training plan for new hires and ongoing training for office staff.

Laura will discuss her approach to training and operations management, which focuses on leaving nothing up to chance and ensuring that her team can run smoothly and efficiently. She will emphasize the significance of having a well-structured training plan in place for new hires, as well as ongoing training for office staff to continually improve their skills and knowledge.

Laura will share practical tips and strategies for developing an effective training plan, including identifying the key skills and knowledge required for each position, creating clear training materials and resources, and providing opportunities for hands-on learning and feedback. She will also highlight the importance of communication and feedback loops in the training process to ensure that employees are continuously learning and improving.

Furthermore, Laura will discuss the benefits of having a well-trained team, including reduced errors, improved productivity, and increased employee engagement and satisfaction. She will also share how her focus on training and operations management has allowed her to have better organization and fewer fires to put out in her business.

Check Laura out on her podcast.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

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The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

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In this episode, we will hear from Russ Harlow, an army veteran, former rugby player, father of three, and owner of Reliable Remediation in Brooklyn, Connecticut. Russ will share insights on the importance of vision, mission, and values for a company, and how to ensure that employees are aligned with them.

Russ will discuss his experience as part of a franchise model remediation company, where he faced challenges when his own core values no longer aligned with the company's values as he grew his business. He will share how he navigated through feelings of grief and loss, and ultimately made the decision to move on from his previous company to align with his own core values.

Russ will emphasize the significance of having a clear vision, mission, and set of values for a company, and how they serve as a guiding compass for decision-making, employee engagement, and business success. He will provide practical tips and strategies on how to identify and attract employees who align with the company's vision, mission, and values, and create a culture that fosters their growth and engagement.

Russ will also highlight the importance of effective communication, leadership, and continuous evaluation of the company's values to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the business goals. He will share his own experiences of how aligning with his core values has positively impacted his business and personal growth.

Join us as we gain insights from Russ's journey of aligning his business with his core values, and learn practical strategies for building a company culture that fosters alignment with vision, mission, and values. This episode provides valuable guidance for business owners who are looking to create a strong company culture and ensure that employees are aligned with the values of their business.

It's Just Business Podcast

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

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The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

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In this episode, we will hear from Ron Nash, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Laticrete North America, who will share insights on navigating a difficult economy while maintaining a profitable company.

Ron will discuss the challenges that arise during economic downturns, including pricing pressures and changes in market dynamics. He will provide valuable tips and strategies on how contractors and businesses can adapt to these challenges to remain profitable.

From his perspective as the COO of a leading company in the construction industry, Ron will share his experiences of what contractors have done in the past to manage difficult economic conditions, and how he leads his own company to navigate such situations. He will discuss the importance of evaluating costs, optimizing operations, and finding new ways to add value to customers.

Ron will also highlight the significance of effective communication, leadership, and strategic planning in managing economic challenges, and share practical tips for contractors to stay resilient and maintain profitability during tough times.

Join us as we gain insights from Ron's experience and expertise in managing businesses during economic downturns, and learn practical strategies for navigating pricing pressures and maintaining a profitable company, even in difficult economic conditions. This episode will provide valuable guidance for contractors and business owners who are facing economic challenges and seeking ways to sustain profitability in a changing market environment.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

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In this episode, we will hear from Dana Dowdell, the owner of Boss Consulting HR, who specializes in providing HR services for companies that may not have the resources for a full-time HR person or need guidance in navigating the complexities of human resources as they grow and add employees.

Dana will discuss the challenges and considerations that arise when transitioning from being an owner-operator to managing employees. Many contractors may not have experience or knowledge in HR, and Dana will share insights on the importance of understanding HR compliance, creating an employee handbook, and implementing effective HR practices to ensure a well-functioning business.

She will provide valuable tips and guidance on how to handle various HR-related tasks, such as recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. Dana will also discuss the benefits of outsourcing HR services for small businesses, including cost-effectiveness and access to professional expertise.

Join us as we learn from Dana's expertise in HR and gain insights on how contractors and small business owners can effectively manage their HR responsibilities to create a better functioning business. Whether you are just starting to add employees or looking to improve your existing HR practices, this episode will provide valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of HR to support your business growth and success.

Hear more from Dana on her podcast, It's Just business.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

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In this episode, we will hear from Angelica Weber, the founder of Nico Tati Designs, a full-service interior design company that specializes in creative and functional space planning. Angelica will share her experiences as an entrepreneur and mother, and how she has learned to prioritize her time and make her business work for her goals rather than the other way around.

Angie will discuss the challenges and sacrifices of starting and running her own design firm, including the time and effort required to build a successful business. She will share insights on how she has reclaimed her time and balanced her responsibilities as an entrepreneur and mother, while ensuring her business remains successful.

Angie will also talk about the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care as an entrepreneur, as well as finding the right balance between work and personal life. She will share strategies and tips for managing her time effectively, delegating tasks, and making sure her business supports her goals and values.

