By Gary Scheidker, director of technical services, Taylor Adhesives, Meridian Adhesives Group
I’ll put this bluntly: Our industry cannot survive without knowledgeable flooring professionals and skilled flooring mechanics. In many cases the lack of skilled labor is self-inflicted by the very people who depend on it the most.
There always seems to be a race to the bottom when it comes to price, in every segment of the flooring industry. The most obvious example is non-union flooring labor rates, which have been stagnant in most markets. A proper flooring installation requires skilled workers to perform the work; these people should be treated with respect and properly compensated.
When I was a teenager working for my father, it was easy to get friends from school into the industry because it paid well and did not require a large investment to get started. Knowing you would still earn as a helper while training was also a big selling point. In 1976 I paid $4,600 for a new Dodge van and a gallon of gas was under $1. At that time, residential broadloom carpet paid around $2 per sq. yd. I speak to installers who, despite huge increases in the cost of living since then, are still working for similar rates today!
It is no secret some trades pay more than others. This competition requires us to offer similar compensation. Fortunately, we work indoors under HVAC most of the time, which may be an incentive. Since 1970, when I entered the industry, the U.S. population has grown by 143 million people. More people require more homes, condominiums, apartments, stores and offices—which all need flooring. Keeping up with demand requires more than just maintaining our current level of installers.
However, for some reason the higher education system in this country seems to be against construction trade careers. They push students toward college degrees instead of trade or vocational schools. This does everyone a disservice — especially the students. I did not have the opportunity to go to college, and I am proud of the fact it did not hold me back in my flooring career.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to speak to a group of underprivileged young people looking to get into the trade. They were surprised to find out I was able to thrive in the industry without a college degree. To me one of the best things about being a floor installer was the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, since you could see the results.
Education
Most flooring retailers and contractors only think of installers when the topic of continuing education comes up. Honestly, everybody on your team should stay educated. This includes salespeople, specifiers, estimators and installation managers. Investing in your entire team will pay dividends down the line, through repeat and referral business from happy customers.
Educate your team by keeping them up to date with changing federal, state and local environmental regulations. Failure to do so can result in expensive fines and even litigation. Also share any construction material-related changes including (but not limited to) concrete admixtures, curing compounds, hardeners, patching and leveling compounds.
Even wood substrates have been changing with fire retardant plywood, waterproof OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and MgO (Magnesium Oxide) panels. Some of these new or modified substrates require encapsulation or even a barrier layer of plywood underlayment. Knowing what to do before bidding or starting the project can spell the difference between success and an expensive failure.
Training
Continue your entire team’s training to stay on top of industry changes. Fortunately, organizations like CFI, FCICA, NWFA, NAFCT, INSTALL, CTEF and others can provide continuing education as needed. Also read trade publications both in print and online to learn the trends that may require additional training for your team members. Contact the technical teams of your flooring, adhesive and patch manufacturers or distributors to see if they offer in-person or remote training.
In most cases manufacturers do not charge for training. I have been with Taylor Adhesives for 22 years and have performed countless training courses with every type of flooring contractor. These trainings were not limited to adhesive; in many cases they included substrate preparation, proper moisture testing and installation techniques.
Recruiting
In recent years skilled trades like flooring installation have had difficulties finding and adding capable men and woman to their ranks. This is more of an issue for non-union shops than union ones. The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) is one way the industry is helping bring in new and emerging talent through scholarships and accredited courses.
Always keep an eye out for talent. You never know where or when you will meet your next superstar. Many years ago, I hired a young man who had been doing roofing. He was thrilled to not be cooking in the sun or freezing in the winter. When I moved into my current position nine years ago, I started building a team. My second hire was a young man from the fast-food industry. He exceeded expectations in every way and has since been moved up to a sales position with Taylor. Giving the right person a chance will surprise you.
It is easy to become complacent and think you and your team know everything you need to do your job. From my experience that is never the case. Even after working in this industry for nearly 55 years, I am constantly learning new things—sometimes from the unlikeliest of sources.
