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FEATURES

ON THE COVER

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40 Under 40 By Stacy Brown

Meet the 2018 “40 Under 40,” a group of young wood flooring professionals who are shaping the future of our industry.

60

Flammable Vapor Sensors By Anita Howard Stay out of hot water when applying finishes around flammable vapor sensors.

Wood Floor Finish Performance Discrepancies By Brett Miller Explore common challenges installers can experience with finishes. 70

PUBLISHING PARTNERS

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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CONTENTS

Industry Insights

Chris Zizza | Chairman Michael Martin | CEO Anita Howard | COO Bree Urech-Boyle | CFO Brett Miller | VP, Education & Certification NWFA LEADERSHIP

18 Government Affairs Impact of the 2018 election on our industry.

By Dana Lee Cole

20 Designer Insights Design your life.

By Emily Morrow Finkell

Business Best Practices

PUBLICATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Julie Russell, Chair & Board Liaison | Glitsa, a division of Rudd Company

24 Finance Invest at any age.

By Jonathan Benner

Jason Elquest | Blackhawk Floors Inc. Allie Finkell | American OEM Wood Floors Lenny Hall | Endurance Floor Company Inc. Kevin Mullany | Benchmark Wood Floors Inc. Jim Schumacher | 3M Mike Sundell

28 Sales Savvy The best offense is a good defense.

By Paul Reilly

30 Technology Data is not scary.

By Jodi O’Toole

32 Legal Taking corrective action on a harassment complaint.

PUBLICATION TEAM

By Norma Zeitler

Stacy Brown | Publisher/Editor | stacy.brown@nwfa.org Brett Miller | Technical Editor | brett.miller@nwfa.org Laura Boyle | Creative Director | laura.boyle@nwfa.org Megan Lhamon | Industry News Editor | megan.lhamon@nwfa.org Katie Schenk | Media Production | katie.schenk@nwfa.org Jodi O’Toole | Web Development | jodi.otoole@nwfa.org

35 Tax Update

By Mary Jane Pieroni

What you need to know about Wayfair. 37 Marketing Eight common questions about influencer marketing. At the Site 42 Sponsored Content What it takes to tackle dirt and dust.

& Stephen Lenivy

By Katrina Olson

111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd. Chesterfield, Missouri 63005 P : 800.422.4556 Local : 636.519.9663 F: 636.519.9664 E: news@hardwoodfloorsmag.com W: hardwoodfloorsmag.com

By Swiffer

62 Moisture Content Expansion of rift white oak flooring with By Dan Cassens increase in moisture content. & Brett Miller 66 Tool Time Get the most out of your moisture meter. 74 Tech Talk Best practices in matching new flooring By NWFA Regional to existing flooring. Instructors 76 Sponsored Content Sculpting the geometry of abrasive grain. By 3M 78 Health & Safety Focus Stay sharp, stay safe. By Todd McDonald 80 WFOY Winner Spotlight Best Color & Finish: Treadline Construction. By Stacy Brown

By Grete Heimerdinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Benner Dan Cassens Dana Lee Cole Michael Dittmer Jason Elquest Emily Morrow Finkell Lenny Hall Grete Heimerdinger Anita Howard Stephen Lenivy Megan Lhamon Michael Martin Todd McDonald Brett Miller Kjell Nymark Katrina Olson

Jodi O'Toole Stephanie Owen Mary Jane Pieroni Paul Reilly Norma Zeitler Chris Zizza

ADVERTISING SALES

Product Focus 92 Floor Manufacturing Equip. & Supplies 96 Tools/Supplies/Nailers/Fasteners 100 Maintenance Products & Recoat Systems 108 TISE Exhibitor Showcase

Libby White Johnston Media & Advertising Sales libby.johnston@nwfa.org | 337.794.9232

Hardwood Floors (Print: ISSN 0897-022X and Online: ISSN 2475-5125) is published on a bi-monthly basis, plus the Annual Industry Guide, by the National Wood Flooring Association and distributed as a membership benefit to its member companies and without charge upon request to qualified individuals throughout the wood flooring industry. Single copy price is $8, annual Industry Guide is $50. Subscriptions: $40/ year (includes 6 issues and Industry Guide) in the U.S. and Canada. Publication office: 111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Phone: 800.422.4556. Printing office: Walsworth, 306 N. Kansas Ave., Marceline, MO 64658. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals Postage is paid at Chesterfield, MO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hardwood Floors, P.O. Box 9147, Lowell, MA 01853. Copyright © 2018 by the National Wood Flooring Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Also in this Issue

