Floor Academy is a podcast hosted by Kyle Hedin that provides small business information and guidance to flooring, tile and stone contractors on how to build a successful and sustainable business. The podcast aims to help contractors move from owning a job to owning an asset, by providing insights and strategies related to management, entrepreneurship, and networking.Floor Academy covers a range of topics related to flooring, tile and stone business management, including small business advertising, paid traffic, and organic traffic. The podcast also provides information on promotional marketing, LLC setup, simple small business management, and networking strategies.The podcast aims to help carpet, tile, stone, hardwood, floating floor, and many more types of contractors develop a deep understanding of business management, including effective networking and entrepreneurship strategies, which are crucial to achieving long-term success in the flooring industry. By discussing various topics related to small business management, such as finance, operations, marketing, sales, human resources, branding, advertising, interviewing, taxes, company structures, and more the podcast provides valuable insights to help flooring, tile and stone contractors become successful business owners by answering the question how do i market my small business.
Send us a textJust because you can set a tile, hand sew a seam, or properly sand and finish a floor to perfection, does not mean you are good at business. Often times we think because we are great craftspeople that those skills mean we are good at our business. If that was the case, why are there constantly contractors from all fields asking how much they should charge, what is the difference between markup and margin, and how do I handle this challenging client? If you had the skills you wouldn’t be asking.John Cox is the owner of a Five Star accredited national tile contracting installation business. Starting in 1975 John has built a reputation for excellence through innovative tile solutions and strong communication. The awards and accolades of today’s installs would have never happened without realizing that as a setter he was fantastic but when it came to being a leader and business owner, there was a lot to learn. That journey began with a few books that have turned in to many, as well as, conferences, and more.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as John and I discuss where his passion for life long learning came from and how he moved out of his own way to become the man he is today.Check out our sponsorsThe International Surfaces EventUzinTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
10/9/24 • 73:59
Send us a textHow much does your workman’s comp cost you? What are you classifying your employees as? What are you subs classified as? Did you know that core tasks dictate classification and different classes have different rates? Someone in the field using dangerous power tools will cost you far more than someone in an office sitting at a computer. How do you figure out when you can change a classification and is all this penny pinching really worth it?Brad Lenz and his wife Kerry own Rice’s More Than Floors which they acquired in 2016 from his parents. The store has a beautiful history dating back to 1968 where it started as a furniture and appliance business, later adding carpet. After finishing high school Brad started a tile installation business in 1998 and started adding employees in 2016. This was when the installation business and flooring store merged. The merger began a focus on technology and cloud based software to improve their systems and processes. Brad’s natural gift for problem solving has also helped find small ways to be more profitable along the way. One successful change implemented has been how employees are classified while they are working and making sure it is accurately kept track of. Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Brad and I discuss how you can be more profitable with one simple change to how you classify your employees depending on the task they are working on.Check out our sponsorsThe International Surfaces EventUzinTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
10/2/24 • 73:10
Send us a textWhen are you big enough to get a second location? What are the challenges behind it? How do you manage two teams? There are a lot of things to make happen so that you can be successful. From dialing in sales processes to expanding your marketing in to a new area there is a lot to consider.Chris Rogers is the owner of Wally’s Carpet and Tile in San Bernardino and recently opened up his second showroom. Starting out as an installer gives Chris a different perspective on running a retail shop. From how he handles paying employees and subs to his sales process, his unique vision has helped him grow a brand that has been around in California for 70 years. Looking to grow his presence and get in to having mobile showrooms an opportunity for a new location presented itself and couldn’t be passed up.Listen in to this weeks episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Chris and I discuss how he knew he could take on a second location, what it took to get it open and how he is now managing multiple teams.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
9/25/24 • 75:26