Additionally, Angie will discuss her approach to delivering superior value and attention to detail in her design projects, and how she strives to make the design process enjoyable for her clients.

Angie's experiences as an entrepreneur, mother, and business owner, help us learn how she manages her time, sets boundaries, and prioritizes her goals to build a successful interior design business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Discover valuable strategies for managing the challenges of entrepreneurship and finding the right balance between work and personal life to achieve success in both areas.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

Check out our website and store

Support the show

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In this episode, we will be joined by John Barker, an experienced IT professional and business consultant with over 20 years of experience in the information technology field. John specializes in helping businesses scale while prioritizing their values and focuses on cybersecurity as a critical aspect of small business protection.

John will share insights on the importance of privacy and cybersecurity in the modern digital landscape. He will discuss the risks and potential consequences of using cloud-based services for small businesses, including the potential exposure of sensitive information and the implications of not fully understanding the terms of service when signing up for websites or social media platforms.

John will also highlight the need for small businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their data and information. He will discuss common cybersecurity risks and threats that small businesses face, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts, and provide practical tips and strategies to mitigate these risks.

You can also get his free PDF just for our listeners about Cyber Risk Management Strategies here. You can also find John on his Podcast, The Business Samurai.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

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Support the show

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In this episode, we will be joined by John Stricker, a certified Profit First Professional and the owner of Stricker Co Solutions, a company that offers accounting, bookkeeping, and fractional CFO services. John specializes in working with contractors, particularly in the hardwood flooring industry, to help them manage their businesses and prioritize profit.

John will share insights on the importance of profit in running a successful business. He will discuss how profit should be a first consideration rather than a last one, and how it impacts the financial health of a business. He will highlight the need for contractors to prioritize profit beyond just paying themselves a paycheck and how it affects the long-term sustainability and growth of their business.

John will also share his personal strategies for ensuring profitability in his own business and how he helps his clients implement Profit First principles in their businesses. He will discuss the key components of Profit First, including setting up separate accounts for profit, owner's pay, taxes, and operating expenses, and how this system helps contractors better manage their cash flow and prioritize profit.

Furthermore, John will share his expertise in managing the financial aspects of a contracting business, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and tax planning. He will discuss the common financial challenges that contractors face and provide practical tips and strategies to overcome them and achieve profitability.

Join us as we learn from John's experience and insights on how to prioritize profit in your contracting business and ensure that you are running a fiscally healthy and successful company. Gain valuable tips on implementing Profit First principles and managing the financial aspects of your business to achieve profitability and long-term sustainability.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

Check out our website and store

Support the show

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In this episode, we will be joined by Troy Pefley, owner of Royal Carpet One in Fernley, Nevada. Troy has a long history in the carpet industry, having started working with his grandpa at the age of 7. He has taken a unique approach to running his retail shop by utilizing an employee model instead of subcontracting.

Troy will discuss the importance of safety in the workplace and how he ensures that safety is a top priority in his business. He will share insights on how he consistently reinforces safety protocols with his employees and how he instills a safety-first mindset among his team members. He will also discuss the challenges and benefits of using an employee model in the carpet industry and how it relates to safety practices.

Furthermore, Troy will share his experience in managing employees and creating a positive work environment that fosters safety and success. He will discuss how he trains and educates his team members on safety procedures, provides ongoing support and resources, and maintains open communication channels to address any safety concerns or suggestions from his employees. He will also highlight the importance of leading by example as a business owner and setting the tone for safety in the workplace.

Join us as we listen to Troy's insights on how he manages safety in his carpet business and creates a culture that prioritizes the well-being of his employees. Learn from his experience in the industry and gain valuable strategies to ensure safety is routinely focused on in your own business, leading to a successful and thriving work environment.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

Check out our website and store

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, we will be joined by Brett Spencer, the Vice President of Sales for Laticrete North America. Brett has an extensive background in the sales industry, having started as a regional sales representative and worked his way up to his current position. He is well-versed in the concept of value creation and how it can benefit contractors and sales teams in the construction industry.

Brett will discuss the importance of delivering value to customers beyond just the installation process. He will highlight how simply raising prices is not enough, and contractors must understand and meet the needs of their clients in order to create lasting value. He will share insights on how contractors can identify their clients' pain points, provide solutions, and exceed customer expectations to create a differentiated value proposition.

Furthermore, Brett will discuss how value creation can also benefit sales teams and manufacturers in the construction industry. He will share strategies on how sales teams can effectively communicate the value of their products and services to supply houses, distributors, and other stakeholders in the supply chain. He will also highlight the role of customer service, relationship building, and ongoing support in creating value that leads to long-term business success.

Join us as we listen to Brett's insights on how contractors can go beyond simply raising prices and truly create value for their clients. Learn from his experience in the sales industry and gain valuable strategies to differentiate yourself in the market, build strong customer relationships, and deliver exceptional value that leads to business growth.

Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pR

Check out our sponsors

The International Surfaces Event

Johns Manville

Laticrete

Check out our website and store

Support the show