Hardwood Floors August/September 2025

CHAIR’S CUT

Steve Brattin Chair, NWFA

Leadership Development Week

JOIN US FOR Installing, selling, or creating real wood flooring is just one part of running a successful business. Leadership, strategy, and business development are just as critical. That is exactly why the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) launched the Leadership Development Summit and Real Answers Small Business Workshop.

Last year’s inaugural Leadership Development Summit brought together NWFA members from across the industry. They walked away with real tools to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and drive sustainable growth in their

businesses. One of the highlights was the Real Answers Small Business Workshop, with a panel of contractors (myself included) who shared best practices on finance, marketing, operations, and social media. This year, we are doing it again – and we want you to be part of it. NWFA will host this event October 15-17, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to the Summit, a panel discussion with NWFA's Emerging Leaders and the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assembly will take place at the same time. Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and attend training sessions developed by the NWFA. They will share practical information you can put into use at your company regarding finances and marketing. There also will be “Mastermind Breakouts” where key industry leaders head up discussions on a variety of topics. Whether you are looking to improve your margins, leverage technology solutions, optimize efficiency, or make informed financial predictions, this event has it all.

Doug Howard of Growth Team Strategies is joining us again this year to help you turn ideas into action and give you the motivation to put them into practice. For a taste of how Doug’s insights can help your business, watch the NWFA’s new Competitive Edge series, which is now available through the NWFA University. A direct extension of last year’s Leadership Development Summit, these new courses are one of the many tools designed to help you sharpen your skills and lead your business to success. This event isn’t solely about classroom time, though. There will be receptions and plenty of chances to connect with your peers and engage more deeply with the NWFA. One of the most fun ways to do that is the second annual NERF Golf Tournament, which will be held on October 17 as part of the Leadership Summit. This optional event will be held at the beautiful Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, just steps from the new NWFA headquarters. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Flooring Futures Initiative, which is dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of wood flooring professionals.

Take a significant step toward advancing your career and thriving in the industry you love. To register for the Summit, visit nwfa.org or call 800.422.4556.

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