Send us a textHow do you manage your time in your business? How do you manage all the different hats you have to wear? Sales, installation, scheduling, finance, and marketing are just a few of them and they all require a different skillset. What if there was a better way to free up time where you could automate some of the processes as part of being an owner?Brittany Murphy returns to the show as the founder of Marketing Mutt? With over a decade of experience she has created over 900 online marketing strategies for companies across the US. She focuses on helping small business owners getting their phones to ring with new leads by stepping up their marketing game. Growing up with her family in the trades led Brittany to start her marketing agency devoted to the trades and home services. Her foundation is developing marketing strategies and automated processes for owners looking to gain more time and money from their businesses. Through her marketing strategies, background in blue collar, and over a decade of experience, Brittany has helped local contractors close more leads, get more reviews and referrals, and streamline their marketing and sales processes. She is now here to help you do the same for your business so that you can learn while you earn and become more profitable with more free time.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Brittany and I discuss basic tools every business owner can implement into their toolbox to better manage their companies, free up time, and be more profitable.Book an appointment with Brittany - https://marketingmutt.youcanbook.me/Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
9/18/24 • 82:48
Send us a textDo you sell installations or do you sell an experience? Answering that one question can quickly help you differentiate your company from the competition. What makes an install an experience? When does it start? What’s included? Is it really different than what the competition is doing?Reggie Burke of Bayview Flooring in Port Angeles, Washington has over 10 years of experience in the flooring trade. Upon going out on is own after being trained by his father, Reggie was looking for a way to be different from the rest. Over the last two years he has honed in on creating a client experience unlike any other in the area when it comes to flooring installations. From the time the prospect first reaches out until the project is closed out, there are little differences that elevate the quality of service that is being provided.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast as Reggie and I discuss how he has crafted a client experience that not only helps sell the value of his installations but makes it a no brainer to go with Bayview Flooring.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
9/11/24 • 74:16
Send us a textWhat changes about your marketing strategy as your business develops around you. What kind of tactics are required as a startup, survival, successful, scaling, or sustainable entity? More than likely referrals won’t be the only thing keeping you business alive past the survival stage.Justin Shaw of Driven for Growth, returns to the show to help us answer the above questions with practical steps to help you move the needle. He works closely with entrepreneurs in the contracting space to implement strategies and systems for their continued growth. His approach is holistic and helps business owners develop the skills they need to transform their business so that it can truly reach its full potential.Listen to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast as we talk about practical steps to take at each stage of business.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
9/4/24 • 73:56
Send us a textWhat changes about your marketing strategy as your business develops around you. What kind of tactics are required as a startup, survival, successful, scaling, or sustainable entity? More than likely referrals won’t be the only thing keeping you business alive past the survival stage.Justin Shaw of Driven for Growth, returns to the show to help us answer the above questions with practical steps to help you move the needle. He works closely with entrepreneurs in the contracting space to implement strategies and systems for their continued growth. His approach is holistic and helps business owners develop the skills they need to transform their business so that it can truly reach its full potential.Listen to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast as we talk about practical steps to take at each stage of business. Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
8/28/24 • 67:43
Send us a textHow do you grow an installation company to more than just installation? You get into the retail side of things and start selling products. It’s as easy as building a relationship with a local store for a kickback to being as complicated as opening up your own store from ground zero and building it up. There is a middle ground of finding a store that is for sale and buying a client base and some systems and processes to help make your life slightly easier.Donald Perkins and his wife, Emily, purchased Carpetland of New England when they were presenedt an offer they couldn’t turn down. While selling material wasn’t exactly new to them, having a sales staff, retail location and subcontractors to complete more installs than they could handle was. It was a step up for them in their business journey that hasn’t come without a few surprises. Listen in as we discuss what challenges they have faced acquiring the store, how it has changed their business logistically, and what the future looks like.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
8/21/24 • 73:32
