Let's Stay in Touch and Stay Upbeat

It occurred to me that I'd like to let the readers in on a few things that maybe I have never stated. I feel it's important to be clear so that people will understand why I am writing a blog for Hardwood Floors and about my own feelings behind that:

• NWFA and Hardwood Floors magazine DO NOT pay me to write for them. I earn NWFA degree credits but the real payoff for me is hearing people value and can implement what I've written.
• I volunteered to begin writing for Hardwood Floors to share all I can in helping my peers, especially those newer to the business. When I started, the resources to learn about the hardwood floor business were mostly available only at regional NWFA schools or the magazine.
• My words are based on experience and opinion combined, and I'll be the first to admit I'm not perfect. I really wish more people would write comments as long as they are constructive. Blog comments are supposed to lead to more sharing of knowledge.
• Anyone having any success in the flooring industry really needs to open up and communicate locally and nationally about what they are doing. Keeping knowledge proprietary about how to succeed simply keeps prices down and turns contractors into consumer servants rather than the artisans we really all want to be.
• It's really easy in this business to say something that will rub someone the wrong way. The minute we post it on the Internet, it is even more likely to stir up a hornet's nest if someone doesn't agree. Let's just keep it friendly and contribute for the benefit of peers.
• Every year I'm in this industry I'm more grateful than the last. This business is fun and the mistakes just make you a better person.

I guess I would sort of call that my mission statement in being a blogger for the magazine. It's easy to sort of become a target of criticism when you put yourself on the Internet, but anyone who knows me will tell you I'm a pretty mellow person, and just an enthusiastic and optimistic contractor. That's something that seems a little lost in our business as time goes on.

The best changes are yet to come for the NWFA and I'm excited to see Michael Martin as our new CEO. On the inside, there is a really good buzz about the NWFA working harder to refocus on benefiting the contractors. I'm certain that this year at convention is going to be a great year, and I hope we will see some new guys there. Until the next time, stay in touch and stay upbeat.