I’ve just returned from the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) convention in Kansas City, Mo., where I presented two seminars on woven carpets; new backings; concrete issues; laminates; carpet cleaning and maintenance, and marketing installation services-a full slate; to be sure, and a program unequaled in the industry.

After 28 years in flooring, I have never seen such an interested, knowledge hungry, conscientious, and sincere group of individuals. Anyone who says mechanics aren’t proud of what they do has not paid attention to what’s going on in the installation community. These guys are true craftsmen.

What struck me most is how unselfish these installers are. They are willing to help each other with anything. One mechanic commented, “Lew, do not tell the industry just about CFI. It isn’t just about us, it’s about all installers who really want to do a better job.” I thought, these guys could be really arrogant because they are the cream of the crop, but they want to bring the whole installation community up to a superior level of professionalism.

It’s time for the rest of the industry to jump on board. Certainly, there are manufacturers who have given support to CFI. Shaw, Mohawk/ Durkan, Masland, and a few others had members of their technical staffs in attendance and teaching. But it will take a team spirit to get installation issues resolved.

Unless the industry starts thinking like a team, it will continue to have problems. Warren Tyler, also in attendance, and I both vowed to take up the cause of the installation community. Since uninstalled flooring is just ballast, the mechanic actually becomes the most important member of the team. He’s the foot soldier on the front line for you every day. Unless you give him your support and work with him, your business will suffer.

PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS

Here are some simple proposals with which I will challenge you. First, mills have to financially support CFI. If Shaw, Mohawk, and Beaulieu each kicked in a million dollars, a pittance compared to the claims losses which could be eliminated, almost every installer in the country could be trained to a higher level.

The rest of the mills need to contribute, as well. Buying groups don’t have to start their own programs and reinvent the wheel; distributors and independent dealers all have to get involved. The World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA), for one, has made a major contribution of time, money, and support to CFI, and the rest of the industry should follow its example. But it will take more than money. The retailer must make the installers part of the team. Include them in weekly meetings with your sales staff. Let them know what new products you are carrying, get their input as to challenges they face in the field and comments they hear from the consumer.

Let salespeople go out and work with installers for a few days and vice-versa. Then, watch how much your business improves, how much more profit you make, and how your personnel problems will diminish-you will have built a winning team.

Next, pay attention to what these people are worth. It’s a disgrace that installers work as hard as they do and the industry tries to beat them up on price. This tells me you don’t have enough self confidence, nor do you have the self-esteem to sell properly and not worry about the few extra bucks it will cost to do the job right.

If this is how you think, don’t complain when a job isn’t done right, because it’s your fault. Warren Tyler, Kelly Kramer, Marty Silver, and I all tell you how to be more successful. If you need more help, call any one of us and ask. I am going to commit the whole FC News team of columnists to this effort. We will see things get better in this industry or we’ll go down in flames trying.

Adopt the saying of the CFI: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” Get behind the installation community’s efforts now. Show the world the flooring industry knows how to work as a team and get the job done. After all, our products are the artistic platform for everything else in a home or business.

Like CFI, be proud. Let’s show the world how good we really are. If you care about yourself, your family, and your business, you’ll support this effort.