Kansas City, Mo.—In 1993 a small group of dedicated installers got together with a determination to raise the overall level of professionalism in their craft and instill a sense of pride in every flooring mechanic. In this case, pride means professionalism, responsibility, integrity, dependability and education. Ten years and more than 15,000 certifications later, the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) has risen to become not only the largest organization in the industry but one that gives installers a voice where there used to be none. At CFI’s 10th anniversary convention—The Great Race Of Success—at the Westin Crown Center here, installers, retailers and manufacturers from as far as Japan gathered over a four-day period to reflect on the past decade while looking ahead to the next 10 years and beyond. “Our number one goal is to make installation a proud profession,” said Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO and one of its founding members, “and, in doing so helping the industry be better. “We’ve shown we are sincere,” he added, “and that CFI is not a bunch of takers, but givers. People come to this organization to give, not take.”

In fact, one of the things he is most proud of over the first 10 years is how much people have given of themselves to make the association what it is today. “While I didn’t expect the kind of growth we’ve experienced, I’m overwhelmed at the support and positive comments, especially in the way so many people volunteer so much of their time. It’s something you wish for and, in most cases, it doesn’t happen, but with CFI it has. Even with our rapid growth, the feeling of family hasn’t changed—everyone is concerned about their fellow member, community and industry. It’s a testament to the people who have taken the time to become a part of this organization.” Being part of a family and growing more as a person were two statements that resonated throughout the convention by just about every member. Terry Dollinger, one of the first installers to be certified by CFI, said, “I thought I knew a lot before CFI but, each year, I learn more. I’ve grown a lot with CFI—you can’t be around this organization and not grow.”

One of the ways CFI helps members grow is through its annual Leadership Conference—held the day before the convention officially gets under way—which was started early on by the founding members and has been sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA)—a strong supporter and advocate of CFI. “People don’t realize they have it in them,” Walker explained, “and this is a way to bring it out of them. You need to cultivate their talent and bring it out of them. Many people are intimidated to come up and speak but through this conference they are now speaking and leading—in their profession and in their local communities.” “No one gave us credit when we started,” Dollinger added. “We were just a bunch of installers, but we’ve shown we’re more than that.” Bernie Madden of Madden-Mc-Farland Interiors, a retailer in Kansas and a strong CFI supporter since the beginning, reminded the group “you are not just a bunch of installers; you’re professionals and you’re raising the bar every year.”

Jon Namba, CFI’s president as well as the technical director for the WFCA said in its 10 years of existence, CFI has made a profound impact on the flooring industry. “There are thousands of installers who know that CFI gives them the opportunity to make a difference not only in their own lives, but the lives of others. And, together, we are making installation a respected trade.” Making installers professional is something that is even desired by those not connected with the flooring industry. In fact, Kansas City, Mo., mayor, Kay Barnes, told the group, “Professionalism is always a quality we find desirable, if not essential. Professional training and high standards are good for everyone, whether flooring installers or consumers. Groups like CFI ensure the degree of excellence we expect and want.” With its certification program now being recognized not just by state and city governments but by foreign entities as well, Walker called CFI “the backbone of the industry—without us there is no product.” He told the audience “you don’t realize how important you are to the industry and CFI is a major player.” But, Walker cautioned, being in such a role “comes with a lot of responsibility. That is why CFI does not exclude anyone. We welcome everyone to our conventions, to our certifications and to take part in what we do—from manufacturers and distributors to retailers, designers, architects and builders. We focus on working with people; we cannot work against people—it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

Working with people has helped CFI spread its message of P-R-I-D-E around the world. Members have flown to various countries helping installers better themselves and mechanics have come to the U.S. to learn as well. And, along with having chapters around the country, installers on every continent are starting to band together using CFI’s criteria. “The world is getting smaller,” Walker said, “and everyone deserves the opportunity to better themselves.” As an example, more than 3,000 installers have been trained in CFI installation methods in South Africa, a CFI chapter is starting up in Hong Kong, the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia is using CFI exclusively and the program is getting ready to go to South America, with Brazil as the first stop. The respect CFI has garnered during its first 10 years is one of the things Walker is proud of, “When an installer can be consulted with, such as with the Industry Issues Council, or sit down and meet with a multi million dollar company, that is really something. “Through our Installation Assurance Program (IAP),” he continued, “mills, including adhesives, backing and tool makers, send their products to us to be tested because of the respect they have for us in knowing we will give a fair and honest assessment. That’s a tremendous responsibility.”

Despite all the success, Walker said “there is still a long way to go.” His biggest disappointment is, “We still don’t have the full response from the industry, namely the mills which have not embraced us. They still don’t look at us as a legitimate part of the industry—they talk it but there is nothing behind the words.” He did note this mainly applies to top executives. “The second and third tier management sees the need and these people do what they can to support us, but upper management does not see a need.” Even so, Walker said the members will not let this stop them from trying as well as to continue to grow without them. One of his goals is to see CFI become self-sufficient and even offer a service contract in which an installer’s work will be guaranteed for three years. “The main thing is to continue to grow and do what we do best,” he concluded, “try to identify those installers who are qualified and can do what they say they can. And, continue to try to be the best. I know I’m not the best installer out there, but I’m going to keep giving it my all to try and be the best, and that is the attitude of our members—the desire to stand out for being a dedicated professional.”