6 Chairman’s Cut 8 Wood Stock 82 NWFA Resources 114 New Products 115 Ad Index

116 Final Coat: CEO’s Message

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CHAIRMAN’S CUT

By Chris Zizza Chairman, NWFA

The Value of a Good Network

believe strongly. I always strive to be outgoing and positive, and work to create healthy relationships built on trust, and above all, professionalism. One of the most significant advantages of belonging to the NWFA is the connections made with those in our industry. There have been many times when I was able to call a manufacturer or distributor I’d met through the NWFA and solve a problem, find a new tool or product, or find a better way of doing things. A couple of years ago, I even took up an offer by one of my distributors to meet a manufacturer to make our business together better for all three of us. The NWFA provides these various avenues for networking with your peers. I suggest you keep your eyes open for those opportunities.

Every year I attend, I am able to rekindle some lapsed relationships, strengthen existing friendships, and meet new acquaintances. I get the opportunity to speak with my peers about specific business and industry issues, and am always able to get back valuable information based on their expertise that I can utilize in improving my company. Another opportunity the NWFA offers, and one that I’m sure our 40 Under 40 use quite frequently, is the chance to engage with other professionals throughout the year on NWFA’s social media accounts. Use them to ask questions of your peers, share your successes, and let us know what we can do to serve you better.

In business, it’s often said that it’s not what you know, but who you know. And this issue of Hardwood Floors offers you a chance to get to know our 2018 40 Under 40 winners – how they got to where they are, advice for newcomers, and why their nominator chose them to receive this special recognition.

“Share ideas and collaborate with other industry professionals to help diversify your network. The benefits are endless.”

Inside you’ll find profiles of the winners of our second annual 40 Under 40 class. These are the young movers and shakers who have already made a name for themselves in our industry. They are also the ones to watch as their careers progress. NWFA’s 40 Under 40 is a group that includes innovators, visionaries, and leaders. The profiles will offer insight into each member’s impact, their involvement in the community, and their future aspirations. Getting to know others and building relationships is something in which I

As we head into 2019, I’m making a personal resolution to further enhance my relationships with NWFA members from across the channel, and I encourage you to do the same. Get involved in the community that NWFA has established. Have an open mind and learn from your peers. Share ideas and collaborate with other industry professionals to help diversify your network. The benefits are endless.

One of the most valuable ways to develop those kinds of relationships, the 2019 NWFAWood Flooring Expo, is just around the corner in Fort Worth. I personally invite you to be a part of the largest gathering of the wood flooring industry. More than 3,000 wood flooring professionals come together each year for the Expo to enhance their skills and connect with other professionals in the industry.

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Wood Stock

SUPREME TEAM The

By Megan Lhamon

Photos courtesy of Sprigg Lynn, James Toal, and Lenny Hall.

The team installed historically correct floors in a herringbone pattern, gluing the floor down to concrete.

ready to help on this job. “It was unique to be able to assemble a dream team and get everyone together to have fun and work their talent,” shares Lynn. “The most important benefit the NWFA has provided to my business over the years is the networking,” says Lynn. “The NWFA builds this amazing community of professionals and provides countless opportunities for us to learn from each other and grow our skill sets – whether it be through the NWFA Expo, through hands-on training events, or from getting together in settings such as this.” “We all know the saying, ‘The more you learn, the more you earn,’ and the education that these guys, and myself, have picked up over the years by attending NWFA training events is unparalleled,” shares Lynn. “Students leave the training events ready to get out there and practice what they’ve learned, but a lot of them don’t have the opportunities to do so, or they don’t

When building a career, it’s not so much about the job, but the people with whom you work and the opportunities you seize. This wood flooring professional, in particular, has always seized opportunities to learn and grow, to achieve better work and a higher-quality end-result. Sprigg Lynn, the owner of Universal Floors inWashington D.C., has done work in the Supreme Court and the Capitol building for many years. Recently, Lynn was hired to install floors in a series of judges’ chambers in the Supreme Court. NWFA NETWORK Thinking it would be cool to give others the opportunity to work in the Supreme Court, Lynn posted on social media that he was looking to build a team and was wondering who was interested. Within minutes, Lynn had several responses from wood flooring professionals throughout the country, excited and

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Not only was the location a draw for Hall, but he also wanted to be a part of the group of talented flooring individuals that would be there. “The network of high-quality people the NWFA provides, who are willing to go and do great work for others, it’s amazing,” adds Hall. “The NWFA fosters a community and gives us people to call on and learn from.” James Toal, the owner of Floors of Distinction in Guilford, Connecticut, added to that sharing, “Life is about relationships. Because of the NWFA and social media, many of us already knew each other. Working on this project has strengthened the friendships I had, but it also allowed me to build new friendships with a few of the guys I was meeting for the first time.” “It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Research will be done, discussions will be had, and decisions will be made that will affect my family and fellow Americans on these floors that I had a hand in creating,” says Toal. “How amazing is that?” FLOOR FOCUS Typically, Lynn installs historically reclaimed flooring into a roomwith existing hardwood flooring, and his team has to mimic what is already there. This job was different in that there was no hardwood in the chambers.

“We installed historically correct floors in a herringbone pattern, gluing the floor down to concrete,” shares Lynn. “Depending on which judge resided in each office, some of the chambers were made to be more ornate with detailed border work.” The wood used for the installation was rift and quartersawn white oak fromAllegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring. This material was chosen for its hardness and durability. “The borders used white oak and American walnut,” adds Lynn. “The entire floor was a full spread glue-down installation using an adhesive approved for solid floors.” The floor was sanded with 40 grit and 60 grit on the belt sander, then with 80 grit and 100 grit using the planetary sander, and finished with 120 grit on the multi- head sander. “We used a clear water-based primer and a semi-gloss water-based finish,” says Lynn. END GRAIN “At the end of the day, it wasn’t so much about the floor as it was about the job,” adds Lynn. “It was truly unique to see this team of dedicated hardwood flooring professionals come together to work with each other. It was a dream come true.” J

necessarily have the confidence to go at it alone.” Lynn’s intention was to build upon the network and education the NWFA provides, and to create an opportunity for professionals to learn together while they work on more elaborate jobs. “It’s my hope that others will catch on to this and do the same thing,” adds Lynn. This job had wood flooring professionals from all ends of the supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to installers and finishers. “We had a team of 16 people, including NWFAmembers Lynn Johnson (DuraSeal), Lenny Hall (Endurance Floor Company Inc.), Toby Merrill (DuraSeal), Stephan Paullehn (Universal Floors), and James Toal (Floors of Distinction), who flew in from all over the country to make this thing happen,” says Lynn. LIVING THE DREAM Lenny Hall, the owner of Endurance Floor Company in Miami was honored to be included. “When I saw Sprigg’s post on Facebook, I thought to myself, ‘Well I’ll never be able to work in a historical building like that; how can I make this work with my schedule,’" shares Hall. “When I explained to my clients why I had to push back their jobs, they congratulated me and were excited I was following my passion. It was cool.”

The floor was sanded with 40 grit and 60 grit on the belt sander, then with 80 grit and 100 grit using the planetary sander, and finished with 120 grit on the multi-head sander.

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NEW CONSTRUCTION CALLS FOR NEW TECHNIQUES

By Megan Lhamon

“The most challenging part of this install was that the walnut feature strips terminate into the base rather than a border, which would have been held out from the wall,” adds Hansman. “Because a track saw will only cut so close to the walls, the remaining section of each feature strip had to be hand-cut using a multi-tool,” says Hansman. “This was especially difficult in the closet and under the desk where the track saw wouldn’t fit at all.” The floor was sanded using 50, 80, 100, then 120 grit paper on the PowerDrive, then sealed with Bona IntenseSeal and finished off with two coats of Bona Mega. “We received a lot of positive feedback from the finish carpenters and touch- up crews that came through the house after the floor was completed,” adds Hansman. “They were not used to seeing floors this elaborate.” “This job gave me a new appreciation for the amount of education, training, planning, work, and confidence that it takes to complete a specialty floor like this successfully,” says Hansman, who has participated in several NWFA schools and the Bona expert school. “It was very rewarding to bring the homeowner’s vision to life and receive such positive feedback from the homeowner and the others who worked in the home.” J

Josh Hansman, the lead installer with Cincinnati Floor andWindow Coverings, has been in the flooring industry for 16 years. His passion for woodworking combined with his career in construction has led him to love installing floors every day. “The best thing about this career choice is that it is always something different,” says Hansman. “We move around constantly to different neighborhoods and unique jobs, each presenting their own challenges.” This job was no exception. When planning this new construction, the homeowner showed the builder a photo of their dream floors, saying, “I want this.” When the builder suggested installing the pattern in the foyer, the homeowner requested that it be the same pattern throughout the main living spaces in the home. So that’s what the team did, for the entire 1,000 square feet. Using 4" white oak and 4" walnut, Hansman and his team, including Eugene Mofford and Ben Powers, did a full glue-down and nail-down installation. A track saw was used to cut out the areas for the walnut feature strips, which were routed on both sides. Slip tongue was added to one side, the bottom of the groove was removed and installed tongue into the groove, and finally, the slip tongue side glued to the top side of the groove.

All photos courtesy of Josh Hansman.

Using 4" white oak and 4" walnut, Hansman and his team did a full glue-down and nail-down installation.

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Wood Stock

• Horizon Forest Products relocated its Charlotte, North Carolina Branch fromOlympic Street to its new home at 10901 S. Commerce Boulevard, Suite C. • WOCA USA announced the addition of two new distributors: Panel Town and Floors in Columbus, Ohio, and Summit Flooring and Supply in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. • Derr Flooring Company presented its annual scholastic excellence award to Alyssa Mahaffey and Kevin Touchette. • Heritage Forest Products Inc. will distribute Pallmann’s Hardwood Complete range of wood flooring products. • Galleher LLC has hired Kyle Sherman as its Los Angeles-area Division Manager. DISTRIBUTOR DOINGS

The architect’s goal was to bring the character of the old building into a modern environment with a fresh interpretation.

Hamberger Flooring GmbH&Co. KG, in Rosenheim, Bavaria, started as a small family business in 1866 and has since become a leading parquet manufacturer in Germany, with its brand HARO. After more than 150 years in business, they still are managed and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Hamberger family. Recently, Hamberger supplied flooring for a new office building nearby. This wasn’t your average office building though – before being converted into an office space, the building served for 400 years as a stable for Hirt, a private brewery that started in 1270. Hirt is the second oldest private brewery in Austria and prides itself on its regional focus, quality, tradition, and natural rawmaterials. When the former stable building was converted into an office, the architects wanted to choose materials that stood for those same values. Skape Architects, an interior design office in Sankt Veit, Austria, carefully dictated the renovation and redesign Brewed, Bottled, & Converted to an Office by Megan Lhamon

of the stable into an office. To keep the historic feel, the old wood from the stable was reused for most of the fittings as were the old roof beams. “The old roof beams were preserved and integrated into the architecture so that when you enter the building, you can look up to the wooden structure of the roof,” shares Bernd Ruess, Press and Communication Manager at Hamberger Flooring. The architect’s goal was to bring the character of the old building into a modern environment with a fresh interpretation. HARO parquet floors were chosen to help complement this sustainable approach. Its commitment to products manufactured in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, and its innovative strength, were just two of the reasons HAROwas the chosen material. “The HARO Plank 1-Strip Oak Alabama brushed style sets new tones in terms of rusticality and radiates warmth and naturalness,” shares Stefan Kogler, an architect of the project. “The retro brushing with its lively look and sense of touch makes the generously appointed corridor areas, in particular, a real eye catcher.” Thanks to the harmonious overall concept, Skape Architects won an “Office of the Year” award for their conversion of the farm building into a modern office, one in which Hamberger was proud to play a part. J

All photos courtesy of Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co. KG.

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• The NWFA announced applications may now be uploaded through NWFA University for the Craftsman and Master Craftsman certifications. • The cost of many products used in construction climbed 7.4 percent over the past year due to double- digit increases in commonly used construction materials, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new Labor Department data. CONTRACTOR CORNER • Floor & Decor will create 500 jobs over five years in the expansion and relocation of its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. New jobs will include administrative and customer service positions. RETAILER ROUNDUP

The exhibit covers every aspect from the forest to the floor.

By Megan Lhamon

Train Challenge, Sawmill Science, and Tree Transport. In conjunction with the six core pieces, the exhibit used many interactive elements, such as decision dials about when to cut or not cut down trees, a stocked truck of products that come from trees and tree byproducts for you to load into crates, and even a toddler-approved sawmill section. These unique elements worked together to teach children about the forest and the many products we use every day that come from trees. Who am I kidding? Even though the exhibit is designed for children ages 8 and younger, it taught me a lot about the how trees provide so many things we use in our daily lives. One piece that stood out to me was the different “Career Profile”

In September, a traveling exhibit, Forever Forest , took root at The Magic House, located in St. Louis, Missouri. The exhibit teaches visitors all about trees and how people use the forest to live, work, and play in harmony. Because this exhibit is practically in the backyard of the National Wood Flooring Association, I took a trip to The Magic House to see the excitement for myself, and I’m glad I did. Frommaintaining forests and harvesting trees, to putting wood floors in your home and using products that come from trees, the exhibit truly covers every aspect from the forest to the floor. The traveling exhibit includes six core pieces: a Tree Top Climber, Harvest Time, Wood Works,

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Stock highlights that could be found at each station throughout the exhibit. Growing up, many children are told college is the only path to a fulfilling and lucrative career. While college is an excellent option for many, it’s not for everyone. This exhibit did a great job exploring different career opportunities within the lumber industry and showing children how they can make a career working with their hands instead of behind a desk. Some of the careers depicted included working in the forest, harvesting lumber, manufacturing the materials into various products, and even installing wood flooring. I was very impressed with the Forever Forest exhibit and all of the pieces that worked together to help teach visitors about all of the amazing ways our forests contribute to our everyday lives. As a parent, I was thankful for the new knowledge my kids and I were able to gain from our time there.

MANUFACTURER MEANDERINGS

• American Sanders announced the appointment of Mark Dittmer as Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest States. • Bona US has moved into a 74,209 sq. foot, single-story building that will serve as its North American headquarters located in Englewood, Colorado. • ProTeam® announced the addition of Armando Aranibar as Eastern Sales Manager, Service Provider Segment. • Robinson Lumber Company appointed Kelly Hostetter as Chief Operating Officer. • The NOX Corporation and American OEM have announced the establishment of an “Innovation Collaboration” between the two companies. • Armstrong Flooring Inc. announced a price increase to offset the imposed 10 percent tariff on affected products it imports fromChina – including luxury vinyl tile (LVT), rigid core flooring, and engineered wood flooring. • Mullican Flooring will provide flooring for an upcoming episode of Treehouse Masters , a television series on Animal Planet. • Stauf USA will begin offering technical training, sales programs, and seminars. • Swiff-Train Company announced that Rob Baker accepted a position as its Chief Financial Officer.

Created by the Omaha Children’s Museum in collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad and The National Hardwood Forest Foundation, Forever Forest is locally sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors with a presenting sponsorship by Union Pacific and a supporting sponsorship by North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA). The exhibit will be at The Magic House in St. Louis through January 7. X More information about this exhibit and where it will travel next can be found online at https://bit.ly/2RBdEsw.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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Wood Stock

caption

All photos courtesy of Filip Redant.

Creating Art Abroad by Megan Lhamon

of the floor,” shares Redant. “We used Bostik Eco Plus to glue the chevron down to the subfloor. We sawed the chevron just at the line of the border and placed the assembled strips and the border planks at the right place.” After the installation was completed, the floor was sanded and finished with Bona Craft Oil, Pure. As with any job, this one had its nuances. “There were many different tradesmen working in the home at the same time, which made it hectic,” adds Redant. “Thanks to the good collaboration and the good spirits of all involved, it was a very enjoyable job. Our three weeks in London felt a bit like a holiday.” “The client and architect were both very happy with the result,” says Redant. “The client even offered us some excellent bottles of wine from his collection and invited us back to visit during our next stay in London.” J

architect to learn what their dreams were for the floor. “The customer was in love with American walnut,” shares Redant. “Knowing this, I came up with the layout and design for the floor, of course consulting with the customer and architect.” Because of the distance overseas, Redant and his crew weren’t able to survey the home beforehand, which is what they usually do. “Not being able to check out the subfloor or the jobsite before arriving for the installation created a challenge,” adds Redant. “The subfloor didn’t reach the right level, which then had to be adjusted at the last minute.” The 18 mm (23/32") plywood subfloor was sanded flat, and the solid 9 mm (3/8") American walnut was glued down and supported with nails in a chevron pattern. The border was constructed using two 1 cm strips of wenge with a 3 cm strip of American walnut in between. “The three strips were glued together and shaved to the thickness of 9 mm to match the rest

Filip Redant, celebrating 30 years of ownership and business with Atelier Passe Partout in Mechelen, Belgium, is known for his top-quality work in wood flooring. His career originally began with the restoration of musical instruments. Redant then ventured into restoring furniture, next into restoring parquet floors, and eventually landed at installing solid parquet.

One aspect of this job that proves Redant’s work is top-notch – his customer was in London and still hired him for the job. “For us, this is abroad,” says Redant. “Also, the legislation, regulation, and language are different from that of our own country.” Upon being hired for the job, Redant spoke with his customer and consulted with the

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

BigStockPhoto ©

Election 2018 – Mixed Results for Democrats and Republicans

& Infrastructure Committee. Both Mr. Peterson and Mr. DeFazio are supportive of many Hardwood Federation priority issues, and we will continue to work closely with them and their staff to ensure continued cooperation. Some other chairmen do not have a strong record of supporting Hardwood Federation issues, including those that will be calling the shots at the Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, andWays and Means. We will need to double down on our efforts to educate and persuade these members, particularly in the areas of biomass energy and combustion, federal forest management reform, and reform of the Endangered Species Act. In the Senate, committee leadership will largely remain the same with the exception of the Senate Finance and Senate Foreign Relations Committees. Both chairmen – Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Bob Corker (R-TN) are retiring. At press time, the final decisions on who will fill these seats had not

