Jim Walker, Director of Installation Training for Karastan

In March during the coldest, most blustery winter weather imaginable at minus 40-degrees wind chill, Karastan hosted another carpet training and installation certification in Sioux City, IA. The event was attended by 37 installers, numerous sales associates and store owners.

Jim Walker, Director of Installation Training for Karastan presented demonstrations for woven carpet, stair installation, powerstretching, pattern alignment, seaming and installation techniques specific to Karastan carpets. Jim introduced new techniques concerning products and installation to the group. During the afternoon session, the Karastan Certification Team, Ed Braile, Roy Davison, Alan Ellis and Chuck Kubich conducted seaming of woven carpets and stair upholstery exercises in preparation for certification the following day.

Karastan Territory Manager, Kevin Reit stated, “We have conducted several events in this area. Every time, the installers and Karastan dealers tell us of the benefit they receive from the information and hands-on training. It is evident as we see a decrease in installation-related issues. We will definitely schedule another one in the future. Jim and his team relate to the participants and make the training and certification an enjoyable event.”

Mike Hughes, owner of Kelly’s Carpet Omaha added, “Thirteen installers who represent our company attended this training. They enjoy attending to learn about new techniques and tools because the training is always up to date and addresses the needs of the installers.”

Even though this was the “coldest” Karastan event of many years, twelve dealers and the 37 installers who represent their companies are to be commended for their participation. The group came prepared and earned their certifications with flying colors.

Karastan provides prior to the event, a bound installation book that covers all facets of carpet installation, including techniques and technical information about woven carpets. The DVD is divided into sections that address Wilton, Axminster and Velvet carpets, various backings, tufted carpet, patterns, stair upholstery, the installation of woven runners and the responsibilities of the professional installer.

The Karastan certified installers receive an identification badge, certificate, shirt and updated materials from Karastan. It is a difficult task to achieve this designation, but one of which the installers are proud to hold.