We asked wood floor pros the above question. Here are some responses shared by our readers on the WFB Facebook and Instagram pages.
Charles Palyu
Working for a family business—the biggest mistake, especially when they expand for profits and not craftsmanship.
Darin Dupree
Not trying different things enough, especially stains and finishes.
Josh Hansman
Not getting a table to put my miter/table saws on instead of having them on the floor.
Emory Stansal
Investing in the best knee pads!!
Ron Lackey
I should have gone into business for myself a lot earlier.
Ryan Wilson
I wish I would have started straight out of high school.
Jim Hyde
I would have charged more sooner.
Titoe Gomez
Not using an edger dolly.
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Rene Munoz
Starting in a small town cornered by a few.
Jeremy Ruff
Learning to run a business vs. just being a contractor.
Joel Barkelew
Trying to take on every job I bid.
Dave Boucher
I would've had an excavating company. Those guys have the entire job budget to blow before anyone.
Lorie Davidson
Get involved with education and networking much earlier in my career.
Steve Albert
I would have learned about marketing much earlier on.
Wesley Goetz
I would have started wearing knee pads and ear protection a long time ago.
Tchardwood Floors
Taking on high volume/big square footage but not-so-profitable jobs.
David Diaz
I would have gotten a rider sander sooner.
Casey Ditsworth
I would've incorporated taking business classes in addition to doing the job itself.
Troy Stanfield
Not employing friends.
acustomfloors
Learning to never take orders from the builder about when to install!
Jason Mack
I would have started my own business sooner.
Johnny Rodriguez
I would have spent more time with my family sooner.
Joel E. Arias
I should've started sooner.
meekskd
Not being so stubborn and thinking what I've done works, why change? Learn as much as you can so you stay on the front edge of the curve.
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