Since I was looking forward to the my video blog from last week).
Log in to view the full article
Since I was looking forward to the my video blog from last week).
If you were not able to make it, I understand, but if you did not come just because you were thinking it would be a waste, well, you missed out on one of the best Expos in a long time. The renewed attitude was outstanding! From the front door to the back door, it was a good time. Some highlights for me:
The start with Ken Schmidt from Harley was perfect! His detail of how Harley recovered, how they looked at the market, and every step they took as they looked hard at the things they were doing right and wrong made you rethink what we need to do in our day-to-day operations.
Next would be the classes. There is so much talent in our market shared by folks that are not just looking for the self reward, but deep inside they want to make our lives better. I was asked to do a short class on machines, so in 45 minutes we walked through some things we can do to help keep the units running. (Look for a couple short videos from that seminar coming on the blog soon.)
The awards given out this year to folks who have given back was great-I think it was 51 NWFA degrees handed out. One that gave me real joy was Mickey Moore getting the Honorary Vanguard degree; it was given for his life's commitment to making our lives better. He is an icon in the wood flooring market. Don Conner and Neil Moss were given awards for their drive and desire in the wood flooring market... They are two men who gave more than they took.
The show floor was just abuzz with the folks showing product. I did not have time to walk the show between working with Jerry at Revolution and helping Frank Kroupa with the hands-on demos; time just passed fast. It was so much fun to do the demos-I miss that part of doing the schools. Over the years it has been a treat to do the NWFA classes; I made a bunch of friends and got more out it than words can tell. As said in the past, it was teaching me to get ready for the next step in my life-such a blessing!
So let me again say this: If you have not been to a class with the NWFA, you are missing out. They are the best wood flooring classes anywhere with the best insight from our peers, manufacturers and one thing we seem to forget: history. We have the best history of wood floors and how they work. Tell me what trade has a rich history like the flooring market?
Well, back to reality: This week we have to trim out a few jobs, do a paste wax on 400 foot and repair a water damage job. That will be fun; the finish is Monocoat, and this will be the first time we have to repair a floor with this finish. I like it a bunch, so let's see how easy it is to blend. It is a repair with about 10 boards; we need to hand-sand then blend in the finish. Yep, I will let you know how it goes. They say it is the best at blending in ... sure hope so.
It is time to get going and get the work done, thanks for reading this. Please allow me to say this: I was taken aback at the show with all the people who said they enjoy reading the blog. Thank you is not enough; it is such a blessing to see that others take the time to read what goes on in my life and path. Humbled is not the word. At the end of the day, it is all worth it; we are family and friends, and that is the best award given out at the Expo ... the handshakes, hugs and bonds will never be forgotten. God bless you all and please be safe.