Article Number : 4571 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 6/16/2009 9:00:11 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4571 |
| Abstract | (Kansas City, MO) "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten." CFI addresses this issue daily providing training courses across the nation. In a never ending campaign to promote quality flooring installation, the CFI Team of Installation Trainers presents... |
| Article | (Kansas City, MO) "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten." CFI addresses this issue daily providing training courses across the nation. In a never ending campaign to promote quality flooring installation, the CFI Team of Installation Trainers presents the latest in techniques to groups that are striving to be known as the best in their communities. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA In Charlottesville, VA, installers attended a CFI Carpet Installation Training and Certification hosted by Duane Cassis of CarpetsPlus. Attendees traveled many miles, including a Jobs Corp trainer from Pennsylvania, to better understand the CFI programs, a flooring installer from Kentucky and 3 technical representatives from Shaw Industries. Members of the CFI Team, Jim Walker, Ed Braile, Roland Thompson, Tom Keene and George Johnson demonstrated the CFI Proven Methods of Installation, trained those seeking the Residential-I and Commercial-I levels and provided certification testing for the R-II and C-II levels. Host, Duane Cassis said, “Our company is very involved with CFI and we have hosted many events because we believe the latest training methods definitely make a difference in the manner in which we provide customer satisfaction. The CFI Team always does an exceptional job of presenting the latest information and techniques.” LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY “Before bringing CFI to Lexington, our company sent Troy Miller, an installer to Charlottesville, VA to fully understand the value of the training. When he returned with excitement from the opportunity, we contacted Mark Lefot at Southland Supply Company to schedule a date for our area. CFI brings real value to installation,” shared Chris Howard of the Howard Carpenter Company. “With the requirement of CFI Certification appearing more often in commercial specifications, it is essential that our company meet the standards that are set. The installers were all appreciative of the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge. The CFI trainers shared ideas that have not been available prior to this event. We feel we now have the cutting edge on our competitors.” Lefot of the Southland Group said, “We are delighted with the attendance and our facilities are always open to CFI training events. Distributors also benefit from installers who use better techniques and supplies. CFI is known for the enthusiasm, pride and professionalism that are shared during the training.” “Besides other installers who attended the event, four installers attended from Carpet World. Kentucky is definitely moving forward with the recognition of certified installers in the commercial arena,” stated Rod Von Busch, CFI installer and Manager of CDI, a commercial sales and workroom facility based in Louisville, KY. “We encourage everyone to become involved and gain the benefits of certification. The weekend of August 28-29, we are hosting our second certification and training event this year in Louisville. All installers are invited to participate.” LOWE’S STORES NATIONWIDE CFI has conducted over 25 two-day, carpet installation training sessions for Lowe’s throughout the nation this year. The final workshop for 2009 will be held in November. Each year, thousands of installers and sales associates receive updated information and training to better service their customers. Through a partnership with Lowe’s, the installers participate in skills training of seaming, stair upholstery, patterned carpet alignment exercises, powerstretching and as requested by Lowe’s, the Koolglide Seaming System. Continuing into the second year of training, installers are participating in other CFI programs. Area Installation Manager, Brandie McCullen stated, “The CFI Class is excellent and the instructors are very thorough and work with the installers. The class is given in a very professional manner and presented where all installers understand and respect the instructors. All I hear from the installers is that this is the best class they have been to with Lowe’s and I agree.” LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS and VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA Romanoff Floors Inc, a leader in installation training, provides CFI training and certification at each of their 22 installation workroom locations. Based in Atlanta, GA, Doug Romanoff, owner and Ben Boatwright, Corporate Technical Trainer and Director of the Western Division have been involved in CFI training for many years. “Doug Romanoff, owner of the company, encourages installers who represent his firm do so in a manner that ensures customer satisfaction. All installers and management personnel are required to participate. These events are scheduled throughout the year in all areas that our company services,” said Ben Boatwright. “By tracking installation, we have discovered that installers who participate in the CFI programs are more concerned about our customers. We highly recommend it to all dealers.” “We know that the training and certification offered by CFI promotes not only installation professionalism, but pride in the trade as well as increased customer satisfaction. We have many more events planned for the remainder of the year,” stated Boatwright. “In Little Rock, AR, twelve installers attended from our group with others coming from the surrounding area. The events that Romanoff sponsors are always open to all installers. Jerry Miller and Daris Mulkin did an exceptional job of relating to the group. In