Resilient certification garners industry-wide support
Kansas City, Mo.—Flooring installation training is on track to break records in 2012, according to Jim Walker, CEO of the International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI).
Thirty-seven cities are scheduled to host CFI installation programs before May 30 alone, he said, and more are being scheduled. In addition, manufacturers such as Armstrong, Congoleum, IVC, Johnsonite, Mannington, Mohawk, Personna and Traxx are co-sponsoring the training, “making the events affordable for the installation community.”
It’s not just the makers of flooring products, Walker added, as tool suppliers, distributors, retailers and associations are getting behind the effort to train and raise the overall professionalism of installers.
As an example of the kind of support CFI is seeing, the resilient workshop, scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Baltimore, is being hosted by distributor L. Fishman and Son and is expected to have the largest gathering of resilient manufacturers the association has had.
Roland Thompson, of Kehne’s Carpet One in Frederick, Md., and president of CFI’s local Delmarva chapter, said, “It has always been CFI’s goal for the industry to work together to increase the knowledge and skill of the installation community. This is a win-win situation for everyone and especially the installers who can attend one event to achieve the finest training and certification and not encounter the expense of traveling to numerous locations.”
Joe Cea, chairman of CFI’s resilient committee and technical representative for Congoleum, added, “Installers, sales associates and industry personnel have the opportunity to work with products that are rapidly becoming top selections of the customer. Working in individual modules, resilient installation will be covered from understanding the product, correct applications specified by the manufacturer in a hands-on environment and technical knowledge.”
In addition to the resilient training, Walker said the CFI team of 75 trainers is scheduled to present programs in carpet, laminate, tile and wood. “CFI is concerned everyone receives information to enhance their skills and knowledge about all flooring materials. Training is all about improving installation in America and worldwide.”
Participants at CFI training events are eligible for scholarship funds from the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), which works closely with CFI and participating sponsors, noted Tony Buckhardt, branch manager of Carpet Cushions and Supplies in Fort Wayne, Ind. “One of the numerous WFCA benefits is the educational scholarships which are available.”
He added, WFCA has sponsored hundreds of training workshops, providing installation education for thousands of flooring installers. “Working with WFCA, installation training is affordable for everyone.”
Doug Ray, product manager of The Cronin Co., which recently hosted a CFI laminate and wood training and certification event, said, “I can’t say enough about the quality of the program and the caliber of trainers that were involved. The type of information presented is top of the line and everyone benefits. We’re looking forward to hosting more events in the future.”
To find out when a CFI event will be in your area or to register for an upcoming class, visit CFIinstallers.com or call 816.231.4646. To learn more about WFCA’s scholarship program, call 800.624.6880.