Article Number : 2733 |
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| Date | 12/3/2007 9:40:37 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2733 |
| Abstract | CFI – WFCA Sales Associate Flooring Installation Certification is available in a wide variety of courses. The workshops present the latest in techniques and technical information. The training includes ceramic, hardwood, laminate and carpet flooring surfaces, estimating and more... |
| Article | CFI – WFCA Sales Associate Flooring Installation Certification is available in a wide variety of courses. The workshops present the latest in techniques and technical information. The training includes ceramic, hardwood, laminate and carpet flooring surfaces, estimating and more. It is CFI’s goal to assist in enhancing the knowledge and skills of your team to create the best informed sales force in the industry in regard to installation. Instructors Jim Walker and Jon Namba and the CFI Team share the elements of an installation that creates a customer who returns because of the “flooring experience” they received. This starts at the time at the sale by “painting a picture” for the installers. “If it doesn’t start right, it most certainly will not finish right.” Understanding what the installation professional can deliver and estimating the job properly are the main keys to a successful operation. Understanding what the installation professional can deliver and estimating the job properly are the main keys to a successful operation. The two-day intensive course addresses the topics that are encountered most frequently when working with the firm’s installation team. The program can be designed to meet the specific needs of the sponsor. Certification: CFI Sales Associate (type of surface) Certification. Those who attend all sessions, arrive as scheduled and successfully complete the written test receive the CFI Sales Associate Flooring designation. Opportunity to achieve CFI Sales Associate Certification in: carpet, hardwood, laminate, resilient and tile. Each course is presented in a 2-day session. Cost: The cost of $6,450.00 includes training for one surface, all classroom materials, the CFI Certification and travel expenses. The fee includes 1-20 participants. Additional participants: $250.00 each. Schedule: Day One: 9:00am – 5:00 pm Day Two: 8:00am – 3:30pm The course must start on time in order to cover the material. The CFI Team will arrive prior to the beginning of the session to prepare the area. Those who attend all sessions, arrive as scheduled and successfully complete the written test receive the CFI Sales Associate Flooring designation. Payment: All attendees must register and submit forms two weeks prior to event for preparation of educational materials. A 50% deposit is due to book the event. The balance is payable three weeks prior to the training. Training Area: It is important that the classroom area be setup in a U-shape. Area must be free of noise, well lit, heated / ventilated for training. The course must start on time in order to cover the material. The CFI Team will arrive prior to the beginning of the session to prepare the area. CFI appreciates the opportunity to present this information. We look forward to working with you to develop a partnership with the installation team to provide enhanced customer satisfaction. 1. CARPET - CFI SALES ASSOCIATE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION The CFI Sales Associate Carpet Installation Certification and Training information includes the topics to be addressed and pricing. Suggested presentation of topics Introduction to installation “Painting a picture” for the installation professionals Understanding the installation process Working as a team - Avoiding the installer’s “attitude” Importance of the carpet backing Seam Location – Effects of lighting – Traffic Flow – Light Source – Pile Direction Seaming requirements - Demonstration Cushion as related to the type of carpet and backing Situations that can be avoided before the installation begins Preparation makes the difference Measuring techniques – fills – patterns Demonstration of pattern matching – powerstretching Measuring requirements for pattern carpet sales What occurs when the measurement is incorrect Stair installation and measurements – types of stairs Transitions – quarterround – doors and pile height Ventilation – protection of the installation Situations to address with new homes Preparation of the customer – steps to follow Professional installation checklist Delivering a “hassle-free” carpet installation CFI SALES ASSOCIATE HARD SURFACE CERTIFICATIONS All hard-surface courses address: The characteristics of the various types of flooring. Job-site evaluation Preparation Importance of substrate acceptable for flooring Subfloors, grades – on, above, below Effect of moisture and testing procedures Acclimation Maintaining properly controlled installation environment Proper handling of materials Following manufacturer’s installation and supplier guidelines Estimating and proper planning Tools Cleanup Maintenance 2. CFI SALES ASSOCIATE CERAMIC INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION Workshop includes: Classroom and demonstrations with product provided by several different manufacturers Properties and characteristics of tile vs. stone Setting materials Substrate preparation Deflection Balancing floors Backerboards Membrane systems Estimating and layout Radiant systems Tools required Demonstration of installation techniques The hands-on course provides each student with the opportunity to participate in an installation from start to finish. TCNA and ANSI guidelines are covered. Written materials for future reference are also included. 3. CFI SALES ASSOCIATE PRE-FINISHED HARDWOOD CERTIFICATION Workshop includes: Classroom and demonstrations of pre-finished hardwoods presented with various types of manufactured products Nail-down, glue-down and floating floor installations Re-coating Transitions – two parts Balancing floors Properties and characteristics of unfinished and pre-finished floors (solid -types of cuts- plain, quarter sawn, rift sawn) Strip and plank Engineered and parquet Janka hardness Cork and bamboo Factory finishes (UV-cured, acrylic impregnated, ceramic and aluminum oxide) Nail-down, staples and cleats Radiant systems. Installation of floating and direct-glue installations Technical handouts are provided for future reference. 4. CFI SALES ASSOCIATE LAMINATE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION Workshop includes: Various types of manufactured materials with different fastening systems are addressed Technical handouts provided for future reference. Types of laminate floors Specific installation properties and characteristics for each type of flooring Glue vs. Click - Adhesives Use of manufacturer’s recommended installation supplies Plank-lay direction Startup and row stagger Room size Spacers Silicone sealant Stairs Transition systems Expansion issues Board repair 5. CFI SALES ASSOCIATE RESILIENT INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION Workshop includes: Products are furnished by various manufacturers to provide an opportunity to understand specific installation requirements. Use of stripping agents, citrus solvents, paint thinners, charcoal lighter fluid Patching compounds (Portland-based, gypsum and SLC’s) Types of flooring (rotogravure, inlaid, linoleum, felt-backed, vinyl-backed, vinyl-composition tile (VCT), Vinyl asbestos tile (VAT) and rubber) Wall base and transitions Installation characteristics (adhesives, trowels, open-time, seam sealers, proper seam Preparation, proper sealing techniques and using correct rollers) Review of common problems such as telegraphing and installation over existing flooring 6. CFI ASSOCIATE ESTIMATING CERTIFICATION Workshop information Proven estimating techniques that work Hands-on completion of diagrams and pattern matching Importance of a detailed diagram that provides accurate yardage, seam location, pile direction, edge treatments, transitions, supplies, adhesives, cushion, customer’s requests How to determine seam location – crossgrain seams – fill areas Symbols Figuring the pattern match Layouts for difficult areas Measuring stairs Roll sequence Consideration for shipping, ordering and manufacturing difficulties that affect the finished installation of patterned goods Discussion with the customers and preparation for the installation Responsibilities of the customer, sales representative, estimator and installation crew 7. CFI All-Surface Flooring Correction Workshop Workshop information The Corrective Procedures Workshop for all Surfaces Flooring is the first “hands-on” course of this type presented for the industry. The workshop covers: Corrective measures for carpet, laminate, ceramic, hardwood and resilient flooring surfaces Numerous techniques, tools and resources are available for the attendees that have never been presented in this type of hands-on format. The 2-1/2 days include: Carpet corrections of burns and spots Restretch techniques Laminate includes plank replacement, both glue and click and the hot-melt corrective system Ceramic includes individual tile replacement, grout rework and hot-melt corrective system Hardwood includes pre-finished board replacement of glue-down and nail-down, touch-up using stains and finishes and the hot-melt corrective system Resilient section includes corrective techniques for tears, burns and gouges Many procedures are unique to the installation side of the industry. The course is specifically designed for persons associated with workrooms or dealers who are directly responsible for customer service calls, for cleaners who correct problems during their cleaning procedures and for inspectors who do follow-up work related to problems associated with the inspection of the flooring. Jon Namba, Executive Director of CFI and well-known industry trainer in all flooring surfaces will involve all participants in working with the various correction materials and techniques. The hands-on course provides the opportunity to actively learn the necessary requirements for problem solving. SCHEDULE Three-day course that begins at 8:00am and concludes at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, it concludes at noon. The cost of $1,200.00 includes workbooks, instructional guides, manufacturer-related technical information and reference materials for future use. The advanced course which requires successful completion of the initial workshop is scheduled for April 2008. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS Courses are taught by Jim Walker, CEO and Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director and the CFI Installation Team of Trainers who are very knowledgeable concerning the various types of workshops. They share great communication skills and the ability to train in a manner that provides an interesting and educational course. JIM WALKER, CFI CEO’s past experience in working with carpet sales associates is unlimited. He recently created the second edition of the Karastan Sales Associate Installation Guide and Training DVD. He designed and taught the sales associate training courses for Sears, J.C. Penney, Dillards, Macy’s and the Mercantile Company during the time that department stores were involved in the sale of carpet. He created the original Carpet One Sales Training for Successful Installations that was presented in written, video and satellite format. Jim believes that when all parties work together, the customer receives what is expected at the time of the sale. Visit www.carpethelp.com for a detailed resume. JON NAMBA, CFI Executive Director’s past experience in working with sales associates in the carpet, hardwood, laminate and ceramic fields is vast. He managed a retail store in both residential and contract sales. Jon served 5 years as the Director of Technical Services for the World Floor Covering Association. He presents sales training courses to floor covering associations, including several in Canada. In the hard surface arena, he is a certified installer and instructor for Pergo, WilsonArt, Armstrong, Forbo, ACI Concrete Flatwork Technician, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation Instructor, National Wood Flooring Association instructor and others. Visit www.CFIinstallers.com for additional information. HOW TO SCHEDULE Contact CFI via telephone (816) 231.4646, fax (816) 231.4343, email CFIguy@earthlink.net or contact Jon Namba, Executive Director at (714) 653.2130 or email jnamba@cfi-installers.org CFI looks forward to working with your company in the future to share product knowledge, installation techniques and enhance the value of the installation at the time of the sale. |