Hardwood Floors February/March 2024
CHAIR’S CUT
By Julie Russell Chair, NWFA
Core
OPPORTUNITIES
I personally schedule a workout into my day to flush out the stress that comes with driving forward every day. I also schedule a time for learning through podcasts, webinars, and classes to help my mind stay open to new and creative ideas. It is just as important to the future of your business as putting out those fires. This issue of Hardwood Floors magazine is focused on “Flooring Foundations” and includes advice from seasoned experts about how to create a foundation for a successful career in the wood flooring industry. By reading this article (starting on page 40), you will walk away with incredible guidance specific to our industry that you cannot get anywhere else. Not to spoil the article for you, but education and networking are two of the big takeaways from all of the advice given. Both are areas where the NWFA can help, whether you are fresh to the industry or have decades of experience under your belt. The NWFA’s online learning platform, NWFA University, was developed specifically for wood flooring professionals. It includes more than 350 courses, which are available to you when it is most convenient with your schedule. Courses can be taken either on a computer or tablet and are 10 to 20 minutes each with a short quiz at the end. Whether it is the sales, installation, sand and finish, or manufacturing path you choose, you can learn at your own pace. If hands-on learning is more your speed, the NWFA offers more than 50 in-person training events across North America. From basic to advanced level courses, you’ll improve your skills, enhance your experience, and increase your efficiency, all while learning from the best of the best and being surrounded by new friends. When you are ready to take it a step further, NWFA certifications provide opportunities for wood flooring professionals to validate their industry knowledge and expertise in a variety of skill sets. Finally, to experience in-person education, the latest products and trends, and unmatched networking, attending the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo, April 16-18, 2024, should be at the top of your list. The event boasts 11 trade show hours, more than 40 networking opportunities, and more than 30 education sessions. Keep in mind that this is all happening in New Orleans, Louisiana, so you really won’t want to miss out!
What is foundational for you? Is it time with family or friends? Perhaps it is working out, sports, prayer, or meditation? We all need something that grounds us during the busy times. The start of a new year can end up being overwhelming. We rush to wrap things up before the holidays or the end of the year, declaring that we will tackle any unchecked boxes on our lists next year. Then, when the calendar flips to the next page, it turns out there are still the same number of hours in the day and the lofty goals can fall by the wayside as we fall back into the grind. But I have found that if something becomes part of your core, it’s likely to remain a priority.
build a stronger foundation on which your career can thrive. Learn more!
Reach out to the NWFA team at 800.422.4556 or visit nwfa.org to find out more about how you can
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