While the dust has not quite settled on the 2018 midterm election, the early top line narrative for both political parties is that the night was a mixed bag. Democrats claimed control of the House of Representatives, an outcome that many political operatives had expected, but obviously wasn't a given in this year’s supercharged political environment, and the spotty record over the last few cycles of electoral polling. In the Senate, the upper chamber remains under Republican control. So what does all of this mean?The biggest impact by far will be in the House, where all of the committee chairmanships will be assumed by Democrats at the beginning of the 116th Congress in 2019. In several cases, the new leaders are members we know well and have worked with in the past, including Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) who will chair the House Agriculture Committee and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) who will lead the House Transportation

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By Dana Lee Cole

The 2019 legislative calendar is tough to predict. With a split House and Senate, many are predicting a return to the gridlock that has gripped D.C. in the past.

sector brings to communities around the country and the economy as a whole. While we may have lost some key allies in our efforts on behalf of the industry, there are many talented people on both sides of the aisle that we are looking forward to working with as part of the 116th Congress. Dana Lee Cole is Executive Director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington D.C.- based hardwood industry trade association that represents thousands of hardwood businesses in every state in the U.S. and acts as the industry’s advocacy voice on Capitol Hill. She can be reached at dana.cole@ hardwoodfederation.com.

There are also predictions that a number of administration officials will depart at the end of 2018 or early 2019...this could keep the Senate busy with confirmation hearings, particularly early in the year. And both the House and the Senate could consider action to address international trade. Your Hardwood Federation team is gearing up for 2019. We will be reaching out to all of these of newmembers to make sure that they know the value our

been made, but there will certainly be new leadership in place on these key committees, and others could be moved around as well. The 2019 legislative calendar is tough to predict. With a split House and Senate, many are predicting a return to the gridlock that has gripped D.C. in the past. However, optimists are looking for transportation and infrastructure to be one possible area that can be worked on in a bi-partisan manner.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS DESIGNER INSIGHTS

By Emily Morrow Finkell

All photos courtesy of Emily Morrow Finkell.

While considering what to write for the “40 Under 40” issue of Hardwood Floors , I was reminded of some vital life lessons, ones that we all can learn at any age, and at any level of success. Typically, my articles focus on topics such as color, consumers, or design trends with titles like How to Use the Mega Trends or How to Design Your Interiors . This time, there’s a different insight I’d like to share, How to Design Your Life . DESIGN YOUR LIFE

experience has taught me that each path you take always helps to build and prepare you for the next one. We all experience moments in our lives, either following graduation or a geographical move, when we accept a job where we don't feel we are fully utilizing our skills, passions, or abilities, or the culture is not a good fit. Look inward and think about your journey. Mine, for instance, began with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a concentration in textiles. After I graduated in December 1989, job openings for college graduates were down 13.3 percent, and the job market had become one of the most competitive times since the early 1980s. Lucky me, right? It’s true that necessity is the mother of invention, and so I took a job with a womenswear company in West Georgia, where I did everything from emptying the trash cans, to

In my hometown of Dalton, Georgia, I am surrounded by some amazing success stories of industry icons. Known as the "Floor Covering Capital of the World," Dalton is famous for entrepreneurial, hardworking, forward- thinking individuals. It's also one of the most productive manufacturing areas in the U.S.; our hometown values emphasize "going to work and rolling up our sleeves," according to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. There is an energy and a sense of community pride. Dalton is not unique in the number of individuals who are in their encore careers, but it is special because it’s the heart of the floor covering industry and our enterprises. Howmany of you have wondered if your career path was the best direction? Or was your decision made out of necessity due to your circumstances? Regardless of your answer, my