Send us a textHow do you choose the right software for your business? Recommendations? Trial and error? Research? There are plenty of ways to attack it but one of the most important things to consider is whether or not it fits your business model. Not all software is created equally nor is it created to function as part of every industry.Tom Strachan is the CEO of Service Buddy, and leads a dedicated team in transforming the way flooring companies manage their operations through technology.Their software platform is designed to simplify operations, enhance customer communication, and boost overall business efficiency. By focusing on customization, we empower our clients to reclaim valuable hours each week, allowing them to concentrate on what truly matters—providing exceptional service. Our software helps drive better profit margins for our clients.Listen in to this week’s episode as Tom and I discuss how you need to vet software for your business before choosing a platform for the long haul.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
8/14/24 • 58:10
Send us a textIt’s not uncommon for me to hear from the audience or clients that they are technology adverse. With the average age of an installer in the industry being over 50 years old, it’s really no surprise that technology is not a major part of their business model or life. Couple that with the fact that technology and hand skills do not always go together and it’s a modern day recipe for disaster. There are simple and easy to use tools readily available to make your business more streamlined and user friendly. From booking software, measuring software and customer relationship management software, there is no reason to be afraid of your computer when you can save hundreds of hours of time a year with a small up front investment.Victor Milazzo is the CTO of Kronos Software and IT/Ecommerce manager at Carpet To Go. He has helped develop the systems that have made flooring businesses run more efficiently through the simple use of technology to automate receptive tasks. This has allowed him to not only increase revenue through more sales but increase profit by reducing overhead costs as well. Listen in to this week’s episode as Victor and I discuss some simple but very effective ways you can increase your productivity with some simple technology for your business.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
8/7/24 • 78:03
Send us a textIt’s not easy to grow a business and make it efficient. Many of us struggle to make it happen and it doesn’t help that the trades are full of guys with lots of pride and stubbornness. We often times get the mindset that we have to do everything on our own and that because we know our trade well, that we know how to run our business well. Knowing your trade and knowing how to run a business are two separate skills though and we have to normalize this.Mike Somodean is the owner of MSCS Inc in Roswell Georgia. After moving from Romania in 2003, he started MSCS Inc in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. Along the way he has gotten married, had a son, made the NWFA 40 under 40, and even won NWFA Floor of the Year. Mike is also a NWFA certified installer, sand and finisher, sales advisor, and regional instructor. All of these accolades help push his craft and business forward but along the way he realized he couldn’t figure it all out himself and needed some help. Mike had to get out of his own way and let others step in with doing what they are best at.Listen in to this weeks episode of the Floor Academy podcast as Mike and I discuss why he hired a business coach to move his business beyond where he was at. What changes he had to make before coming to that decision, and how it has impacted his professional and personal life.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
7/31/24 • 83:18
Send us a textWhat is it that you actually sell as an installation contractor? If your answer is installs, you are dead wrong. That is what you do but it is not what you sell. You are selling a solution to a problem that someone has and providing them with value. Think about it, if you had a $100 bill in your hand, what would you trade it for? The value of the proposed trade would need to be worth more than the $100 bill or you wouldn’t make the trade. How can you present value to your prospects beyond the fact that you can install something?Andrew Acker is the Director of Education for Schluter Systems and has been with them for 27 years. Previous to that he was a C54 licensed contractor and tile setter for 20 years. Andy also sits on the bored of directions for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. Part of being the director of education for Schluter involves Andrew creating content that empowers contractors attending workshops to be better positioned than their competition in their market. This comes in the form of providing value behind using the Schluter name such as receiving a comprehensive warranty, products that provide solutions to common installation issues, or getting the contractor up to speed with industry standards to allow them to provide quality installs that last a lifetime.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast as Andy and I discuss why you have to stop selling installations and learn how to solve problems by presenting value beyond an exchange of goods for money.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftArdex AmericasTileTools.comCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
7/24/24 • 84:18
