Aaron Pirner, left, WFCA’s outgoing chairman, new chairman, Bob Hill

Anaheim, Calif.—Installers, dealers and manufacturers came together at the World Floor Covering Association’s ( WFCA) headquarters here to celebrate the “CFI Showcase of Talent and Product.”

The event highlighted the remodeling project at the association’s facility, which was selected by the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) as a way to showcase the manufacturers who participated in the Installation Assurance Program (IAP) as well as the what can be done when quality installers are used on the job.

IAP was developed by CFI to focus attention on the importance of customer satisfaction. It was designed to emphasize flooring products should be specified to achieve customer satisfaction and must include professional installation. “It was not an endorsement of products,” stressed Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO/executive director. “It was designed to build confidence for customers and to assist them in achieving their expectations at the time of the sale.”

He called the WFCA project a win-win for all involved, not to mention a landmark event because it shows how good things can happen when the entire selling chain works together. “The manufacturers showcased their products, CFI installers showed off their skills and the WFCA received a showcase facility.”

Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO, said the organization “puts a very high value on our cooperative partnership with CFI and this is just one more example of how working together as a team can be beneficial. We invite everyone in the industry to visit our facility and view this outstanding display of talent and product.”

Bob Kokoszka, president and CEO of Burtco Enterprises, which donated the commercial carpet, said, “Both these organizations work tirelessly to enhance customer satisfaction by raising the level of professionalism among flooring dealers and installers, and we are proud to be associated with them.”

Michelle Griffoul of Michelle Griffoul Studios, noted she normally does not get involved in these types of projects because her company’s hand-crafted tiles are mapped and face-mounted. “But this WFCA floor is an exception and I knew it would be under the scrutiny of the best in the industry. I donated our mosaic because I felt strongly WFCA represented the best.”

Jess David, national sales manager of Ardex, said the adhesives mill “will continue to support the efforts of these two organizations in helping to improve customer satisfaction with our products. Plus, we are pleased to partner with them in the training and education of flooring installers of the future.”

In addition to the above three, products and supplies were donated by such companies as Armstrong World Industries, wood and sheet vinyl; Johnsonite, rubber floors, wallbase and terminations; Pergo, laminate; Proknee Corp., knee pads; Seam Master Industries, Koolglide seam tool and seam tape, and Sponge-Cushion, carpet cushion.