Frank Kroupa has retired from his position as director of technical training for the National Wood Flooring Association. His involvement with NWFA dates back to 1997, when he began volunteering as an NWFA technical school instructor. He became a fixture at NWFA Advanced Schools and traveled with the NWFA team that taught wood floor classes in Australia. In 2005 he was hired as an NWFA technical advisor, and in early 2011 he was named to his current position.
Kroupa has been in the wood flooring industry for close to 30 years, having worked in all aspects of installation, sanding and finishing, as well as sales. He has served on many NWFA committees and was chair of both the Technical Education and Technical Manual committees. He is NWFACP-certified in Installation and Sand & Finish, and also holds NWFA Craftsman, Master Craftsman, Vanguard and Advanced Master Craftsman degrees. Prior to his involvement in the wood flooring industry he was a middle school reading and math teacher; he attended Central Michigan University to earn his undergraduate degree and attended graduate school at Boise State University.
Jay Daniel Moore, now an NWFA Regional Instructor, first met Kroupa at an Expert School five year ago, and says he still remembers and follows Kroupa's instructions like gospel. "Frank is a pillar in the industry who has made an impression untold number of students and fellow instructors alike," Moore said, adding that he had a practical yet thought-provoking teaching style. "He recognized and accepted alternative methods, but still insisted that the old methods be understood."
"Frank's expertise and industry experience have made a lasting impact on many industry professionals," said NWFA CEO Michael Martin.
Kroupa had this to say to the industry upon his retirement: "Thank you, NWFA, for your commitment to education, for giving me the opportunity to teach since 1996, and for paying me for what I love to do since 2005; thank you to all the instructors who drive the NWFA schools to continued excellence; and thank you, students, not just for your time and money invested, but for your passion and commitment to improving our industry."
Kroupa is available for new opportunities in the industry; he can be contacted here.
Additional photos of Kroupa follow:
