Hardwood Floors February/March 2024

FLOORING FOUNDATIONS

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE WOOD FLOORING INDUSTRY?

HEATHER BARBOUR, HULTMAN FLOORING:

“Building a foundation for a successful career in the wood flooring industry requires experience and a proactive approach to education, training, and development of technical skills. Being current on industry trends, techniques, and innovations is important. Continually focus on customer service. Be responsive, communicate clearly,

Heather Barbour

and exceed your customers’ expectations. Word-of-mouth recommendations go a long way. Commit to lifelong learning. The wood flooring industry is complex and constantly evolving. This is hard work, and it requires dedication to be successful.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER BARBOUR | HULTMAN FLOORING

JON NAMBA, NAMBA SERVICES INC.:

“Merriam-Webster defines foundation as 'an underlying base or support.' If you look at a home foundation what do you typically have? Four walls that interconnect and support the structure. Let’s look at the sections of your foundation. You have people skills; you're likable, passionate, and self-motivated; that's one section of the foundation. You have the proper tools/equipment. That's the second section. Now, you need the other two parts of the foundation. Do you know how to manage your money? Do you know what a profit and loss statement is and how to understand it? You'll want a business plan; that's your third section. For your fourth section, I highly advise seeking an accountant to help direct and assist you in managing the money part. Now you have a foundation and from there you can now build up with marketing your business and hiring employees, being able to invest more into your company, and seeing the sky as the limit. Don’t forget to take time out to also enjoy what you’ve built. Take time for yourself, play, and spend time with family/friends, which will help keep that foundation rock solid.”

Jon Namba

Visit hardwoodfloorsmag.com for additional tips. There’s more!

This is only part of the career advice these experts shared.

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