Virginia Beach, we also offered the CFI Training and Certification as well as the CFI Technical Certification for our managers and associates. Everyone benefits from receiving current installation training and helps us to better serve our customers.” Flooring sales associates and managers also completed the CFI Technical Certification, which requires attendance at the seminar, successful completion of the written test and the construction of seams to gain a thorough understanding of the installer’s contribution to a successful installation. “The installers who participate in the day of training must furnish two-years of active installation experience and meet the requirements of pattern alignment and knowledge, stair upholstery, powerstretching, seam construction, direct-glue installation and surface preparation techniques to achieve the R-I and C-I Certification. The written and oral tests are also administered. Installers who test for the advanced levels do not participate in the day of training and must provide proof of four-years of active experience. Flooring sales associates and managers also have the opportunity to complete the CFI Technical Certification, which requires attendance at the seminar, successful completion of the written test and the construction of seams to gain a thorough understanding of the installer’s contribution to a successful installation. Our program is continually updated and the team members are kept abreast of new techniques to provide the attendees with the quality of current information that is expected from CFI. It is our goal to enhance the pride and professionalism of installers to provide the ultimate goal of customer satisfaction,” said Jerry Miller, CFI Master-II #4827. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA In Anchorage, AK the CFI training program was expanded to include the Armstrong Certified Commercial Resilient Certification. The week-long event sponsored by Sherwin-Williams of Anchorage attracted over 30 flooring installers. Tim Provence of Armstrong conducted the resilient training with other members of the CFI Team; Jim Walker, Jon Namba and Ed Braile. Craig Priest, CFI Master Installer and owner of Classic Floors in Anchorage also assisted with tools and training. “The Armstrong Certified Installer Program is available for experienced installers in hardwood, residential sheet vinyl, laminate, commercial sheet vinyl and linoleum installations. It is loaded with benefits to make the companies more competitive. By enhancing the installers’ knowledge and skills, providing technical support, Armstrong has added over 7,300 installers to the program. This certification is not a rubber stamp and is awarded to dedicated, quality-minded installers who pass a rigorous hands-on and written test. Armstrong also offers financial incentives to make it worth the installers’ effort to compete the training; use the correct techniques on the job and even stop a job if the materials are defective. On-line assistance is available at www.floorexpert.com. Armstrong is proud to be working with CFI to present our program in Alaska.” The installers worked in modules constructed by the team onsite and were required to demonstrate skills of direct and straight scribing, seaming, flash-coving and heat-welding. “The group was very interested and excited to participate in a program to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Because of the time involved, the daily classes were very lengthy, but no one complained,” said Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director. “CFI is convinced that the training we provide is unequalled in the industry. This is evident by the response we receive from the participants. Our goal is to offer new techniques that enhance their skills to provide the customer with the ultimate flooring experience,” said Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director. “Through our partnership with Armstrong and other hard surface manufacturers, CFI offers training and certification in all flooring surfaces. We are always looking for another opportunity to provide training and certification for installers who strive to be among the best in their field.” On Friday, Jim Walker conducted a carpet installation seminar that was followed by a day of hands-on training in pattern alignment, powerstretching, seaming, stair upholstery, direct-glue installation and substrate preparation. Ed Braile, “Installers who were signed up only for the vinyl certification found the training to be exceptional and joined us for the carpet certification also. Any dealer would be excited to have installers represent their stores with the attitudes and the desire to be the best that was exhibited by this group.” Alan Avery of Sherwin-Williams observed, “We were very pleased with the event. Not knowing what to expect from the training, it more than exceeded our expectations. It is our goal to continue this type of training in the future. The installers are still talking about all the information that was shared. It was well worth the time and expense that was involved. We have not had the opportunity to receive this type of intensive, hands-on involvement regularly in Alaska. Twenty-four installers who represent our firm, one previously CFI certified installer from the North Pole and installers from Classic Floors of Anchorage participated in the training. We look forward to our continued relationship with CFI and the opportunity to pursue more training avenues in the future.” “CFI appreciates dealers who go the extra mile to provide in-house training for the installers who represent their firms. This is an opportunity to secure the “edge” on installation skills to furnish their customers with what is expected when flooring is purchased. Sherwin-Williams made a substantial investment of financial resources and time to bring this program to Anchorage. The company also opened the event up to all interested installers to provide the utmost in customer