Hardwood Floors December 2025/January 2026

EMERGING LEADERS

By Reid Lambright

VISION

FROM

action to

NWFA Emerging Leaders

FROM VISION TO ACTION: OUR THREE PILLARS

The NWFA Emerging Leaders Council empowers young professionals in the wood flooring industry through leadership development, mentorship, and peer connections. As NWFA ambassadors, council members shape the industry’s future by actively participating in NWFA initiatives, building relationships, and sharing their story to inspire the next generation – ensuring continued growth and success. This mission works like a two-sided coin. On one side, NWFA invests in the next generation: mentorship from leaders, access to decision-makers, and opportunities that accelerate growth. On the other side, Emerging Leaders aren’t content to just receive – we want to have a meaningful impact. That is why our focus is simple: help grow and support NWFA membership. When more pros plug into NWFA training, guidelines, and certifications, installations improve, callbacks drop, and consumer trust rises. NWFA membership is a powerful lever for raising industry standards and strengthening the businesses that participate.

To turn that opportunity into progress, the Emerging Leaders Council is executing a clear, practical strategy built on three pillars. Each pillar is designed to make NWFA membership more accessible, more tangible, and more visible. PILLAR 1: BUILDING COMMUNITY

Relationships built at Expo should not begin and end there. We have launched LinkedIn and Facebook groups to connect young professionals and allies year-round. These are spaces to ask real questions, share what’s working, compare notes on challenges,

THE EMERGING LEADERS COUNCIL exists to serve the mission – growing and supporting NWFA membership – by building community, creating usable tools, and amplifying the message that lifts our whole industry. Vision matters. Action is what changes outcomes.

GET INVOLVED

Join the conversation. Find the Emerging Leaders groups on LinkedIn and Facebook and introduce yourself. Ask a question. Share a win. Offer advice. Use the tools. When you see frameworks and resources from Emerging Leaders, try them. Share them with your team. Give feedback so everyone can improve together.

Be an amplifier. When you see content that elevates the craft – guidelines, certifications, training – share it. Your voice extends the reach of the message. Lean into events. Show up, even if you do not know someone yet. Bring a humble and curious mindset. You’ll find a community that’s eager to welcome you.

Here is how to get started today:

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