Article Number : 3694 |
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| Date | 9/29/2008 9:44:51 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3694 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler KANSAS CITY, MO.—On Sept. 18, 1993, a group of 10 concerned and dedicated flooring installers and one retailer who valued professional installation met in Sioux Falls, S.D... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler KANSAS CITY, MO.—On Sept. 18, 1993, a group of 10 concerned and dedicated flooring installers and one retailer who valued professional installation met in Sioux Falls, S.D., to figure out how they could help the industry raise the overall quality and professionalism of the individual mechanic and, at the same time, change the industry’s perception of the craft. Thus was borne the inception for the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI), and just two months later the organization was incorporated in Missouri as a non-profit trade association. Using the acronym PRIDE —Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Dependability, Education—CFI was organized to “identify and certify professional installers according to individual skill and knowledge who guarantee their workmanship, which is performed according to the CFI and manufacturers’ specifications. The members strive for a working relationship with all in the industry, realizing that customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal.” Like any organization or business, CFI has gone through trials and tribulations, but since its start, the group has fought an uphill battle to get manufacturers and retailers to understand that what it was doing was for the benefit of the entire industry. The battles continue, but after 15 years, it seems the tide is turning. Though CFI has always relied on the power of its members to move the organization forward, from the beginning one person took on its face. Jim Walker, CEO, was there from the start and continues to be active, though he and the other founders have deferred much to the next generation of professionals, including Jon Namba, executive director, and the current group of officers. In fact, Walker has noted from day one that he is simply one part and could never have accomplished what CFI has done alone. As the group celebrated its 15th anniversary during its annual convention here (FCNews, Aug. 18/25), Matthew Spieler, FCNews’ senior executive editor, sat down with Walker to reflect on what CFI has accomplished since forming in 1993 and what the future holds in store. Looking back over the 15 years of CFI, what are you most proud of? Flooring installers have an organization that represents them every day of the week. The opportunity to help others enhance their value and be proud of the occupation they have chosen. It has been exciting to watch the growth of pride and enthusiasm for the trade. I am especially proud of the team members who have donated untold amounts of time, talent and personal finances for the success of CFI. Without this, nothing would have happened. I receive a lot of credit, but without these individuals, there is no way CFI would be what it is today. It could not have happened. They deserve the recognition for making a difference. What are you most disappointed in? Why? The Industry as a whole has not stepped up and supported the efforts of the flooring installers. I am still looking forward to the day that the carpet or hard surface samples state, “The warranty is void if this product is not installed by a qualified, certified or recognized floor covering installation professional.” The warranty does not have to state the CFI recognition, but it must provide for our customers who are spending hard-earned dollars, the assurance of knowing their flooring experience will be just as they expected at the time of the sale. The matter in which the flooring customers are treated today to “hack ’n slash,” dirty, frightening and unqualified workers who make this experience one of fear and disappointment is beginning to haunt the flooring business. This will continue until someone takes control of the manner in which the customer is treated. It seems so simple to us. Just identify those who are skilled and knowledgeable and agree to providing customer satisfaction. Knowing what you know, is there anything you would have done different in the early years? I’m not certain we would have tackled this mammoth undertaking. It all seemed so simple: Identify and certify flooring installers according to skill and knowledge. The dealers and others will hire them to avoid customer dissatisfaction and they will be paid accordingly. I was certain that everyone would embrace this and had no idea it would be so difficult. Still today, installers are paid according to speed and greed; how fast and how cheap will the work be done? I’m really not certain how this can be changed. Many installers credit CFI with positively changing their lives—professional and personal. How does that make you feel? This is a tremendous feeling and one that [sort of] just happened. The CFI team was on a mission to make installers proud of themselves and their trade. Somehow, it became a ‘family’ and one that has become a moving force of determined installation professionals. It is exciting to see the faces of so many young installers in the group. This is the future of CFI. CFI has certified/trained 30,000 installers in 15 years, that’s 2,000 a year or about 5.5 a day. How do you rank this number in terms of your original goals? What about moving forward, is this a good pace or can it be better? I had not put this into perspective in terms of numbers, but that is exciting. They tell me that the number has grown to 31,143. We feel as though this is not enough. If the industry support had been stronger; the numbers would also be greater. We are making an impact, but we anticipated this happening much sooner. Without the support of the industry associates who ship products to every event, this would not be possible. I remember during one of the early conventions you telling me there are 100,000 installers in the country. That means CFI has reached about one third (assuming that number is still valid). To me that is an amazing accomplishment no matter how you look at it. Give me your thoughts on this. Those numbers are much greater today. The installation community in a large part cannot be identified and does not speak English. They are taken advantage of every day even though they may be trying to do a good job. No one has taught them and there is no accountability. The installer cannot perform the work as expected if he or she is unaware of the correct procedures. Our numbers must increase so end users can receive what they anticipate at the time of the sale—a flooring installation experience without hassles. With the new partnerships— NWFA, CTEF, Mohawk— is CFI now getting the recognition/respect that you originally thought would happen when you started? That is, has it taken 15 years for your original dreams/goals to begin to take fruition? I commend these organizations for placing their trust in CFI. I guarantee they will not be disappointed. They have worked years developing these programs just as we have, and CFI will make certain installers have the opportunity to add to their skills. Jon Namba, CFI executive director, can be credited with achieving the partnerships of NWFA and CTEF. Mohawk has been a tremendous supporter of CFI and this partnership, strengthened with the addition of the residential CFI-Mohawk Certification and training, will have a positive impact on the installation and retail community. The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has supported CFI for eight years and with the addition of others, CFI can only become stronger and more meaningful. Where do you see CFI by its 20th anniversary? I would hope the numbers double and the industry genuinely respects the installation process. I also want the installers to be proud and be able to provide for their families as other professionals do. I know that the manufacturers will begin to demand accountability for the installation of their fine products and not allow them to be destroyed by an untrained workforce. Manufacturers must make it mandatory for an approved installation process to make retailers aware of what is required for the installation of their products. Anything you want to add? It has been and will continue to be an exciting opportunity for me and the entire CFI team to make a difference in the lives of others. We have demanded much of ourselves and others and the challenges have been great. However, the rewards of making one’s life count for something and giving back to a trade that has been good to us are endless. Speaking for the 76 members of the CFI team of installation trainers, we would have it no other way. It is to the credit of CFI that the two-day training event to apply for positions on the team is filled to capacity. We must be doing something right. |