The holidays and finishing lots of floors for the holidays really took the wind out of my sails when it came to writing. I'm glad it's all behind me, and I am looking forward to a lot of changes in 2013. In fact, I'll go over a few things in 2013 that I'm looking forward to and how they impact contractors.
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The holidays and finishing lots of floors for the holidays really took the wind out of my sails when it came to writing. I'm glad it's all behind me, and I am looking forward to a lot of changes in 2013. In fact, I'll go over a few things in 2013 that I'm looking forward to and how they impact contractors.
1) Brett Miller as NWFA's New Director of Certification and Education.I've known Brett for a while now and we've become really good friends since the trip to Germany. Brett is a diehard about contracting and craftsmanship and loves people. He's not a desk jockey by any means, so I expect that what he will bring to this great organization is his extreme positive level of influence. I predict a lot more opportunity for the dealer/contractor to get in the spotlight, and he will bring a "rubber meets the road" level to our appeal at the NWFA.
2) Stricter standards for wood floor inspectors.
I think that my picture says the majority of what I'm thinking. Inspecting floors can have serious consequences on the business of an individual, and I personally feel that there has to be some degree of good that results in an inspection. Currently, I am not an inspector. My friends who have this certification have all emphasized that objectivity is essential. We're an organization assembled for the good, and turning out a bunch of certified pedants must no longer be something associated with our group.
3) NWFA Expo is going to Explode AGAIN.Last year the NWFA Expo was the best event I went to in 2012 for an organization. This year the Wood Flooring Expo is more centrally located in the U.S.-in Dallas-which should help members traveling by plane since it's likely going to be easier to get a direct flight. In addition, our educational and speaker track is sounding like one of the best in years, according to conversations I've had with a few people in the organization. With the improvement in the economy, I'm hoping that more of my friends out there can stash the cash to show up, because I'm ready to meet some of you all face-to-face and say hi. Facebook is cool and all, but I can't sit next to you over lunch through a computer.
I've been in my own "laboratory" planning up a lot of stuff for 2013, and some changes for the good are en route. I'll keep you posted because there's a significant opportunity for our industry coming. Let's hear from the readers-what you are planning for this year?
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.