Send us a textDo you ever worry about the tax man coming after you? What about any other government agency? Do you even know who can and what it truly takes to avoid getting in trouble? I’m sure most of us pay our taxes correctly enough to remain under the radar but what about OSHA, or the Department of Labor or the Environmental Protection Agency? I never really thought to personally worry about it, but then it came to my attention I may not need to worry about myself or my team. It could come from a client or team members significant other. How are you staying protected and from who?Pandy Pridemore is the Principal Consultant and Mediator for The Human Resource USA. With over 44 years experience including corporate and public sector human resources work, she even had a stint at her father’s small flower shop. The Human Resource USA offers short term, long term, and on call HR Services to small businesses. Pandy is not only a sought after speaker for human resources but also hosts a weekly cable television show and podcast where she discusses Ohio state and Federal level HR guidelines and practices.Don’t miss this episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Pandy and I discuss who you need to be looking out for, what documentation you need to protect yourself, and why HR is more that harassment complaints and even small businesses need some form of it.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
7/17/24 • 59:59
Send us a textHow many times do you follow up with a potential client before you move on? What kind of follow up system do you have? Does any of it involve education? Did you know that the average buying cycle for flooring is 6 to 12 months? How are you staying in front of your prospects so they will use you when they are finally ready?Chris Frate, owner of Pasquale Floors in Cleveland, OH, has grown his business to have multiple crews offering sand and finish services. Started in 2001, its been a journey to get the system and processes in place that allow Chris to now focus on the business instead of the sanding and finishing. Wanting to develop a better way to close leads and stay in front of clients Chris went looking into drip campaigns to have an automated way to educate his prospects as well as stay top of mind with them.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Chris and I discuss what a drip campaign is, how to set one up, and some ideas to get you started on your own.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
7/10/24 • 71:29
Send us a textStruggling to manage just the field operations? What’s it like to add on the books, marketing, scheduling, deliveries, and bidding? Wearing all the hats is a difficult task that is only multiplied by the facts that we are not good at everything and we don’t enjoy everything. Did you know that you don’t have to do it all? Did you know that your struggles are not unique and many other owners are just like you?Doug Howard is President of Growth Team Strategies, a consulting company specializing in growth planning, succession planning and business improvement.For more than 30 years, he has worked with owners of growing businesses to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies for successfully navigating growth. He does this through training, webinars, writing, facilitated meetings and one-on-one consulting.Doug is known for his entertaining yet informative approach to business ideas and strategies. He likes to bring complex business concepts into clarity with real life stories and recognizable examples.Doug is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business. He previously owned a small business consulting company for 17 years with offices in Alabama, Arizona, Virginia and Maryland. He served as a Carroll County Commissioner for 8 years and even worked as the Director of Miller for several years.Discussed this week on the Floor Academy Podcast, Doug and I break down how owners don’t need to wear all the hats and how to escape that trap.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleSchluter SystemsThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
7/3/24 • 73:50
Send us a textHave you heard bad stories about useless business coaches who don’t produce results? Does the idea of hiring one just completely turn you off? I can’t blame you, not one bit. There are a lot of coaches out there but many of them are really just cheerleaders. They pump you up emotionally but don’t ever provide any tools to truly change the business. What is it that you are actually buying and what is that you are actually wanting? Does your business even need help?Justin Shaw is the founder of Driven for Growth and the 90 Day Growth Engine Program. He works closely with entrepreneurs in the contracting space to implement strategies and systems for their continued growth. His approach is holistic and helps business owners develop the skills they need to transform their business so that it can truly reach its full potential.This week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast has Justin and I discussing how you can vet potential coaches, what they need to bring to the table and most importantly what you need to bring to the table.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
6/26/24 • 68:33
