The NWFA held an Intermediate Installation and Sand & Finish School Aug. 10-12 in San Diego; 24 students attended the school. Led by NWFA's Frank Kroupa, volunteer instructors included: Jennifer Hansen (3M), Brian Pruitt (Basic Coatings), Jason Elquest (Blackhawk Floors Inc.), Dave Stark (Bona US), Sheldon Walker (Clarke American Sanders), Marc McCalla (Craftsman Hardwood Floors Inc.), Keith Baier (Custom Hardwood Floors), Terry Green and Kirk Anderson (Dura Seal), Dave Posey (Floor Style Products Inc.), Roger Barker (Fortifiber Building Systems Group), and Nathan Shaw (Rust-Oleum Corporation).
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NWFA Heads to Left Coast
The NWFA held an Intermediate Installation and Sand & Finish School Aug. 10-12 in San Diego; 24 students attended the school. Led by NWFA's Frank Kroupa, volunteer instructors included: Jennifer Hansen (3M), Brian Pruitt (Basic Coatings), Jason Elquest (Blackhawk Floors Inc.), Dave Stark (Bona US), Sheldon Walker (Clarke American Sanders), Marc McCalla (Craftsman Hardwood Floors Inc.), Keith Baier (Custom Hardwood Floors), Terry Green and Kirk Anderson (Dura Seal), Dave Posey (Floor Style Products Inc.), Roger Barker (Fortifiber Building Systems Group), and Nathan Shaw (Rust-Oleum Corporation).
Details on the NWFA's remaining 2010 technical schools can be found at nwfa.org.
Flooring Materials Are Likely Cause for Blaze
Wood flooring finish products are likely to blame for a fire Thursday evening in Tucson, Ariz., that caused about $1.9 million in damage, according to azstarnet.com. The two-alarm fire occurred at Compass High School and consumed nearly half the building; several people were in the school when the fire started, but no injuries were reported. Tucson Fire Department spokeswoman Capt. Tricia Tracy alluded to the idea that the areas in which the flammable products were used lacked sufficient ventilation.
Manufacturer News
EcoTimber's (Richmond, Calif.) Woven Recycled Poplar has been named one of the 2010 Top 10 Green Building Products by Sustainable Industries magazine. The magazine's green products guide is an annual publication profiling industry-leading green building products selected by its editorial team and expert judges. EcoTimber's product was chosen for its environmental performance, scalability and market impact, innovativeness, design aesthetic, value, and compatibility with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
Brazfloor LLC (Hallandale Beach, Fla.) has released a free design app for use with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The app lets users try different wood floor options in their own room setting, and it includes species information. Brazfloor Hardwood Flooring can be downloaded here.
Distributor News
Pravada Floors (Surrey, British Columbia) has named TADA Connection Inc. (Barrie, Ontario) its authorized agent in Ontario and the greater Toronto area. TADA will represent Pravada's Engineered Flooring Collection. For more information, reach TADA at 705/728-8299. Also, Pravada is seeking distributors and agents in western Canada and western U.S. Interested parties can contact Business Development Manager Robert Kim at 604/597-6881, 888/772-8232 or [email protected].
Greyne Custom Wood Co. (Fort Mill, S.C.) is seeking distributors for its new flooring collection, Inspirations by Greyne. The solid and engineered plank flooring is available in walnut, hickory, and white oak. For more information, contact Greyne's Ryan Marion at 866/377-1904 or [email protected].
Horizon Forest Products (Raleigh, N.C.) and Long Floor (Richmond, Va.) have relocated their Chesapeake, Va., branch to a new 33,500-square-foot building in Norfolk, Va. The facility is located at 3745 Progress Road and will allow the branch to expand in the coming months. The phone (757/420-8755) and fax (757-420-8759) numbers for that branch are unchanged.
People News
Rudd Company Inc. (Seattle) has hired Bernard Faye to represent its Glitsa brand of wood floor finishes, as well as other Rudd brand lines, in California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Faye has more than 30 years of contracting, distribution and sports floor experience and can be reached at 916/792-1560 or [email protected].
Aacer Flooring LLC (Peshtigo, Wis.) has added Steven Gutsch as an independent representative for all residential product sales in its western region. Gutsch brings with him 10 years of experience in hardwood sales.
By the Numbers
Job Watch
A manufacturer and distributor of hardwood flooring and accessories is seeking a commercial sales associate. Job responsibilities include interacting with architects and designers as well as providing product specifications for commercial projects. Job requirements include previous experience in providing hardwood flooring to the commercial industry, strong interpersonal skills and commercial construction experience. Candidates will not be required to relocate, and compensation is based on experience and results. Résumés can be sent to [email protected].
NWFA Member Services
The NWFA offers a series of videos that provide step-by-step instructions on a variety of wood flooring issues. Videos are available in VHS, PAL, CD and DVD formats. Topics include: Board Replacement, Installation - Solid Wood Floors & Engineered Wood Floors, Installing Prefinished Wood Flooring, Laying Hardwood Floors, Repair a Finish, Sanding and Finishing Hardwood Floors, Sanding & Finishing - Solid Wood floors, How to Make More Money on Every Job, and Pride & Professionalism. Here's a clip from Sanding & Finishing Solid Wood Floors. For more information, call 800/422-4556 (U.S. and Canada) or 636/519-9663 (local and international), e-mail [email protected], or visit www.nwfa.org.