Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

April 15, 2008 , 04:27 AM

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Topic: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

That Steve Hardy is even here to blush at our praise for him is a miracle. While driving to an inspection one day, his grandson in the back seat, an Elk changed his whole life. Almost complete paralysis was the result, but unwilling to succumb to this fate, Steve struggled painfully and worked hard to regain strength and mobility - such as it is.

Steve may be wheelchair bound, but he is still the complete professional when it comes to the flooring industry he fell in love with it in the early 70s. After joining the Painters union, Local 1710, in San Diego, he developed a competitive spirit and passed all the written and hands-on tests, graduating the apprenticeship earlier than most.

Not one to sit on his laurels, Steve continued his flooring education with seminars and schools all through his career. Trying various formats of business, he finally settled on hardwood and laminate installations, inspections and worked as a technical representative for Wilsonart. But wait, that's not all. Steve is also a CFI Master Installer and specialized in fine woven carpets.

Steve continues to work by sharing his great knowledge and skill as a CFI Certifier volunteer and by contributing his expertise and professionalism to us here at The Floor Pro Community and elsewhere.

Flooring isn't Steve's only passion though. At one time, he raced motocross professionally in Europe, built and raced dune buggies in Southern California and was an avid hot rodder and car builder.

Steve is also one of our humble heroes, having served his country in Vietnam. It is through his military service and the accident that has altered his life that got him involved in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The Games are being held in Omaha, Nebraska, July 25 - 29, this year and Steve will be there participating. He is entering the bowling, archery, quad weightlifting and wheelchair slalom competitions. For this, Steve could use our support - and that support will be helping all the disabled Veterans at the Games.

If you would like to help sponsor Steve in the 2008 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, your donation is tax deductible. Please contact him via PM or email. I am sure he will be enormously grateful.

I would like to thank Steve for his support of all of us here at TFP and for sharing his passions and professionalism with us all. Currently, he resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife of 37 years. He has 2 daughters and a wonderful grandson. We wish you and yours all the best, Steve.

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Last edited by TFP Admin : May 2, 2008 at 12:46 PM. Reason: grammar

April 15, 2008 , 09:03 AM

Jerry

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

I'm kind of awe struck reading about Steve and his accomplishments that continue to this day. Steve, you have my highest respect and I thank you for serving our country and for helping us guys out here at TFP. I thank God every day I am able to get up and dress myself.

I'm also going to help sponsor you partner

Have a great day!

April 15, 2008 , 04:17 PM

Daniel Wachtel

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

After reading that all I can say is wow! I would consider myself a lucky man to have those accomplishments under my belt. We are very glad to have you here at TheFloorPro

CFI certified installer
FCITS certified inspector

April 15, 2008 , 07:23 PM

Nick Arrera

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

All the best in the games Steve , and through out your life ..

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you ..

April 15, 2008 , 07:44 PM

hookknife

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Welcome Steve, look forward to enjoying your insight and your participation to this site

BRYAN W

April 15, 2008 , 07:49 PM

Roland Thompson

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Steve, best of luck at the game's I will be praying for you to do your best. I look at all that Steve has given and hope that I can be half the person Steve is. Thank you for being such a leader to us.

Roland

Covering the world one floor at a time.
Rock

April 15, 2008 , 08:35 PM

barrycarlton

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

I've been trying to put myself in your place Steve. I have to admire your determination. I don't think I could be as positive as you are if I were in your shoes. There are very few people with your positive drive. In your actions and attitude we can see what the drive of the human spirit can accomplish.

Keep driving hard, rolling smooth, and lifting strong.
And keep on learning and sharing with all of us 'wanna knows'.

Staying on my knees keeps me humble

http://www.barrycarlton.com

April 15, 2008 , 09:10 PM

steve h

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

I want to thank all of you for the kind words and that is part of the encouragement it keeps me looking forward. As far as having a good attitude to move forward a lot of that comes from my family be in by my side every minute. Drawing on things I've done in my life and realize I should build and do some more with some adaption's. Mr. Thompson. I have read a lot of your articles over the years and even gone the schools and learned a lot of it before it's nice refresher courses. And Jim wrote a very nice article about me brought tears to my eyes now trying to figure out what to do in the future to move forward. And I'll work on that really hard after the games. It's all about sitting time, and they're now allowed me to sit more and I know it doesn't sound like much, but I'm up to eight hours a day without rest. Hopefully by August all be over sit 10 to 12 hours. Then it will make it easier for me to your work as a consultant and an inspector or possibly take a job.
Thank you all,

HAVE A GREAT DAY

April 15, 2008 , 09:15 PM

Harry Myers

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Now that is a very dedicated person . Thank You Steve It takes a strong man to have gone through what you have done. You are a hero.

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April 15, 2008 , 09:25 PM

cproader

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Steve, from what I have read, I don't think anything I could say would measure up to that level. You are truely an inspiration to us all, in life you are a success. God be with and bless you.

#11

April 15, 2008 , 10:56 PM

Jon Scanlan

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Quote:

Originally Posted by cproader

Steve, from what I have read, I don't think anything I could say would measure up to that level. You are truely an inspiration to us all, in life you are a success. God be with and bless you.

I would agree with you CP.

#12

April 16, 2008 , 08:41 AM

Dobby Tappet

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Steve, it is an honor to share this trade with you. Thank you!

Respectfully,

David Hunt

#13

April 16, 2008 , 12:24 PM

Peter Kodner

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Re: Steve Hardy, Extraordinary Flooring Professional

Steve, I too feel honored and privileged to have you here and am inspired by the actions you take when faced with adversity. Makes even more grateful for all the things it is so easy to take for granted. Thank you.

Me, enjoying one of the main food groups