Send us a textI hear stories from retail store owners all the time on how potential subs come in and ask if they are hiring and then the follow up is how much do you pay. This is a horrible approach in my opinion as you are your own business and need to be telling them what you expect. Besides the pay portion though, what about asking what struggles they have with their current subs or what their most common callback complaints are? Can you find a unique niche to solve for the retailer?Kevin Wielgus is the co-owner of Floors Come True with his wife Lisa. They are based in Plainfield, IL which is a suburb of Chicago and not a small market by any means. Their competitive advantage was easily figured out when they read the negative reviews of their competitors and started solving those exact complaints while delivering all the parts people liked about the other services as well. Completing the projects has led Kevin to need many crews and he is no stranger to thinning the herd to find the subcontractors for his business. Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we talk about how you as a business owner and installation company need to approach retailers to find the best fit for each of you, maximize the partnership, and stand out from your local competition.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
6/19/24 • 84:44
Send us a textWhere do you even begin starting a business? Many of us just end up out on our own after we learn the skillset thinking that’s all we need. It’s not the case and business knowledge is not the first thing we often seek. This is a major problem for small business owners in general but is easily fixable.Paul Wilke, is the owner of Masterpiece Floors in Corona, CA. With years of experience under his belt as a sand and finish craftsman, as well as, being an owner/operator as well as employing many and subcontracting to many, the grind finally got to him. Paul was fed up with the status quo and went looking for a better way to run his business. This is where he learned he is a 40 year startup. Nothing had really changed in his approach over 40 years but it has in the past few. Tune in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast to hear Paul and I discuss what changes he made immediately to distinguish owning a business from owning a job, a few simple tips to make sure your business is taken seriously, and why you can never stop learning.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
6/12/24 • 69:28
Send us a textWe have all seen the jack of all trades guys, or the guy that offer carpet, hardwood, tile, sheet goods, etc. How about the guys and gals that are doing residential one week and commercial the next. Sure it can all be done but each thing is technically a different model and they all require knowing the ins and outs of each so that you can properly run your business as efficiently as possible. If they are being run as one in the same, it can lead to cash flow problems, scheduling issues, and more.Mark Bischoff is the CEO of Starnet, a commercial flooring networking group for contractors and vendors. Through their program over 4 billion dollars in sales is done per year in labor and materials. Through his position, Mark has seen any number of business models in the flooring industry from union labor versus non union, subcontractor versus employee, and how commercial projects get run. He knows there are many ways to skin a cat but if you don’t know the rules of engagement, then the results will be sloppy.Listen in to this week’s episodes of the Floor Academy podcast as Mark and I discuss what steps you need to take to define your business model, how you need to learn and manage your numbers and why going outside of your box isn’t always the best idea.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
6/5/24 • 74:04
Send us a textIn most cases the sales persons handles the sales of a project. What happens if the installer can upsell a design floor while working on the project? What about the occasional neighbor asking for a bid? Can the installer cash in and get a small commission for their efforts on top of their labor pay? I say yes, and think we need to look at how manage our businesses differently.Jerry Levinson, former owner of Carpets of Arizona and now business coach, disagrees with my above sentiment. Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we work through why having non sales people do sales is a good or bad thing and does it depend on your business model.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
5/29/24 • 65:48
Send us a textThe economy ebbs and flows which means our businesses do as well. Some are better at planning ahead than others. For those that may be struggling to find work right now with an economy with rampant inflation and the lower income levels and middle class starting to feel the squeeze, we need to get creative to find clients. It’s not the same as it was just 3 years ago where as long as you had a phone number and a pulse you could land a project. How do you find a way to separate yourself from the pack and stand out when so many are doing exactly what you do?No stranger to Floor Academy, Ken Ballin, makes a return to spitball some ideas on getting creative to have your company be top of mind. Find out what we can change about our offers and how we present them, to hearing entirely new ways to sell something you are probably already offering. This week’s podcast is one you won’t want to miss even if you are busy.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
5/22/24 • 75:49
