Hardwood Floors February/March 2019

Wood

• C&R Flooring announced that President Chris Zizza was awarded the Community Spirit Award – Gold for his work withThe Make a Difference Project at the 2018 Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB) PRISMAwards. • Construction employment grew in 265 out of 358 metro areas, or 74 percent, between November 2017 and November 2018, declined in 45, and was unchanged in 48, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. • Seventy-nine percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2019, but an almost equal percentage are worried about their ability to locate and hire qualified workers, according to survey results released by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. The findings are detailed in Contractors Remain Confident About Demand, Worried About Labor Supply: The 2019 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report at agc.org. CONTRACTOR CORNER

Stephen and Matthew Young, owners of Young Brothers Hardwood in Denver, Colorado, started their business a little more than four years ago. Having been in the industry for four years before that, Stephen knew that starting a company was the best way to achieve his dreams, and Matthew jumped in. “We love owning our own company,” shares Stephen. “We get a lot more say in what we do. That was a big driving force in going solo. I wanted to do parquet and next-level installations.” While they were attending the Advanced Installation hands-on training at NWFA Headquarters in October, Stephen and I sat down to talk about education and a job they were doing where Stephen was able to fulfill his dreams of doing next-level installations. “As business owners, we knew it was necessary to go to hands-on training and earn our NWFA Certifications,” says Stephen. “I get goosebumps being here. I truly love what I do, and I’m so excited to learn unique techniques and skills.” The education has paid off for the Young brothers. “Although we charge more than the average installer, it by no means affects our business,” adds Stephen. “Our customers value our knowledge and trust that we will help them achieve the floor of their dreams.” This job was no exception. “The customer for this job was a builder we work for, but this was for his home,” shares Stephen. “He’s originally from Rhode Island, where parquet is more common, so when I suggested a few different patterns, he was on board.” THISPATTERNIS CHECKEDOFFTHELIST By Megan Lhamon

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