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Design Your Life (Continued)

the fourth chapter in my journey. It was in this chapter that I could finally look back and appreciate each of the previous steps. Every step allowed me opportunities for exposure to new things, professional and personal growth, as well as platforms fromwhich to fine-tune my strengths and passions. After 13 years working at Shaw, I found myself at a very happy crossroads with some hard decisions to make. I ultimately decided to wrap things up with a neat bow and say my farewells to my Shaw family, with a wink that I might want to return someday, and retired early. No one told me howmuch our identities and self-esteem are wrapped up in our profession. I didn't expect to find myself longing for work, but after a fewmonths off, I created a grand plan to make my personal life and my professional life come together in a way that dovetailed all of my strengths and passions with my husband's. I formed a corporation, EF Floors &Design in September 2015, which quickly evolved into a brand, and thus Emily MorrowHome was born, aka my fifth chapter. I have loved every step of this chapter, even the hard ones. There have certainly been unseen challenges that have come along, but they're also some of the most significant opportunities I've had to learn and grow. The best part is that I've found myself looking around seeing others who are in the fifth, sixth, or even 10th chapters, later- in-life career changes or altogether new pathways. Some close friends have gone from respiratory therapists or accountants to interior design. Others have gone from stay-at-home moms to heading up large foundations and executives in corporations. You may have been noticing articles and news stories on “encore or second act careers;" they're fascinating. AARP is one of my new favorite magazines (don't knock it till you try it). Two of the best headlines they've featured are 70 Is the New 65 and New Rules of Retirement. They are worth pausing to read.

answering the phones, to assisting at sales meetings, to helping choose fabrics, patterns, and accessories for the collection. The owners, a husband and wife team, were the second generation of a menswear manufacturing business, and they gave me an opportunity at a time when I needed it most. I was and will always be grateful for that year because those experiences enriched my resume and expanded my skill set, even though that job had nothing to do with interior design. Next, I took another opportunity with a retail furniture company that was expanding to Carrollton, Georgia, from their base in Rome, Georgia. They needed a professional interior designer on staff to organize their resource room of fabrics and finishes, to put together vignettes for their store, and to sell well- designed rooms to their customers who expected a white-glove experience. The store owners, another second generation family business, were well-versed in how to treat their customers with the highest level of attention. I have adopted this white-glove service mindset as part of my work ethic and infused it into my daily approach. In year three, I was finally able to start my own interior design business, doing both commercial and residential projects. It was hard work, and I did it while being a mother to two young children. Life has a way of throwing us curves, and I found my children and myself back in my hometown of Dalton, Georgia, as a single mother with a heavy responsibility. After a few design projects were completed, I realized I needed something much more reliable. So I transitioned from an interior design business to the corporate world for the much- needed stability and benefits. Enter Shaw and PatCraft. From the entry-level Associate Colorist to Senior Stylist, and eventually Director of Color Style &Design for Carpet and Hard Surface, I consider this

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"Take some time to think of all those who walked before you to open a door, or worked shoulder to shoulder with you to teach and train you so that your journey was better."

connected as you are as a way of paying it forward to those who have helped you. We all have so much to learn from one another; the 20 somethings can teach the 50 or 60 somethings a thing or two and vice versa. I once had a handful of direct reports who were twice my age and possessed 10 times more experience than I did and yet each one of themwas incredibly gracious and shared their knowledge when and where it was appropriate. Take some time to think of all those who walked before you to open a door, or worked shoulder to shoulder with you to teach and train you so that your journey was better. We should not only give them some credit, but we should also give ourselves some credit for having open minds, eyes, and ears to their wise counsel and example. Emily Morrow Finkell is an interior designer and CEO of EF Floors & Design LLC in Dalton, Georgia, a provider of hardwood ÁRRUV DQG KRPH IXUQLVKLQJV DQG 1:)$ GHVLJQ FRQWULEXWRU 6KH FDQ be reached at emily@emilymorrowhome.com.

One that I've had on my desk for a week is titled Really Ready to Retire? by Jeri Sadler and Rick Miners, co-authors of Don't Retire, Rewire! They compiled a list of seven things to consider before retiring, and these same questions apply to all of us at any age. Some of them include: • What ambitions are you waiting to fulfill? • What will make you rise each day as excited as you were at the high points of your career? • To what extent will you be in service to other family members once you retire? So many young and "less young" professionals change careers and ask themselves if they're making the right decision. The good news is that we have generations of mentors surrounding us that we can look to for examples of how, in retrospect, each step is critical in building a career. Obviously, for those highlighted in this issue of the magazine, you're doing quite well and are to be commended for taking the initiative and learning all you can in your current chapter. If you are on the "Fabulous 40" list, you might consider taking on a mentoring role with someone less experienced or not as