Send us a textWhere do you actually make money? I used to think it was in the field. That was where I did the work that produced the revenue for the company. Therefore you make your money in the field. I learned that was a lie. Revenue is produced in the field but made behind the desk. When you truly know your numbers and study your business to know your costs, then you can create efficiencies to earn more and keep more. Weston Zimmerman, a former landscaper/hardscaper and now CEO of SynkedUP, knows the above struggle all too well. Starting as a laborer with Tussey Landscaping he worked his way up to lead teams on award winning projects in his space. Looking for ways to help his company be more successful led Weston to dig in to the numbers. He quickly realized how important they were and how much you can affect a companies trajectory with them. This led him to create Synked up, which helps contractors get a handle on their finances to thrive instead of survive.Listen in to this week’s episode as Weston and I discuss the importance of getting behind the desk a few hours a week to break down numbers, the importance of tracking production in the field, and how knowing the numbers will give you a confidence boost while bidding.SynkedUP.comResources - https://synkedup.com/resourceshttps://howtopricemyjob.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/synkedupCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
5/15/24 • 74:00
Send us a textWhere do you find employees? How do you recruit? How do you retain them? All great questions that are consistently asked. Most of the time we are finding guys and gals from current employees, online posts, or the fact that the neighbor kid needs some work. This works to a point but it doesn’t help us grow a mainstream presence or grow a larger reach for our industry.Jim Tsigos of Tsigos Construction in Delran, NJ has been in construction for 24 years. No stranger to hiring people, he has had the same struggles as all of us. He has however, found a way to give back to the industry that provides for himself, his wife and two kids. Jim regularly volunteers at the local vocational school and other places to educate those around him. This knowledge is pulled from being a master carpenter, certified tile installer, and more. Giving back to his industry has been the most fulfilling thing Jim has done and produced the most fruit.Listen in to this weeks episode of the Floor Academy Podcast to learn how you can give back to your community to improve your industry.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
5/8/24 • 67:50
Send us a textTraditionally in the trades, boys will follow in their father’s footsteps and pick up the family business. This is a timeless tale. Only in modern society has it begun to change where kids run off with their own ideas of what they want to become and accomplish. It’s not so bad overall, but how can we create the next generation of flooring professionals while still giving freedom of choice?Dennis DiCarlo has built up a strong retail business and is now looking to expand it. Slowly but surely his kids have grown up and he was able to provide for them beyond basic needs included college educations. Life wasn’t always easy for Jackson and Chesney DiCarlo though, as they grew up knowing that if they wanted to make some money, there was always work to be done around the flooring store. They still needed to earn their own way. The store was never forced on them and they were allowed to explore other opportunities to be individuals. Now, after graduating college and experiencing adult life, both have opted to take up a part of the flooring business that their father continues to build beyond just retail sales. Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy Podcast to hear how two young people are excited for their futures that they chose, how their upbringing helped them come full circle back to what helped support them, and what we can do to help encourage our own kids towards a path of success within the flooring industry.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
5/1/24 • 63:10
Send us a textStarting a business is rough. Just because you know how to do something does not mean you know how to sell it. From there is only gets more complicated as you have to learn how to market yourself, what to charge, how to manage a schedule, and so much more. Everyone is told there is no money in construction unless you go out on your own and yet no one is telling you how to do it. Natalie Hall, owns and operates Artistry in Tile in Hudson, WI. From the age of 12 she studied under her father to learn the trade. At 16 she spent five yeas in a restaurant learning all different positions before moving on to managing a gym cafe, then management at UPS and finally Target. She got her inner creative on by doing cake baking at decorating at a restaurant after her management stints. Finally she arrived back at the trades and wanting to take it seriously. It was no longer a way to drum up some extra cash on the weekends. The work is rewarding but managing the day to day has become overwhelming. Natalie is not unlike many new business owners I speak with.Listen in to this week’s episode of the Floor Academy podcast as we discuss ways for her to better manage her time, get her company known, and not experience such extreme ups and downs.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
4/24/24 • 87:39
