Celebrating 17 years, The
International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association took place in Kansas City, Missouri this past August.
What an exciting CFI Convention August 19-21, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. The attendance reached 179 which was an increase of almost 30% and the enthusiasm, interest in education and the camaraderie among the members has never been stronger. In attendance were thirty-nine First Timers.
Robert Varden (TX) was unanimously elected to serve as President of CFI, Alan Ellis (IA) as Vice-President and Tony Buckhardt (IN) as Secretary. Ed Braile (MO) is the Chairman of the Certification Committee and Ben Boatwright (TN) was appointed to the new position of Chairman of Organizational Development for the 2010-2011 term. Also serving as members of the 2010-2011 CFI Executive Board are outgoing President, Roy Davison (MO), Past Presidents, Leon Harrison (NM), Jon Namba (UT), Bob Gillespie (MO) and Jim Walker (MO).
Rita Bockrath of Duo-Fast, Joe Cea of Congoleum, Roy Lewis (AL) Eagle Interiors and Decorating and, Paul Martens (IN) of Quality Floors will represent CFI as Directors through 2013. Jeff Johnson of Mapei, Bernie Madden of Madden-McFarland Interiors (KS), Jerry Miller of Miller Tech Services (GA), Andrew Smith of Mohawk Technical Services (GA) and Roland Thompson of Kehne's Carpet One comprise the Directors through 2012. Dave Garden of Installation Services of Michigan, Roger Richardson (OH) Roger’s Flooring Services and Ralph Richins of QEP/Roberts terms end in 2011. Jim Lee of FIANA, Joe Sidor (MT) of The Carpet Store and Michael Hetts of Crain represent the retiring Board Members.
Thursday evening, Tom Jennings representing WFCA, opened the event with the WFCA Leadership Conference. Tom, well-known for his "More Than a Floor" Series and involvement with the WFCA and CCA Global, presented an evening of informative information for achieving success in the industry with "Installation is NOT a Dirty Word." The majority of the attendees were the recipients of WFCA Scholarship funds that are an example of the impact that the WFCA has on the industry and continuing education.
Glenn Olsen introduced Armando Trejo, CFI Installer #8195 of Virginia who was selected as the Winner of the Presidents Award for 2010, sponsored by Duo-Fast with all expenses paid. Armando is an example of "The American Dream," coming from Guatemala, with only a 3rd grade education, completing high school, learning the English language and becoming a citizen. With 8 children, he and his wife, Diana own a flooring installation business. The winner of this award is selected annually from a list of entries of CFI Installers who have not attended a convention.
The Master of Ceremonies, Bernie Madden, CEO of Madden-McFarland Interiors, Ltd. of Leawood, KS and one of the founding members of the Kansas City Flooring Installers Association, which later became the International CFI organization, welcomed the group and explained what was awaiting them during the three days.
The CFI Associates were whole-heartedly thanked for their participation in another outstanding Convention. The Annual CFI jacket and booth sponsors included, AAT, American Safety Razor/Personna, Armstrong, Beno J. Gundlach, Bond Products, B Carpet, Carpet Shims, Clayton Miller, Congoleum, Crain Cutter Company, Duo-Fast, Floor Covering Installer, Floor Covering News, Floor Covering Weekly, Husqvarna, Johnsonite, Leggett & Platt/SCI, MAPEI, Mohawk, NALFA, National Association of the Self Employed, National Floor Trends, QEP/Roberts, Schluter Systems, Seam Master Industries/Koolglide, Shaw Industries, Surfaces, Taylor Tools, TRAXX, Universal Textile Technologies and the World Floor Covering Association.
Bob Gillespie, Past President presented the recipients of the Charles R. Gress Award for Outstanding Service to Roger Huff of Louisiana, Scott Terryberry of Colorado and Keith Moore of Iowa. They were selected from a group of CFI Certified Installers who have given above and beyond what is expected to promote the organization, committed to high standards of ethics, integrity, pride and responsibility. They join the group of 80 former winners of the prestigious award.
Daris Mulkin (MI), Past Chairman of the Certification Committee presented the CFI Certification 25+ Pins were presented this year to Cynthia Aufiero (NJ), Bob Gillespie (MO) and Roy Davison (MO). The recipients of the pins that are awarded in 25-event sequences have participated in numerous events, donating their time and financial resources to promote quality flooring installation. Team involvement includes Jim Walker (297), Jon Namba (177), John McHale (176), Bob Gillespie (158.5), Daris Mulkin (138.5), Ed Braile (116.5) and the list goes on of the tremendous involvement of over 73 members of the CFI Team of Instructors.