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

23

BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES FINANCE

By Jonathan Benner

INVEST AT ANY AGE BigStockPhoto ©

basics that are the foundation for anyone hoping to be financially successful. Let’s start with the fundamentals. PAY YOURSELF FIRST Too often we find people saving whatever is left over. That strategy simply does not work. Instead, you must pay yourself before your paycheck gets eaten up by expenses or you’re tempted to spend it. We recommend building up to saving as close to 20 percent of your gross income as possible. AUTOMATE Generally, the largest liquid asset people have is their work-sponsored retirement plan (e.g., 401(k), 403(b), 457). The reason for this is that systematic savings come right out of their paycheck. If you’re not taking advantage of an employer-sponsored plan, it’s probably a good idea to start. If you’re already taking advantage of such a plan or these types

of plans aren’t available to you, you can still set up automated savings using your online banking resources to set up auto deposit from your checking account into your savings, individual retirement account, or any number of accounts. MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS Take advantage of company-sponsored health insurance, life insurance, matching retirement savings plans, and transportation reimbursement. Not only are these types of benefits usually very cost effective, but they can sometimes also help reduce your taxable income. The less you have to pay for these items, the more money you have to save for

Chances are if you are reading this article, you fall into one of three categories. You are either one of the 40 under 40 featured in the magazine, you’re aspiring to be one of these up and coming chosen 40, or you remember when you were under 40 and wish you knew then what you know now. Whichever category you may fall into, I pose the question – are your financial goals keeping pace with your career accomplishments? So often we see driven individuals who have put their heads down and worked their tails off only to look back 30 years later and have less than what they expected to show for it. This article will address which financial services are worth paying for as well as some financial

your rainy-day fund. ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY FUND

Whether it be an unexpected bill or loss of employment, having a liquid reserve set aside to help get you through any

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Invest at Any Age (Continued)

of life’s many surprises is important. Households with two income earners should set aside at least three months of expenses while single income earners should have six months. Once you’re on your way to covering these items, you may be in a position that requires more personalized advice. But it’s not always easy figuring out which professional services are worth paying for and which aren’t. In my opinion, here’s what you should pay for: PLANNING & TAX ADVICE No one likes paying taxes. Finding ways to be more tax efficient can save you more money than any normal investment rate of return can usually make you. The higher your tax bracket, the more substantial the savings. For example, if you’re in the 25 percent top marginal federal tax rate and 6 percent state tax rate, every $10K you can shelter from taxes essentially equates to a 30 percent savings resulting in $3K staying in your pocket. Research shows that tax strategies can add 30 to 40 basis points to after-tax investment performance. You need a qualified and coordinated team around you to help you maximize the best tax strategies. ESTATE PLANNING ADVICE A trusted estate planning attorney can help you set up an estate plan that ensures your wishes are carried out upon your passing, help you save money in taxes both in life and at death, and minimize family discontent down the line. FINANCIAL PLANNING Financial planners don’t just advise on your investments. They help you understand everything that does or could impact your financial life. Their job is to coordinate all of the other advisors in your life (attorneys, accountants, etc.) to get you to your goals in the most efficient way possible. Financial

BigStockPhoto ©

planners wear many hats and create customized plans that cover much more than just investments. ASSET ALLOCATION Research suggests that roughly 90 percent of a portfolio’s return and volatility can be traced back to how closely it adheres to the investment objective. So, making sure your portfolio’s asset allocation is in line with your tolerance. The real value here isn’t derived from paying someone to slap together a portfolio of mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Instead, value is created through finding someone who understands you and your goals and who will grow with you as those needs change. SUITABLE ADVISORS When it comes to financial advisors, not everyone is held to the same standards. It’s hard to tell who is trying to help you versus who is trying to sell you unless you know what to look for. Advisors who are held to a suitability standard just have to sell you things that are suitable for you or, said another way, sell products that are good enough. Advisors who operate as fiduciaries for their clients have to do what’s in their clients’ best interest at all times. The difference between the two is huge, and we recommend you ask your financial advisor to which standard they adhere. What to watch out for:

STOCK PICKERS The likelihood of a one-man shop consistently beating the market is unlikely and, often, these types of speculative relationships can lead to an investor chasing unrealistic returns and taking on more risk than they could be comfortable with. If an advisor’s only value-add is “they can beat the market,” run away. They’re probably lying. When it comes to being rewarded for hard work, people tend to focus solely on how much money they’re making or what rate of return their investments kick out. Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Long-term financial success depends on so much more. Most importantly is the value being created by the plan you have in place and the professionals around you. Are you on track to meet not just your career goals, but your financial goals as well? We encourage you to pause and evaluate. If you’re not on track or you’re not sure, use this article to begin changing your trajectory. -RQDWKDQ %HQQHU LV D &HUWLÀHG )LQDQFLDO Planner™ with LPL Financial in &KHVWHUÀHOG 0LVVRXUL He can be reached at jonathan.benner@lpl.com.

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