Comments on: A dispatch from the 2009 NWFA Convention

By: Joe Hawaii Flooring

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:36:13 +0000

I just want to extend my gratitude a great deal for this intriguing write up. I’ve already favorited your site, when time permits I will have to have to do some thorough browsing of your blog. Well back to looking for Honolulu Flooring

By: Howard

Sun, 24 May 2009 19:53:37 +0000

Charlie, Thanks for posting. I lost track of Grady when he went to work at Hoboken after Stalker’s demise in ’89. Those were times remarkably similar to now.

I have not quite made up my mind about the LEED/green movement. It seems to me that it’s a classic case of giving the customer what they want versus what they really need. But the customers always vote with their feet and money, and we eventually figure it out or suffer the consequences of poor decision making

By: Howard

Sun, 24 May 2009 19:46:10 +0000

Herb, Your comments about business sound pretty typical. I believe that a great many of the people on the East Coast will be traveling to DC next year. It is hard to justify two trips to the West for both Surfaces and NWFA especially when we are in such a major slow-down.

By the way, that 2nd NOFMA school was almost 30 years ago. That really went by quickly.

By: dave darche

Fri, 08 May 2009 17:50:15 +0000

Hey Howard,

Now you can add professional blogger to your cirriculim vitae! I couldn’t agree with you more on the need to utilize downtime and invest in yourself with regards to any of the training opportunities that are out there. Things will come full circle in time, so instead of just excessively wringing our hands, let’s put them to work. Hope all is well.

By: Herb Fogelberg

Wed, 06 May 2009 18:20:26 +0000

Hello Howard,
I first met you at the second class that NOFMA held in Memphis, TN and became self employed in hardwood floors in April of 81′. I have survived that recession and I will survive this one. To survive in business, besides working hard, you have to love what you do, have a passion for it, believe me I do. I have not advertised since 86′ and up until about a year ago was always 2-3 months out with work now I am happy to have work 2-3 weeks out. I am not discouraged as I know that it will turn around and I can see it already this Spring. Did not make it to the convention this year and last year but will be there next year in D.C. as I want to visit some friends on the WALL.
Hope to see you then Howard, be well.

Herb

By: Selva Lee Tucker

Tue, 05 May 2009 03:56:39 +0000

Hello Howard,
I think soon, as a positive attitude and positive actions increase, people will realize everything can be alright, and then, things will improve.

My business is down like everyones but, I am seeing people are wanting to get out, spend and hopefully, spend it on new wood floors.

By: Charlie Kerfoot

Mon, 04 May 2009 16:49:28 +0000

Howard,

I am looking for a way to contact Rich Grady. I know he has retired to Florida, but I may want to visit him there. Do you have any contact information on him? I agree with your comments about getting behind a sanding machine or nailer is most valuable to put to rest any BS. I have recently taken and passed the LEED AP exam and feel this is the next frontier for flooring.
Charlie Kerfoot LEED AP
CMH Space Flooring Products, Inc.

By: Jim Garth

Mon, 04 May 2009 16:31:37 +0000

Howard,

I agree with your comments surrounding the economic slump; in that it will get better and some of us need to sharpen our skills, get back to the basics and thoes in a position to do so, take advantage of the high quality personnel that are not normally available.

Being not a wizzard at economy, it appears that we have finally hit bottom and are moving in a positive direction reluctantly but most assuridly.

Many of my friends have left our Industry due to this downtourn and entered another field to find that it is not any better. My advise is stick with it as it has worked for many years and will again.

Jim Garth