Bruce Gentry, Andrew Smith, Doyle Slaughter and Scott Bradley welcomed the group on the behalf of Mohawk. Bruce also presented Jim Walker with a hand-crafted knife created by a well known, Dalton knife maker. The beautiful gift was sent in appreciation by Scott Faulknor, CFI #3187 of Southern Home Flooring Specialist of Dalton, GA. Bruce read from the accompanying note written by Scott, "I recall Jim saying in the early days, I look forward to the day when we grow 10,000 strong and become a voice that the industry cannot reject. Seventeen years ago, that was a dream. Today, it is a reality. Because of Jim's vision and diligence, the installation industry has become more readily recognized as a skilled trade; installation standards have been raised, removing the stigmas that plagued the industry for decades. As an installer who has been highly influenced by Jim's vision and CFI, I commend Jim for following his dream."
Teiya Eubanks and Sabad LeSerna of the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), discussed ideas for a continued partnership between the two groups and presented discount training coupons during their seminar presentations.
Chelsie Thornton, SURFACES Conference Manager, addressed the attendees and provided an in-depth overview of SURFACES 2011. Chelsie spoke about the move from the Sands Convention Center to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. She shared a brief history of SURFACES and the many benefits of attending the show. Chelsie also mentioned that, as of 2011, SURFACES will be co-locating with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas creating a mega event, featuring the most extensive display of floor covering, natural stone products and educational offerings in the world. Registering for either show gives the attendee access to both shows.
During the Convention, SURFACES offered all CFI members in attendance complimentary registration through September 10, 2010. Chelsie also stated, "All attendees, CFI members or not, who register for either show before December 16, 2010, will gain access to both shows' amazing conference programs at no additional cost!" And, at the end of her visit to the Convention, Chelsie held a drawing for an all-expense paid trip to SURFACES 2011, which includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and admission to the show and conference programs. Richard Olesen of Columbia, Missouri, was the lucky winner of the drawing. Congratulations, Richard!
Neva Weaver and Ken Brown of Shaw Tech Services encouraged the attendees to continue to hold the CFI standards high. Ken said, "I am a CFI Master-II Installer and everywhere I go in my travels for Shaw Technical Services, I emphasize the importance of CFI training and certification. We must keep moving forward because the CFI brings high standards to this industry."
Stan Cunningham, retired #320, oldest certified installer, former apprenticeship trainer for local 1179 in Kansas City and Bob Gillespie's instructor, said, "CFI has certainly come a long way. I never expected to see such a large audience. We began this organization on pride and I can tell the foundation is strong," as he spoke to the group about his life experiences.
John Moore of Floor Covering Installer, Matt Spieler of Floor Covering News and Alycia Broderick of Floor Covering Weekly shared information concerning their publications with the members, offering many avenues of participation and resources that are available for minimal or no fees. Their publications were available at the show for all attendees.
Allan deWit, traveling from South Africa for Belgotex Carpet presented an interesting review of the progress they have achieved in training flooring installers. Alan stated, "The carpet manufacturers of South Africa are united in their efforts to train and certify every flooring installer within the next three years. After this period, unless the installers are certified, the mills will not warranty the carpet. Millions of dollars have been spent since the first trip to Africa in 2000 by Jim Walker, Ed Braile and John McHale to assist in establishing the program."
The CFI Staff, Ed Braile, John McHale, Jill Sheets and Whitney Robinson directed the programs that allowed the manufacturer's presentations to be presented in small-group settings. The knowledge gained from these informative seminars places the members on a cutting-edge of new tools, installation techniques and requirements for providing their customers with the latest information. Always a highlight of every Convention, this knowledge is shared with the CFI Chapter Members in their local communities. The $500.00 winner of the Associates' Showcase prize sponsored by Duo-Fast was Dave Garden, owner of Installation Services of Michigan, who unselfishly presented the gift to very surprised First-Timer, Nathan Ferrell of Alabama.
Another highlight of the CFI Convention is the presentation of an abundance of installation and product knowledge workshops that provide the attendees with hands-on involvement and unique ideas for working with the numerous products.
- Concrete, You Can Do it All! - by Jamie Sisk, Jamie Krueger of Husqvarna and Alan Ellis of Iowa.
- The In-Situ Probe – Moisture in the Concrete by Ron Smith of Wagner Meters
- Installation for New Exciting Resilient Products by Tim Rawlins, Tim Provence and Rick Herr of Armstrong.
- Direct Bonding Wood to Concrete Substrates by Kyle Murphy and Keith Moore of MAPEI
- The New Product Workshop by Rita Bockrath and Justin Convey of Duo-Fast
- The New Ceramic Shower System by Steve Sherrod of Schluter Systems
- The Woven Knowledge Workshop by Robert Varden, Ed Braile and Zev Kozohar of Kane Carpet.
- Marketing Professional Installation by Ben Boatwright and Dave Garden
- New Methods of Millwork Installation by Dick Schmidt of Johnsonite
- New Techniques for Laminate Plank Replacement and New Installation Methods for Vinyl by Anthony Palandro of NALFA and Joe Cea of Congoleum.
