Hardwood Floors February/March 2024

FLOORING FOUNDATIONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NWFA ARCHIVES

The primary driver of NWFA’s founding in 1985 was to educate the industry. Today, education remains the first step to building a career in wood flooring. Whether someone is a rookie or has decades of experience, there are always new products and skills to learn.

When building the foundation for a successful career, Perez says you only get out what you put in. “It’s called hardwood. H-A-R-D. It’s hard for a reason and that applies to every facet of the business – sales, marketing, the labor, and finding people to do the work,” he advises. “It’s persistence. You can’t give up. Push through those hard times.” Learn from those who have been there before, whether that means finding a mentor, connecting in a social media group, or attending the NWFA Expo or hands-on training classes. For more foundational business tips, listen to the “Running a Wood Flooring Business” series of the NWFA Real Answers podcast, which is hosted by Michael Martin, president and CEO of NWFA, and Chris Zizza and features in-depth interviews with seasoned industry veterans about everything from balancing marriage with running a business to optimizing cash flow.

my environment, and they tie in with what I’ve got going on,” explains Perez. “You need to realize where your market lies.” Perez found his passion for gym floors while partnering with Project Backboard, a non-profit with a mission to renovate public basketball courts. “The community essence - there’s just no greater feeling than knowing what you’re doing is appreciated, and it’s all about the next generation. The goal is to leave the world better than it was when we came into it, and I feel that’s my marquee way to do that. You have to give back in some way, shape, or form. You can’t keep it all to yourself,” he notes. Zizza also is a big proponent of service. “ʻHelp Ever Hurt Never’ is my motto; I even have it inscribed in my wallet. Being adopted and knowing this since I was a child, I had charity instilled in me. I do it because it feels great, but having a company that cares about the community always brings us clients that believe they can trust us and feel confident in allowing us to work in their home.”

Libby White Johnston is the publisher of Hardwood Floors magazine. She can be reached at libby.johnston@nwfa.org.

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