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This week's guest is Carl "The Flash" Leonard, owner and operator of Cutting Edge Tile in NJ. As a member of the "Jersey Crew" that was the first Certified Tile Installer (CTI) class to have everyone pass, Carl's standards have evolved over time. In this episode, we delve into topics such as overcoming negative self-talk, setting appropriate prices for your work, terminating clients, and making sure to run a business over just focusing on the craft. Tune in to gain valuable insights that can transform your business.

Cutting Edge Tile

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This week's guest is Liz Calandrino, a writer for Floor Covering News and a business coach and consultant. After a conversation we had on the phone, I knew I had to invite her to the podcast. In this episode, we delve into the topic of gender roles in the flooring industry and how they can impact sales. Liz shares some amazing insights and stories that you won't want to miss.

https://www.lisbethcalandrino.com/

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This week's guest is Seth Folkerson, the owner of SNF Floors in Plant City, Florida. Despite lacking interest in traditional schooling, Seth found his calling in flooring, working with his father-in-law before moving on to gain more experience with another company. Now running his own business, Seth faces the common challenge of finding and training employees. In this episode, we discuss what apprentices in the flooring trade should know and what owners and lead installers should teach them. Whether you're an apprentice looking to improve your skills or an employer seeking to build a strong team, tune in to gain valuable insights from our conversation.

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This week's guest is Derek Swegel, the owner of Habit Hardwood Floors located in Panama City Beach, Florida. After working with his brother in Kansas City for years, Derek and his wife decided to relocate to Florida for a change. Running a business can be stressful, depressing, difficult, rewarding, exciting, and many other things all at once. Derek and I openly discuss our experiences with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear our conversation.

Habitat Floors

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As a flooring and tile expert, Ken Ballin discusses the topic of estimates in this episode. He highlights that communication is crucial when it comes to estimating a project. This involves understanding the customer's needs and requirements and being transparent about the costs associated with the project. Ken also emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and being confident in your pricing.

When it comes to the format of the estimate, Ken believes that it should be detailed enough to cover all aspects of the project, but not overly complicated. The estimate should include a clear breakdown of the costs, including materials and labor, and any additional fees that may apply. He also suggests including a section for potential add-ons or changes that may arise during the project, along with their associated costs.

Ken and the host also discuss the benefits of providing itemized estimates versus a total sum only. Ken explains that itemized estimates can help build trust with customers by showing transparency in the pricing breakdown. However, he also notes that some customers may prefer a total sum only estimate for simplicity.

Overall, Ken stresses that estimates are a vital part of winning a project and that taking the time to understand the customer's needs and being transparent in pricing can help build a strong customer base.

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Skyro Floors

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As a technical representative for a flooring company, Andy McWilliams has had a lot of experience working with installers, and as such, he has a lot of knowledge on the topic of hiring and training apprentices in the flooring trade. During his conversation with the host, Andy stresses the importance of proper education when it comes to training apprentices. He points out that too often, businesses throw apprentices into the field with little to no training, which can lead to mistakes and lost profits.

Andy suggests that businesses should invest in formal apprenticeship programs that include classroom education and hands-on training. By providing a structured and comprehensive training program, businesses can ensure that their apprentices have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job well. Andy also emphasizes the importance of having experienced installers serve as mentors to apprentices. By working alongside seasoned professionals, apprentices can learn valuable skills and techniques that they might not be able to pick up in a classroom setting.

Andy and the host also discuss the benefits of hiring apprentices over experienced installers. While experienced installers may have a higher hourly rate, they often come with their own set of habits and techniques that may not align with the business's standards. By hiring apprentices and training them from the ground up, businesses can ensure that their employees are following the correct procedures and techniques that align with their company values. Additionally, by investing in apprentices, businesses can build a loyal workforce that is dedicated to their success.

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The National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT) was founded by Sonny Callaham and other industry professionals with the mission of bringing together the flooring industry and providing education and training to technicians. As the chairman of the board, Sonny discusses the importance of NAFCT in improving the quality of installations and reducing installation failures.

He talks about the various programs offered by NAFCT which provide training and certification for installers. Sonny also discusses the benefits of being a member of NAFCT, including access to training resources, networking opportunities, and discounts on products and services.

Sonny emphasizes the importance of education and training in the flooring, tile and stone industries, and encourages technicians to continue learning and improving their skills. He also discusses the challenges facing the industry, such as the shortage of skilled labor and the need for improved communication between manufacturers, distributors, and installers.

N.A.F.C.T.

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Having great systems can make a significant difference in running a successful business, and that's what Sprigg Lynn, the owner of Universal Floors, believes. In the podcast, he emphasizes the importance of having proper systems in place to keep everything organized and running smoothly. From customer relations to project management, having effective systems can save time and money while improving the overall quality of work.

Furthermore, Sprigg highlights the importance of building relationships with fellow tradespeople in the industry. Collaborating with other trades, communicating effectively, and respecting one another's work can create a better experience for the clients and help build a strong reputation in the industry.

Overall, the discussion focuses on how good business practices, systems, and relationships with fellow trades can contribute to building a successful business.

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Universal Floors Inc.

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As a licensed professional counselor, Claire Karakey discusses ways to identify and address depression and addiction problems in ourselves and others. She shares her experience of receiving therapy as a child and realizing how much of a gift it was, which led her to pursue a career in helping people.

Claire explains that depression and addiction can manifest in different ways and may not always be obvious. She suggests paying attention to changes in behavior, mood, and physical health, as well as being aware of risk factors such as family history, trauma, and stress.

She also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with these issues, as well as creating a support system and practicing self-care. Claire provides tips on how to approach someone who may be struggling and ways to start a conversation about seeking help.

Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when needed, as well as breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Claibourne Counseling

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It's important to remember that the flooring industry is not just about the technical skills but also about the way you conduct yourself on the job site. Jamen and Chanel Carrizosa, owners of Icon Tile and Design in Seattle, WA, have been successful in their business because of their focus on professionalism. They believe that professionalism is not just about how you look but also about how you act and communicate with clients, contractors, and other tradespeople.

During the podcast, they discuss the importance of respecting the client's home and time by being organized, communicating clearly and professionally, and following through on commitments. They also emphasize the need for education and training to improve technical skills and stay up to date with new products and techniques.

Jamen and Chanel believe that by raising the standards of professionalism in the industry, it will lead to better relationships with clients, improved reputation, and ultimately, more success for all flooring, tile and stone professionals.

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