Reports from the front: Installer-Inspector Workshop

[Bill Watson]

After giving RG and Chris a hard time due to their flight being delayed, Our plane sat on the runway for almost an hour. The Cincinatti airport was closed down for a time due to tornado warnings and storms. We had to wait until we got the "all clear" to even take off.
I took about 33 pics on Saturday, and sent them to T so he could post the best. If anyone else would like them, just let me know, and I'll email them.
This was really a great experience for me, and I learned a lot.
The only down side was seeing a huge picture of Rolands' legs. EEEWWW!

[TFP Admin]

Just a note to clear up any misconceptions and give credit where credit is due. This workshop was not the sole brainchild of any one person, but it was the culmination of ideas and conversations involving lots of our flooring professional members. Tandy's skills at training and organizing was a vital ingredient in the success of this workshop. However, it should be said, and I think most, including Tandy, will agree that the seed was planted by Selva Lee Tucker and the discussions we had concerning his article in FCI magazine.

The day before the machinery that would become the first Installer-Inspector Workshop got started, Selva had this wisdom to impart (this is selected excerpts from his original posts, which you can view by clicking the link graphic next to his name):

selvalee said ... first, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your kind words,,, I wrote that article for each of you, for the help each of you have given me for so many years. ... The purpose of the article is or was to bring to the attention of everyone in the industry the problems with inspectors and the inspection industry,,,, ... To those who wanted to know if I would consider a school? Not as long as Tandy has one, but, if he sells, well, Chris is a friend also,,,, that would be a hard tough thing to do or think about but, if enough wanted it,,,, I might advise you guys or set up a conference calls or email group to get you guys to express what you want, or maybe Jim can step up, or not, does not matter who, what matters is, the truth and your peers , installers, who know the craft and skill involved, are involved in the inspection processes,,,,

selvalee said ... I think I should have expressed more what I meant,,, I would help set up a conference so you guys can express it to Tandy,,,,my bad, sorry Tandy,,,,

So, we owe a debt of gratitude to Selva. Regardless of the differences he has with me, Tandy and others, Selva has contributed a great deal to our education and to flooring professionals.

It is also true that, without the support of a great many Workshop committee members (some of whom were not able to attend) and the overwhelming support of all the members of The Floor Pro Community in helping to put this together, those 21 attendees would not have come back to report the wonderful experience and success the Installer-Inspector Workshop was. I know that I am very happy to have been a small part of it, even though I was not able to attend.

Thanks to everyone, even Selva.

TFP Admin

[Tandy Reeves]

I agree 100% with you "T" and agree this was our workshop and not any one individual and my thanks to Selva for planting the seed. I thank you for the kind words you have said about me, but each and every one of you need to pat yourself on the back and say "I did well" because without your help and support it would never have happened.

When Pat catches her breath, she will post the names of the committee that was chosen to put next years workshop together. It is time to start suggesting topics to be covered.

Here we come 2009!!!

[UncleCliffie]

Those storms chased me all the way home last night. Got home at midnight, but the good feelings and excitement i saw generated over the past 2 days kept me energised all the way home.
What a great time and greater bunch of professionals! What a bargain! Watching the construction of the bridges and the systematic destruction of those old walls was a thing to behold. A great job, well done!
Dick Johnson

[Curt Durand]

716 mile drive but no waiting in an airport. Only went half way home after the end of the workshop. Planned on staying the night in Bethany, MO before hand and am glad I did. Heavy side winds but basically ran just behind the storms. Made the last half of the trip Sunday morn and met the family for a nice Mothers Day. Thanks to Daris for the kind words and the same in return to him. Realy impressed but not surprised. Knew there were excellent installers but an honor to sit with some of the best. The best workshop or seminar I have been to. Looking forward to next year.

[tony lamar]

I sent the T man a PM and he is too modest to post an excerpt from it, so I will.


Hey Jim,
Sorry you couldn't make the conference but I understand. You are one of the guys I really wanted to meet. I do greatly appreciate you and your role in the conference. I heard Pat comment and several agree, if it hadn't been for TFP, this whole thing never would have happened. After I thought about that for a minute, it really sunk in just how true that really was. So, THANKS BUDDY!

I'm sure you would all agree.
Tony

[TFP Admin]

Thank you again, Tony. I really appreciate the kind words.

T

[Bill Watson]

Breakfast Saturday morning

[Bill Watson]

Wish all could have been there

[Bill Watson]

Bright eyed and ?????

[Bill Watson]

Some of the moderators in action

[cproader]

Thanks fer the pix guys. Nice to see everybody behavin, (except fer maybe Tony) wish I could have been there, but I am still perty much bed ridden. Nastiest virus I have had in a long time. But sounds like it was a success and that is encouragin to say the least. Good job to everyone involved........

[TFP Admin]

Who went the longest distance to attend the event?

T

[cproader]

TFP Admin said Who went the longest distance to attend the event? T

me......and I never made it there.......

[tony lamar]

TFP Admin said Who went the longest distance to attend the event? T

I would guess either Pat and Gerald from South Dakota or Roland from Maryland.