Hardwood Floors June/July 2019

CHAIRMAN’S CUT

By Craig Dupra Chairman, NWFA

DECADES OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

New to the contest this year was the addition of the “Best Use of Technology Application” category. Entries in this category have installed floors utilizing advancements in technology such as CNC, laser, and so forth. Learn more about all of this year’s award winners starting on page 40. It’s never too early to start thinking about entering the contest for next year. AWood Floor of the Year trophy on your desk would be quite an accomplishment. Not only is it a testament to your skills, but also, it is a great marketing opportunity. Keep in mind that all winning entries will be featured in an in-depth profile in an issue of Hardwood Floors throughout the remainder of this year, reaching more than 25,000 wood flooring professionals all over the world. So take advantage of this unique opportunity to have your floor showcased in one of the only magazines dedicated exclusively to wood flooring. Contact the NWFA to find out how you can enter your wood flooring works of art in the competition, and we may be seeing you on the pages of Hardwood Floors this time next year.

The people judging the entries are looking for craftsmanship, design quality, and creativity. Some do the same type of work as you every day, and others are industry peers who bring a different perspective to the contest, ensuring that the floors rank among the best in the world of flooring. To determine the highest award, the Members’ Choice, NWFAmembers from around the world voted for their favorite entry through online voting that took place during the month of March. This process gave each of the NWFA’s 3,200-plus members a chance to evaluate the entries based on technical difficulty, quality of installation, and overall appearance. I continue to be amazed by the Wood Floor of the Year contest submissions. I worked as a wood floor contractor for 24 years, and although I held myself in high regard, I admit to being completely humbled by what others in our industry can create and have created. Fromwhen the contest began to today, the quality, creativity, and craftsmanship of the contest winners continues to inspire. The Wood Floor of the Year winning floors truly reflect how far our industry has come in just a few short decades.

As I sit down to write this column, I have just returned from the 2019 Wood Flooring Expo in Fort Worth. I always enjoy the event and the ability to network with colleagues across the industry. I think it’s going to take at least a week to recover from all the exciting conversations and interactions I had! Every year I meet newmembers, and even some old members I have not encountered before. Their stories about our industry are fascinating and inspiring. But one of the major highlights for me is always the announcement of the winners of our Wood Floor of the Year contest. You will see each of this year’s seven winners highlighted in this edition of Hardwood Floors , and I am sure you will be equally amazed at the artistry and complexity of the winning entries. They truly reflect some of the best wood flooring creativity in our industry. Since the contest began in 1990, the NWFAhas presentedmore than 200 awards recognizing innovative design and craftsmanship inwood flooring installations.The contest is judged by a panel of technical advisory committee members and industry leaders, reinforcing that the awards truly recognize quality work and craftsmanship.

hardwood floors www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com

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