Andrew Aufiero, right, outgoing president & Leon Harrison, new president

By Matthew Spieler
Arlington, Tex.—In the 14 years since the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) was formed, approximately 20,000 mechanics have been accredited. This may seem like a large number, but officials are quick to point out, “We still have a lot to accomplish.” By this they mean there are still thousands of installers who need proper training, and those who have achieved certification still need to educate themselves on the latest products, tools, techniques and so forth in order to maintain their professionalism.

“The only way to earn more is to learn more, and that is the objective of this convention,” noted D.J. Harrington, the conference’s master of ceremonies.

With the theme, “Pass It On! Turning Education Into Profit,” this year’s convention was packed full of seminars and demonstrations to help attendees not only be better installers, but also better businessmen and even better citizens.

While every CFI convention focuses on education and training, this year officials stressed that without proper skills, no amount of money alone will fix a problem.

“If we raised the pay of everyone here, it would not help; only education, pride and proper training will,” said Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO. “It is very important to stay up to date on the new products coming out every day. Installation is a priority, but no one wants to admit it. I would like installation to be like pharmaceuticals. That is, a product can’t be installed without knowing who will do it. There should be ccountability—credentials—to show you are what you say.

“It doesn’t have to be just CFI,” he added. “There are other groups that are doing a good job training installers as well. We are only interested in training and education to raise the level of the trade and having some form of accountability.

“Somehow,” Walker continued, “together we must convince others that service and integrity are essential elements in creating a lasting business. It is not the ‘How cheap? How fast?’ philosophy that wins in the end.”

When it comes to education, CFI recognizes there are multiple levels—from basic product and installation techniques to learning and improving business skills and more, such as overall industry knowledge.

Ken Brown of Shaw Industries, who is also CFI’s Dalton chapter president, said, “Every quality-minded installer makes a difference in the installation business and CFI installers lead the way.”

Part of that reason is because of what takes place the day prior to the convention officially starts. CFI, with the help of the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA), holds its annual Leadership Conference. The half-day event continues to attract more people each year even though it has nothing to do with installation—or flooring, for that matter. Rather it is geared to help individuals grow and hone their life skills.

“I remember when only a small portion of attendees arrived early to participate in the Leadership Conference,” Walker said. “Now, it is one of the most important events of the CFI convention.”

Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO, said the association sponsors this event annually “because we believe in the development of leadership. Through this effort, CFI members have the opportunity to concentrate on their skills that assist them in the continued growth of their individual companies.”

At CFI conventions, education is broken into two aspects. First there is the individual seminars which give information techniques, technology, products, business skills and so forth and are designed to add profitability to those attending. The second part is the associate seminars, where manufacturers provide hands-on information about the latest products and tools. Approximately two dozen associates were on hand and gave 15-minute presentations to all members who rotated between them in small groups so as to provide a more intimate setting for learning.

Leon Harrison of Floors to Go in Tucson, Ariz., and CFI’s newly elected president, said of the associate sessions, “These are the guys who know what’s going on. At every booth I learned something new.”

Though the meetings are designed for the members to gain knowledge on the newest tools and equipment on the market, the associates noted they gain a great deal from this event as well.

“I wish I could use the Vulcan Mind Meld,” said Michael Hetts of Crain Cutter Co. “There is so much knowledge here and it would be great if we could tap into everyone and share it all.”

Ben Boatwright of Insta-bind noted, “When I first got certified and came to convention I had no idea what I was walking into. I’ve never missed one since because it never fails that I learn something each time.”

Passing knowledge among peers and colleagues and using it to not only better yourself but the industry is, in a nutshell, what CFI embodies. “CFI is an organization of individuals who believe pride is important,” Walker said. “It is an organization of trainers and leaders whose skills and knowledge are unequalled in the floor covering industry.

“We have been afforded the opportunity to learn,” he added, “to become the most knowledgeable in our trade. And, in doing so, comes the responsibility to pass it on and turn education into profit.”