Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

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Jessica began installing, sanding, and finishing hardwood flooring in 2013. In her previous job at a local lumber mill, she worked on grading and defecting hardwood floors. Since joining CustomHardwood Floors by Jeffries, she has become a Bona Certified Craftsman and plans to attend several more training classes. 28. Jessica Peterson Installer/Sander/Finisher Custom Hardwood Floors by Jeffries MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

30. Simon Sandoval Co-Founder Maverick Simon started working at his father’s wood flooring company as a child and has continued into adulthood. As the company began slowing down, Simon worked with another company in Omaha. A coworker approached Simon about starting a new company. Despite having a pregnant wife, Simon took a leap of faith. (Shortly after that, he learned they were expecting twins.) In addition to sanding and finishing, Simon trains new employees about correct techniques through NWFA guidelines to ensure the industry’s and his company’s expected level of craftsmanship. He contributed to the development of the company’s new DOL/NWFA-approved apprenticeship program, regularly attends NWFA conventions, and takes courses through the NWFAU to keep current on the latest techniques as equipment and products evolve. Despite the long hours, stress, and uncertainty, Maverick Hardwood Floors has grown and Simon has adapted to fill the roles needed while balancing his family duties as a husband and father of five. Hardwood Floors OMAHA, NEBRASKA

In recent years, Jessica has taken on the role of teacher for new employees at Custom Hardwood Floors by Jeffries. She enjoys attending conventions to learn more about advancements in wood flooring, and sharing that knowledge with others at her company. Jessica is also very interested in promoting the trades in schools, especially for women who may not have considered this career. Jessica has two sons: Ethan is a freshman at Central Michigan University having completed his basic training for the National Guard, and Chandler is a junior in high school who hopes to pursue a football career.

29. Jason Price Owner Solid Hardwood Flooring CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Jason started working with hardwood floors in 2006 after Andrew Jackson of Bluford Jackson Hardwood Floors offered to hire him and teach him the trade. Andy, a third-generation wood flooring craftsman, taught Jason everything he knew, and in 2013, Jason started Solid Hardwood Flooring.

With support from his local contractor friends, Jason’s business grew quickly. In May 2019, Jason won the Lägler Fly and Sand trip to Germany. For Jason, it was “an amazing experience,” which convinced him he was in the right industry. He takes a lot of pride in his work and wants all of his clients to see that. Jason lives on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina, and is committed to keeping the planet clean. He recycles and encourages everyone he meets to pick up one piece of trash a day. He attends local beach clean-ups at Folly Beach with his local surfer community.

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