Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

10. Michael Crompton General Manager BC Hardwood Floor Company Ltd. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Michael started working in hardwood flooring in high school with both his father and grandfather, eventually serving as sales manager, and later general manager. He grew the company by penetrating new sectors and forging partnerships with overseas manufacturers and local construction companies, which led to many high- visibility projects. An agent of change, Michael overhauled the company’s website to provide educational content, making it a resource for homeowners, designers, and builders. He launched a photography system to showcase the company’s work and introduced a new company-wide computer operating system. Michael frequently talks to high school students about careers in the trades and hosts educational sessions for college students in interior design. He has spoken on a panel for union apprentices at a leadership conference in Las Vegas. Under Michael’s leadership, BC Hardwood Floor Company also donates its products and services to the local community center, carpentry schools, and industry design shows.

11. Seamus Curran Project Manager J.J. Curran and Son Inc. ALBANY, NEW YORK Seamus is the fourth generation in his family to embrace hardwood flooring. While very young, he accompanied his parents to job sites and immediately gravitated to the maple floorboards and nailing hammers. For years, Seamus trained alongside union floor layers where he developed an appreciation for quality installation and craftsmanship. After graduating fromRensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2012 with a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, he returned to the family business and currently serves as estimator and project manager. Some noteworthy jobs include the Museum of Modern Art Expansion in Manhattan, Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum, Yale University’s Murray Residential College, and Queens College: Fitzgerald GymReplacement. Seamus enjoys researching the evolution of wood floor manufacturing, and means and methods of installations and finishes; he also repairs vintage equipment. Having grown up in the industry, he has become somewhat of a wood floor historian and often shares his extensive knowledge with colleagues.

12. Jose Dominguez Owner Unique Hardwood Floors DES MOINES, IOWA Jose began as a tile helper at 15 and was installing by 16. But Jose’s father saw potential in Jose’s ability to learn quickly and talk to customers. After a few years working together in hardwood flooring, Jose’s father established him as a subcontractor. Jose faced several obstacles due to his youth and lack of experience, but as people saw his work, his reputation grew. Today, most business for Jose and his young crew comes from referrals. And while he wins his fair share of jobs, Jose believes competitors should help each other, so he often offers advice to his competitors and their customers. Although he didn’t plan to pursue a career in hardwood flooring, Jose now has 18 years’ experience and feels wood “runs in his veins.” According to Jose, it also relieves stress and smells delicious.

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