Hardwood Floors October/November 2017

TOM RUEKERT Vice President, Palo Duro Hardwoods Tom started his career as a teenager learning the ins and outs as a contractor. Having performed as a standout sales professional for Palo Duro Hardwoods, Tomwas asked to take on additional leadership responsibilities, to grow pre nished wood ooring as a segment in Colorado and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region. Subsequently, in 2015, he was promoted to Vice President of the company, to lead all aspects of the 29.

organization, including operations and sales. In that role, Tom has overseen the expansion of product lines, growth and training of sta , and establishing future opportunities for Palo Duro. He also has been integral in the ownership transition of Palo Duro, which was acquired by Lägler Holdings in late 2015. Tom has been involved with NWFA for several years. He regularly serves other member companies as a sales and marketing resource for their go-to-market strategies. Outside the industry, Tom serves as a founding member of his local charter school, Aspen View Academy, and also serves on the board of a national health organization, FSH Society.

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TOMMY & MANDY SANCIC Owners, Olde Wood Limited

Tommy and his wife, Mandy, started Olde Wood, Ltd., at the age of 17 back in 1997 with li le more than a truck and a chainsaw. Fast-forward 20 years and Olde Wood, Ltd. is one of the largest manufacturers of reclaimed wide plank ooring. Using state-of-the-art equipment and employing more than 90 employees, they provide a green product that eliminates waste and creates a lifetime, one- of-a-kind product. Olde Wood, Ltd. has won multiple awards including Best of Houzz 2014 and 2017, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Excellence Award, and M. Conley Entrepreneur of the Year. Tommy and Mandy have touched the lives of thousands by giving back to the community, including close involvement with their local school sports teams, drama clubs, communications programs, and sharing their entrepreneurial experiences with high school business classes. ey also are very involved with their county 4-H

program. ey contribute to the UnitedWay of Stark County and are also members of the Faith Family Church in North Canton, Ohio. e Sancic farm is open for school eld trips, as they love sharing their passion for animals and the joy they bring to people. Tommy and Mandy have donated funds to help out t their local police force with body cameras and even donated a oor to a local historical school house to preserve its history.

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years ago, the team at CHR decided to go completely green. As Cleveland’s rst and only, truly “sustainable” hardwood ooring company, CHR values the health of their employees, clients, and the environment. Brandon is extremely active on social media. He posts unique and creative posts to Instagram and has more than 9,500 followers. Brandon has presented at the NWFAWood Flooring Expo and is a great leader showing the art and cra smanship that can be done through hardwood ooring.

BRANDON SANTIAGO Owner, Cleveland Hardwood Restoration

Brandon is a hardwood ooring professional with more than 10 years of experience in the eld. Prior to moving Cleveland Hardwood Restoration (CHR) to the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, he operated out of Lakewood, Ohio for ve years. He is a passionate cra sman with interests ranging fromwood species/

sourcing, to hardwood ooring, to furniture making and design. He is also passionate about sustainability. ree

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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