Installer Day - Sponsored by ProSource of Milwaukee and Franklin, Wisconsin Article Number : 5237

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Date	2/1/2010 7:24:11 AM
Written By	LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services
View this article at:	//floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5237
Abstract	On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, ProSource of Milwaukee and Franklin held its first ever Installer Day. Over 100 installers, installer assistants and remodelers from around the state of Wisconsin attended this full day event from...
Article	On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, ProSource of Milwaukee and Franklin held its first ever Installer Day. Over 100 installers, installer assistants and remodelers from around the state of Wisconsin attended this full day event from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After breakfast and registration, the entire group listened to a summary of the planned day’s events as well as the benefits of CFI certification. The group then proceeded to break into four seminars of their choosing featuring Jim Witmer (Shaw Industries), Joel Cartee (Mohawk Hard Surfaces), Bill Wiese (Mannington), Kirk Grossnickel (Bostik) or Tony Buckhardt (CCS/ CFI). Carpet Seams 101 (Tony Buckhardt, CCS & CFI) • Eliminating carpet installation failures due to seam failures and bad looking seams • Eliminate seam peaking, seam tape profiling, pattern elongation, etc. Carpet 101 (Jim Witmer, Shaw) • Importance of certification • SoftBac • Ecoworx performance, BL and EWPBL • Carpet tile green story • Carpet layer v. installer • Manufacturing defects v. characteristics • Manufacturing processes • Finer points of installation Innovation Story (Joel Cartee, Mohawk Hard Surfaces) • Scothguard – UniClic - Greenworks • Quality- how is it defined in product • Acoustic underlayments • Different installation methods • New product introductions Sobella & LVT Installation (Bill Wiese, Mannington) • Loose lay or full spread • Jobsite conditions and requirements • Material handling • Adhesive application • Rolling or brooming • Finishing transitions • Repairs According to Jeff Bernstein, Vice-President of Operations for ProSource, “The dynamic presenters educated the attendees about new products as well as product knowledge and demonstrated installation techniques all while emphasizing the advantages and need for advanced CFI training and certification. The process was repeated four times during the day to allow every participant the opportunity to attend each presentation. Many of the installers found this day to be the perfect opportunity to explore additional areas of potential interest in floor covering installation other than in their own areas of expertise. The installers began to consider the potential advantages of diversification. Again, CFI training and certification was presented as the tool to accomplish it.” Nate Hall, CFI Chapter President, “Very few attendees left before the day ended as they not only wanted to take advantage of attending every presentation. but thanks to our sponsors- Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington, Bostik, Jaeckle, CCS and the CFI, eight lucky winners won some exceptional raffle prizes topped off with a four-piece luggage set, a Brewer’s game/hotel package, a CFI certification and a trip for two to Las Vegas for Surfaces.” Tony Buckhardt, a presenter from CCS and CFI, “This group of installers was interested in moving forward in their trade and attended each event with enthusiasm. We received many registrations for the CFI courses sponsored by ProSource and CCS this year. All installers who apply for certification must complete the requirements of testing with 2-year’s minimum installation experience. The training may be attended by all installers. Installers who qualify also have the opportunity to be certified through the National Wood Flooring Association and Armstrong to receive the benefits associated with this.” February 19-20 Carpet Training and Certification April 23-24 Resilient with Armstrong Certification available May 14-15 Laminate/Wood -NALFA, NWFA, Armstrong Certification June 25-26 Ceramic Training and Certification Bernstein further added, “It was great time for all that attended. The presenters commented that they had never addressed a group this large of so many interested installers. But most importantly, we received many e-mails and calls by installers who thanked us for this special day and appreciated being invited to the event. Suppliers, installers and the staff of ProSource look forward to an even better and larger Installer Day 2011 next January, as well as many other training events for our other valued member groups during the remainder of 2010.”