Hardwood Floors October/November 2017

MATTHEW BRUNO President, Palermo Flooring Inc. Ma started Palermo Flooring in 2004. e business is family-owned and operated, and provides services related to all aspects of wood oors. Some of Palermo Flooring’s specialties are installation and repairs, sanding and re nishing, custom stain, nishes, deck re nishing, borders and inlays, and all di erent kinds of trimwork. Since the establishment of Palermo Flooring, Ma has grown his business to include 18 full-time employees. e teamworks all across New York City and Long Island, spending time educating and promoting high- quality hardwood ooring. Palermo Flooring also donates time to and supports the National Guard and Reserve. 5.

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MIKE DESARNO

Vice President, Stanza Machinery Mike stepped into the machinery world with a focus on at line factory nishing for cra and boutique ooring manufacturers. During the last several years, Mike has identi ed a need in the creative market of custom ooring and has developed small- to medium-size pre- nishing systems and accessories that meet the needs and price point of these custom manufacturers. Stanza Machinery o ers the expertise, support, and quality products that customers expect. Mike has been involved with the Charlo e, North Carolina chapter of the Second Harvest Food Bank, sorting foods and wellness items. He also participates in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

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MATT CASEY Bona Certified Craftsman Program Manager, Bona, US

roughout his 12-year career with Bona, Ma has held multiple roles within customer service, technical support, training, and sales. During that time, he has trained more than 200 contractors on the sand and nish process, Bona’s product line, and business acumen through Sand & Finish Schools and on-site training. He was the recipient of Bona’s 2007 “GOLD” award (Growth, Optimism, Leadership, Dedication). Ma is an NWFA Certi ed Professional for Installation and Sand & Finish, and also sits on the NWFACP Installation, Sand & Finish Certi cation Commi ee. He is also

a member of the NWFA Emerging Leaders Network serving on the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council. He is an annual participant in St. Jude’s Warrior Dash, a member of the Bona Mission Fund, and is active in numerous causes including the Christmas Toy Drive, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and the YMCA.

RALPH DEBRA President/Owner, First Class Flooring Ralph has been in the ooring industry for more than 18 years working as an account executive for major hardwood distribution companies across Canada. In 2010, he took over First Class Flooring from his father. He has taken the company from $500,000 to $15 million in a seven- year time span. At the 2017 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo in Phoenix, his company supplied Graf Brothers Flooring with the material that won a Wood Floor of the Year award. First Class Flooring was also recognized as Retailer of the Year in 2016 by Mercier Wood Flooring. Ralph is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity and Trinity Baptist Church. 7.

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the magazine of the national wood flooring association