service, hands-on skills training and certification as an absolute must,” said Jim Walker. Craig Priest, CFI Master Installer # 1801 and owner of Classic Floors also sent installers to the events and assisted with the construction of the modules. “CFI brings the type of training that assures the installers of the importance of pride and professionalism, as well as the increased knowledge and skills training.” FREDERICK, MARYLAND The CFI-NWFA Wood Sales Counselor Certification in Frederick, MD offered an opportunity for sales associates to understand what is involved in the installation of finished wood products. Attendees gained knowledge that included job site evaluation, preparation, transitions, substrate preparation, moisture, acclimation, estimating, wood properties and characteristics, types of finishes, nail down, glue-direct and floating floors, pros and cons of installation systems, radiant floor installations and more. The one-day course focuses on the sales associates to develop a working partnership with installers who represent their firms. “CFI Delmarva has been instrumental in bringing a substantial number of CFI programs to our area. The weekend of July 17-18, the CFI Carpet Training and Certification is scheduled. This is our second event of the year because of the high interest in the program,” said Roland Thompson, CFI Master-II Installer and President of the Maryland and Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association. “Our CFI Chapter and the retail association’s involvement in training is unequalled in this country. We continually offer installation training for our members and others who travel substantial distances to participate. I highly recommend that dealers provide this opportunity for the installers who represent their firms to cut down on the callbacks and unpleasant situations that arise from installations not performed to the customer’s expectations.” SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Floor Pro Network of San Antonio, TX opens its doors to an extensive wood training program that included the Armstrong Certification. Several days of instruction and hands-on training were well received by the group of installers and sales associates. Lorrie Balusik, owner expressed her interest in those who represent the firm as being the best in the field. “We are constantly searching for CFI programs that give us the cutting edge in the flooring installation business. Every year, we conduct training in different surfaces to bring the latest techniques to our group. Floor Pro Network services many areas for the Home Depot Stores and we are known as a quality-minded installation organization. The CFI Team always brings us more training than expected and relates well to the installers. We recommend the type of training that CFI uses that relates directly to the installers in a hands-on, skills setting. This works best for our group.” “This group really enjoyed being involved with the training and exhibited the type of skills that CFI encourages. They couldn’t get enough of the information or hands-on course time. Joe and Lorrie Balusik have done a great job of encouraging advanced training for those who represent Floor Pro Network. We appreciate our partnership and look forward to working with them again in the future,” said Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director. “Joe and Lorrie Balusik have been involved with CFI since the early years and have taken advantage of every opportunity to promote quality installation and training,” said Walker. “This is the type of dealer that encourages repeat business for their clients.” CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA The CFI Carpet Estimating Workshop taught by Jim Walker was hosted by CarpetsPlus of Charlottesville, VA and attended by sales associates from many different states. “We enjoy bringing CFI programs to our area for everyone to attend,” said Duane Cassis of CarpetsPlus. “The Estimating Workshop provided the knowledge to assist sales associates in understanding what is required for the installation so patterns align, shortages do not occur and the customer receives what is expected.” “Our company is searching for the best method to represent our clients and this class has definitely opened my eyes to the essential elements,” said Chris Karacalidis of Grange Insurance. “I attend as many of the CFI courses as I can because of the information I receive. The instructors always provide ideas and techniques that we find beneficial,” shared Mike Rafatjah of Mike’s Carpet in Maryland. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI at NWFA “Through CFI’s partnership with the National Wood Flooring Association, installers and sales associates benefit from training on a local level,” said Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director and instructor. “The interest is certainly high and we continue to provide the latest in installation techniques and knowledge. Open to everyone, CFI is conducting the sales counselor certification and installation skills training and certification at the NWFA facility in St. Louis, Missouri June 25-26.” CFI courses scheduled in the coming weeks are: June 23-24 Installation Inspector for all in the flooring industry – Kansas City, MO June 25 Woven Installation Inspector – Kansas City, MO June 25-26 NWFA Hardwood Installation Certification/Sales Counselor – St. Louis, MO June 26-27 CFI Carpet Training and Certification – Virginia Beach, VA July 16-17 CFI Woven and Patterned Carpet Skills Workshop – Idaho Falls, ID July 17-18 CFI Carpet Training and Certification – Idaho Falls, ID July 17-18 CFI Carpet Training and Certification – Frederick, MD July 24-25 CFI Carpet Training and Certification – Kansas City, MO August 20-23 CFI 16th Convention – Kansas City, MO To schedule a training event or to participate, up-to-date information is available online at www.CFIinstallers.com or by calling the national CFI office at (816) 231.4646. |