I'm missing out on the Surfaces show this year… but wait, is that the big show?
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I'm missing out on the Surfaces show this year… but wait, is that the big show?
I have not been to Surfaces in three years and I have got to say it has not been a great concern for me. The show is big but doesn't have enough of the real things I need. There is so much to see that it gets all rolled up in one ball of what to look at next. That is why I enjoy the NWFA Expo more. Yes, it is smaller, but it is driven to the needs we have as wood flooring contractors, and all the exhibitors are specifically for just us.
Okay, you are right to think that my heart is with the NWFA-yes, I have done a few training classes with them and, yes, I blog for the magazine, but I have to say the Expo is the best for the total package we need at Cardinal Hardwood. Wood, finish, fillers, nailers, sanders and just about anything from A to Z for our market. Do not get me wrong, going to Surfaces is nice-it seems to set the tone for the year in the market-but it just lacks the feeling of friends and family you get with the NWFA Expo.
I look forward to the training the most at the NWFA Expo. The way that the manufacturers jump in with demo products is great, and before I forget, let me say that they give all year-round to the NWFA training classes. I do not think any of them have refused to support the training! So when you read that a company is an NWFA Partner in Education, take the time to say "thank you," because we all get rewards from their gifts. Thank you, Partners, we would be lost without you. The folks who give their time to do the classes are just wonderful; they share with no desire for rewards in return. From top to bottom, our members are the best and they give the best 24-7. What brightens my eyes the most is the contractors who come to teach at the classes just to share their skills and knowledge and-let me add this very important fact-without pay. They pay for it out of their own pocket, and that speaks load and clear what our contractor members are all about.
Sorry for the rabbit trail… back to the Expo: This year's seminars are to the point and driven to help us, the flooring folks. From the dealers to the floor contractors, it is at the Expo this year. Take the time to get on the Expo website and see what they are offering this year.
I was asked to do a class about job-site machine repairs and the upkeep of the units. It is an honor to be asked. I will be doing the class, but it is my desire to make this class for you. Here is my request: Please post comments on this blog with ideas about what units or tools you feel we need to address. I could pick a few units, but the ones I pick may not be the best. The best would be the stuff you all want to see and better understand. So please write some comments so we can plan the program format now. Like all of you, my days are full of floor work, and I will need time to get it all together. We also want to contact the folks who make the tools to get the latest information, tips and insight. Here's my promo video about the seminar:
It is an honor and so very important to me; my heart is 100% floor man. The past five years living the contracting life and doing the work have blessed me and my family. If you read my blog, I think you have a feeling of the change inside my heart and life. My head wants to say that my years with the machine company were not a waste, but my heart knows that the past five years have been the greatest path for me and my family. In life we do not know what is around the corner, but when we get to the turn ... we can look back or ahead. For me, the turn was worth it, and for my family, it has given us the blessing of coming together. When the work is slow, you pray together; when times are tough, you work together; and most of all, when the rewards come, you can share them together.
Please take the time to think my request through, give us your insight via e-mail, but most of all I want to see you at the NWFA Expo in Orlando in April.
Thank you all, and be safe.