Floor Academy - Helping flooring, tile and stone contractors own an asset Kyle Hedin - Speaker, Mastermind Facilitator, Writer, Content Creator, Business Therapist, and Contractor

The American dream is to make a name for yourself and to be able to take care of yourself and your family above a reasonable means. We have celebrities from all walks of life that we put in a limelight because they are making that dream happen. The advent of social media and short form media has brought on an entirely new segment of these celebrities that come and go as quickly as you can watch their videos. So...what is it that we really want? What is actually important and how do we get it?

Kevin Vogel, has been in the flooring industry for over 30 years. Working for carpet mills in his early days as a regional manager, he moved his way up the corporate ladder by playing the game correctly. Switching between companies and market segments always paid off as his skillset grew. There was even a family in there that got attention. Perhaps the world knew Kevin's timing and Covid intersected with him starting what he has called his sabbatical. Maybe it was a mid life crisis though. What happens when you step back from chasing a title, dollar amount, that shiny thing, or whatever material possession you have your eyes set on, and actually assess who you are, what you are, and where you want to go?

Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Kevin and I discuss what stories we are telling ourselves. Life can be very rewarding when you have the right perspective and goals, but sometimes we let outside influences get in the way. Find your way along with us.

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A large issue many contractors have is scheduling. That task does not get any easier the more you grow. In fact, it generally becomes more complicated and troublesome. There are ways to manage it though, and to make the bumps in the road become less of a hurdle and more along the lines of speed bump.

Dirk Sullivan, is the owner of Hawthorne Tile in Portland, OR. No stranger to our industry or how it is run, he has been leading his company for over 20 years. Having grown it to a multimillion dollar company and working with a LOT of general contractors as a small part of a much larger project, Dirk knows what it takes to maintain a schedule. That was of course until Covid, and there seems to have been a shift in how projects take place.

Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Dirk and I discuss how he views that the landscape has shifted in scheduling projects, but also what ideas we can come up with to keep his pipeline flowing smoothly.

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When I first started Illustrious Hardwoods I made a guess to myself that it would take me 3 to 5 years to be able to develop a good work of mouth referral system for my business. I knew that I wasn’t going to blow up and be the most popular option in the community overnight. I also knew I was not going to reach that many people at first. If I averaged one project a week, that would only be 150 people in 3 years. If each of those people have a 10 person reach, then that is only 1500 people. My numbers did turn out that way and about 3.5 years in, the effort dedicated to being present online and having 1000 plus followers on my Facebook page plus having a reach from clients of 1500 plus people was making the phone ring more and more consistently. Knowing what I know now though, I think I could do it a little faster.

Kyle Hobby owns Southern Hobby’s in Plantation, FL. With 14 years in the tile trade and having moved the business once before, Kyle is no stranger to establishing himself in a market. We got in to a conversation online about charging for estimates and didn’t quite see eye to eye on the approach of how to make sure you get paid for your time, even if you are in a new market.

Listen in as we have a battle of the Kyles this week on the Floor Academy Podcast while discussing how best to establish a new business in a market.

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There is plenty in the flooring industry to take for granted. It is fairly recession proof, has a low barrier to entry, it is easy to control risk, and is generally very profitable. I don't think everyone feels that way though, nor would they want you to know these things. Whether it is manufacturers, suppliers, retailers or other installers, it seems many people want to keep their cards close to their vest.

Robert Baier is owner at Baier's Floorcovering and inspections. With 30 years of experience he is no stranger to the game and how it is play in front of others and behind closed doors. Whether he is looking at failed floors, talking with other owners in his area, or conversing with other installers, he sees plenty of places the industry can change from how inspections are handled, people are educated, or even how we all get paid.

Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we get a little spicy and poke the bear.

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I’ve seen a lot of posts online where tradespeople actively discourage youth from getting in to the trades. They are hard, they will ruin you, there’s no money in them, etc. Why anyone would do something they hate so much is beyond me. I believe we all have a choice and can find things we love to do and enjoy them greatly. In fact, I’ve reinvented myself a few times. From film major and reality show camera operator, to flooring installer and boutique showroom owner, to now a guy that challenges the status quo of an industry that changed his life.

Matt Wentland is no different. Going to college and acquiring an elementary education degree, he quickly learned that corporate rules and roles were not his bag. He challenged himself to find other ways to make money doing things that fit his personality which aligned more with being very outgoing and creative. While never conventional such as vacuum salesman, brand icon, emcee, and “booth babe”, there has very often been a side of contractor sprinkled in as well. All of those paths allowed him to use his voice, his energy, and creative spirit to influence, educated and entertain his clients.

Listen in this week on the Floor Academy Podcast, as we hear form Matt on how he has made his chosen path fit him more than chasing a paycheck or settling for second best. Go Boards very own “booth babe” talks about his experience building a life full of passion and how he has been able to use his joys to make a living while also finding ways to partner with clients to advance himself as well.

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Technical knowledge in the tile and flooring industry is a dime a dozen. Call any manufacturer and you will find training easily accessible. There are many 3rd party certifications as well. All of this is great for the industry as there is no excuse to do poor work. The technical side is covered very well. What is lacking with the technical side is the ability to sell it. Introducing The Hybrid and Advanced Systems Installation Event (THASIE) coming March 2024 in Fresno, CA. Not only can you learn some amazing technical details behind your tile installations but there will discussions on selling these techniques and options to your clients to help you grow your business.
THASIE is the brain child of Kris Blanchard, Mike Jarchow, and Brandt Garrison. Pooling their skillsets together and realizing a lack in education in the industry they are putting themselves out there to make it happen. Brandt is the owner of Garrison Tile and Renovation and CTI #1642 in Burley, ID. With his years of experience learning not only the technical details of products and installation standards, he has spent time to learn the basic science behind the products as well. This has allowed Brandt to make dreams come true for his clients while being able to maintain industry guidelines and standards so that warranties exist and everyone sleeps soundly at night.
Tune it to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we discuss what THASIE has to offer you and how it can help you take your business up a notch with options you may have only dreamed about.

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