Send us a textWhat’s the difference between being a painter, welder, plumber, framer, flooring installer, tile setter, or stone mason? What’s the difference between the country you live in compared to others around the world? Do you really think that your individual location, clientele opportunities, education opportunities and other conditions have that big of an effect on what you can accomplish? Tom Cockerill is the co-owner of Cockerill & Co with his wife Sarah. They own and operate and hardwood sand and finish business in Darlington, England. Realizing the industry was suffering from more than a lack of technical skill and admittedly not being the best businessman himself, Tom went searching for answers and also started the UK Flooring Podcast. Learning from bankruptcy, he is now teaching other businesses how to be profitable, implement systems and processes, and mentoring the next generation of successful flooring companies. This week on the Floor Academy podcast, Tom and I will discuss how even though our countries are far apart, we are not so different after all. Developed nation or not, we all seem to have very similar issues that need to be dealt with and we will be discussing where we all need to step up to help solve these issues.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
4/17/24 • 90:32
Send us a textHow much is too much? The pricing debate is proposed again. What should you be charging to complete your projects? Ken Ballin made a post about a bid for a $2500 backsplash and part of Facebook lost their minds. Listen in as we discuss why it is priced the way it is and how you need to price your work.Support the show
4/15/24 • 69:52
Send us a textHow do you deal with pushy clients? How do you handle them controlling the project, materials, schedule, etc? Are you not the professional? What happens when trust is lost or not established? Sometimes you just have to fire your client and there is nothing wrong with that. Contracts have natural breaking points in them for a reason and it is ok to use them.Sarah Thelen came up as a finish carpenter before moving into doing remodels under her company S. Thelen Construction in 2017. She is also CTI #1848 as of December 2022. Her experience in a male dominated industry led her to make sure her clients were comfortable with not only the work being done but herself as well. Her passion for bringing crazy ideas to life has helped build her brand while allowing her house the knowledge of technical specifications to make the end results successful. Recently, Sarah found herself on a project with a repeat client that was constantly deferring to the designer. This situation strained her relationship with the homeowners. Laying out the situation led to making compromises she was not happy with and ultimately she had to make the decision to fire the client instead of continuing to work in an environment where she was not appreciated for what she was bring to the table.This week on Floor Academy, Sarah and I discuss why we need to fire clients, what makes it hard, what the rewards of doing so are, and how this can help you actually grow your business.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
4/10/24 • 70:44
Send us a textI can’t trust anyone to do it as well as me. No one does it how I train them to do it. If I’m not there, they take shortcuts. No one will ever take as much pride in the company as I do. These are all complaints I see consistently from contractors who are struggling to grow their business and find a way to not only add additional crews but not be stuck in the field consistently.Matt Garcia is the owner of Craftsman Hardwood Flooring in San Angelo, TX. Over the last 24 months he has looked at what he wanted his business to become and he has had to swallow a lot of tough pills. From realizing there were nearly no systems in place for how to acquire and train team members, to how they sold projects, to how they followed up and managed those projects. Every aspect of the business has been revamped in some way and is under the microscope for further inspection. 24 months ago if Matt wasn’t in the field, the projects weren’t completed. Now he has not only increased revenue and profit, but also increased how much his team members make. Listen in to this episode of the Floor Academy podcast to learn how you can develop a business that will run without micromanaging every aspect of it.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventTISE Resource BookKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
4/3/24 • 71:39
Send us a textAs a leader it can be hard to relate to your team at times. Whether it be because of interests, age gaps, maturity levels, or personality, it is something we need to learn to overcome. A team is only as good as their leader and if the leader is unable to find a way to connect, motivate, encourage, and build up their team, there isn’t going to much of a team for very long.Alison Mullins is the author of “The Art of Selling: We Make Order Makers, Not Order Takers” & the founder of Rep Methods Sales Training. With over 20 years of experience in sales, merchandising, marketing, and content creation, she has built her business on the principles of selling. Alison has extensive knowledge and experience in stone, textiles, fashion, and luxury wholesale manufacturing. Pulling from the book Primal Leadership, Alison has been able to apply limbic resonance to her training methods to allow leaders to have a higher emotional IQ and better connect with their teams.Listen in to this weeks episode of the Floor Academy podcast as we discuss what limbic resonance is, how to apply it to yourself, and what it can do for you, your company and your team.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventKronus SoftCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
3/27/24 • 64:39
