After my post about my trip to Germany, in which I talked about learning a lot from talking with the other contractors on the trip, Kim at Hardwood Floors asked me to talk about unique techniques and business habits of the contractors I've met from around the nation. I don't want to get in trouble for changing up the homework assignment, but I guess I remember more about what the contractors are like than what exactly they said about doing floors. Floor guys will most likely agree that quality floors are flat, even in sheen/color, and have a final payment check and smiling homeowner afterwards.
After my post about my trip to Germany, in which I talked about learning a lot from talking with the other contractors on the trip, Kim at Hardwood Floors asked me to talk about unique techniques and business habits of the contractors I've met from around the nation. I don't want to get in trouble for changing up the homework assignment, but I guess I remember more about what the contractors are like than what exactly they said about doing floors. Floor guys will most likely agree that quality floors are flat, even in sheen/color, and have a final payment check and smiling homeowner afterwards.
Everyone has a different approach to technique based on a number of factors. Some people trowel-fill the floor and some people don't because the floors move so much seasonally. Around the Northwest you still see a lot of conversion varnish going on the floors, and in areas like the East Coast I hear a lot more about waterborne finishes. I know that in Oregon if we had the heat and humidity like Wayne Lee does in Tennessee, we would see an epic number of installation failures. What I am sure of is that the bar is generally pretty low for knowledge in our industry, and it's easy to shine if you have a good attitude.
Being proud of what you know and sharing that in a manner that is genuine and caring is far more of what separates the people nationwide. You see each other only once a year at a school or convention, but it feels like it was only last week. It's because the experiences, the stories, and the common bond are so strong that you feel like it's a family. These are the guys that know what it feels like to work on a floor until 1:30 a.m. because the homeowners are tired of hotel shampoo and they want to move back home. These are the guys who will take your phone call in the middle of coating a floor.
I have noticed a common habit of most successful contractors out there is a consistent system. When you all talk shop, it's so easy for debates to begin over what is the best way to do things. I joke these days that whatever makes your homeowners happy is the right system. The industry is always pushing forward with new products; most contractors agree that the danger zone is when you are constantly modifying your system because a sales rep is willing to give you some free product.
Technique is something that you can learn at a school or read during an article. I know while I write this that there are hundreds to thousands of people who may read this post. There may be a comment here or there about what I've said. What I'm really hoping for is the day where one of the guys or gals who reads this will call and ask a question and I can help. That's really the fun part of writing for the magazine. I've spent so much time learning, having success, and making mistakes that I'd love to know who's in the fight with me. Next week I'm going to change things up and show you my way to get designers happy when stain or dye won't get your color right on a floor.