The Friday Night Fun Night sponsored by CFI Associates as always, was a very entertaining affair with everyone offered the opportunity to compete for over $2,000.00 in cash prizes. With everyone involved in a game to eliminate contestants until the final 10 were chosen, CFI's version of "A Minute to Win It," met with fierce competition and laughter throughout the evening. The winner of the event by process of elimination and winner of the $500.00 prize, was Allan Lewis of Eagle Interiors of Phenix City, AL. Second place was awarded to Rhonda Varden of Texas; Daniel Bennett won third prize and Keith Moore (MAPEI) was fourth. The other contestants included Neva Weaver (Shaw), Teiya Eubanks (NALFA), Daniel Bennett (Seamer Down), Michael Buckhardt (IN), Valerie Hall (TX) and Bill Potter (IN). The sounds of laughter resonated throughout the huge convention hall as the contestants competed in events such as "Junk in Your Trunk," shaking until all ping pong balls were out of a tissue box, stacking cookies on their foreheads, picking up cotton balls with an oily substance on their noses and much more.
Jim Lee, retired CEO of FIANA challenged the group to push forward to achieve more participation and involvement in the organization. He commended them on the value CFI brings to the industry and the integrity of the membership.
Tony Buckhardt, CFI Secretary, explained the importance of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation that is available for industry members when catastrophic illness strikes and the Buckhardt Memorial Foundation for Installers, organized in the memory of his father, George Buckhart that provides short-term assistance when the need arises. Each year, CFI raises funds through various opportunities to assist with the two foundations that have a tremendous impact on the lives of CFI installers who have faced life-threatening challenges and difficult situations. In another display of kindness, Nate Hall of Wisconsin, the convention grand prize winner donated his cash award to be equally divided between the two funds.
The 11th Buckhardt Foundation Golf Outing is scheduled for September 11, 2010 in Fort Wayne, IN. For additional information or to sponsor a hole, contact Tony Buckhardt at (260) 410.0802. The winner of the CFI Hero Award presented by the foundation this year goes to non other that the very deserving Marie Odle, a backbone of the foundation and relentless in her efforts to present the best possible outing each year. She is also the mother of Tony and Michael. Marie is known as "the cookie lady" at CCS, where she treats the installers to the aroma of freshly baked cookies on Tuesdays.
Members of the CFI Chapters gathered on stage to roast Roland Thompson, President of the Delmarva Chapter of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. They showed no mercy toward the Delmarva group as the chapter received its sixth first place award. The Chapter has won since the L. Fishman Group established the award in memory of Pat Fell, CFI Master-II Installer who lost a battle with cancer in 2003. The Chapters have put Delmarva on notice that the competition in the coming year will be fierce to win the monetary awards to be used for continuing education. Bob Wagner, President, “All of us at L.Fishman enjoy being involved in installer education events. Pat Fell was our source of technical information and knowledge was very important to him. In his memory, L. Fishman salutes the chapters that participate and wish them continued success in the year ahead."
The CFI local chapters provide an avenue by which numerous installers and area industry associates can learn the latest techniques and learn about new tools and supplies.
Valerie Hall, an employee of Installation Management Services of Dallas, TX was given the business by Jodi BlueJacket prior to her death in 2009. She carried on Jodi's tradition of presenting monetary gifts to all of the First Timers to enjoy the Convention. Valerie also announced the formation of the Jodi BlueJacket Educational Foundation which is designed to provide payment for educational events that benefit the CFI installers.
The grand prize winners who received an abundance of CFI Associate's gifts were announced. Each installer left the event with more than anyone could expect with great appreciation. The grand prize winners were Richard Olesen, otherwise known as Mr. Lucky, who won several major gifts, including the all-expense paid trip to Surfaces, 2 skids of MAPEI adhesive and the Husqvarna concrete saw, which he generously donated to several commercial contractors; Jim Walker won the Schluter Ditra gift; Randy Davis of Pro Floor Network (TX) won a skid of AAT Adhesive; Jerry Miller won the $6,000 wool patterned carpet donated by Fortune Contract and generously donated it to a First Timer; Kent Meier (ND) a skid of MAPEI adhesive and the Duo-Fast Floor Master Kit; Valerie Hall (TX) won a skid of Ardex Carpet Adhesive; Alan Ellis (IA) won a pallet of Mapei; and Marcus Mason (WA) won the complete Roberts/QEP Tool Kit.
Robert Varden, incoming President, concluded the grand dinner celebration by reminiscing over the past 17 years and CFI's value in the industry. He presented a challenge for growth and participation in the years ahead. As he addressed the group, he expressed his appreciation to Jim Walker, "Every time I stand to speak, I always remember what Jim taught us at the Certification Team Meetings. He was adamant that we stand tall, speak loud and be prepared as the expert on the subject." Robert further stressed the importance of returning home with the same high level of enthusiasm and continued involvement in training, chapters and promotion of CFI. He asked for a commitment from each one present to bring one more person with them next year.
The 17th CFI Convention closed on a high note with expectations of an exciting year ahead with the high-level of enthusiasm that the Convention brings to the membership.
