Project Profile:

Sunnybrook ASSiSted living

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Educational Session 2: Application of Setting Materials

for Tile and Stone – Jeff Johnson of MAPEI

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Educational Session 3: Moisture, Subfloors and their

Effect on Commercial Floor Covering: A Panel Discussion

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Off Site Reception & Dinner – 30th Gala Celebration

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

8:00 am – 9:00 am Attendee Breakfast

8:00 am – 9:30 am Tabletop Exhibit set up

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Education Session 4: Best Practices for Productivity and

Project Management

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Education Session 5: Associate Member Table Top

Trade Show

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Tabletop tear down

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Associates committee Meeting with Lunch

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm (OPTIOnAL EvEnT)

Architectural Tour with Tea Time

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Education Session 6: Moisture Enhanced Adhesives –

Sim Crisler of LGM and Associates

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Education Session 7: Cork Floor Installations – Don

Jewell of Capri cork

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Executive Board Wrap up Dinner Meeting

6:00 pm Dinner on your own

9:00 pm Optional Event - Pub Crawl

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

10:30 am – 5:30 pm (OPTIOnAL EvEnT)

Tybee Island

March 11–14, 2012The Mulberry Inn Savannah, Ga

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Pre Convention Events:

8:30 am – 1 :00 pm: Optional Event - Golf

1:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Optional Event – Segway Tour

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward 1 Hour

Pre Convention Meetings:

11:30 am –1:00 pm

Committee Council Meeting w/ Executive Board Lunch

12:30 pm – 5:00 pm (OPTIOnAL EvEnT)

Paula Deen & Low Country tour w/ lunch at Lady & Sons

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Committee meetings

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Welcome reception

Monday, March 12, 2012 – Opening Session

8:00 am –9:00 am

Installation Manager and 1st Attendee Breakfast

8:00 am –9:00 am Attendee Breakfast

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Opening Session & General Membership Meeting

10:00 am – 1:30 pm (OPTIOnAL EvEnT)

Savannah Flavor: Carriage Ride & lunch at Mrs. Wilkes

10:30 – 11:00 am Break

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Educational Session 1: verbiage in Manufacturers

Warranties: How Does it Effect Contractors – Sloan

Bailey, Flynn/Williams LLP, FCICA General Counsel

Sa

Su

M

Tu

W

cOnvenTIOn 2012

COLUMNS

::: 04 ::: Chairman’s Letter

::: 06 ::: Executive VP Column Calendar of Events

::: 20 ::: IRS: International Tax FBar

aRTICLES

::: 05 ::: FCICA Associate Members

::: 13 ::: Associate Spotlight

::: 19 ::: FIT: Tools for the Tilesetter

::: 21 ::: What Can Be Learned From A Mouse With Big Ears

::: 22 ::: Member News

::: 24 ::: New Products

::: 26 ::: Industry News

::: 08 ::: Project Profile: Sunnybrook Assisted Living

::: 10 ::: If Only These Floors Could Talk: The Intriguing Story Behind Reclaimed Flooring

::: 14 ::: Mid Year Photos

FEaTURES

Published four times a year by:

3540 W. Jefferson Hwy.Grand Ledge, MI 48837(800) 992-9653www.millbrookprinting.com

Ad Sales: Bill Spilman(309) 483-6467advertising@fcica.com

The Flooring ContractorSenior Editor: Kimberly E. Oderkirk

::: FaLL.11 ::: V7N2 :::

::: 08 :::

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chairman’S letter

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

LOOkINg TOwaRD 2012

THE HOLIDayS aRE UPON US and

2011 is quickly winding down. Our

mid-year convention in Ft. Lauderdale was

a huge success. Our educational sessions

were both informative and practical.

MAPEI’s plant tour was a great experience

in terms of seeing how their products are

produced, packaged, and shipped. Overall,

the feedback I received from our contractor

and associate members was very positive. I

want to thank everyone for their hard work

in making our mid-year a success.

If you liked our fall meeting, you’re go-

ing to love our 30th anniversary convention

this spring in Savannah! The educational

session topics have been selected and all of

our committees are working hard to ensure

that this convention will be our best.

I hope you’ve noticed the great press

FCICA has been getting lately. The mo-

mentum behind our “Back to Our Roots”

direction has been picked up positively by

our industry media. I would like to see it

continue. If you’re an associate member,

tell your contractor customers. If you’re a

flooring contractor, tell your competitors.

That’s right! I would rather compete with

well-trained contractors that know what it

takes to complete a flooring project, than

one that doesn’t! I want to encourage each of

our members to invite at least one contractor

or vendor to convention. I am confident that

once they experience an FCICA convention,

they will feel a need to become a member.

I am optimistic that 2012 will be a better

year than 2011. The demand for commer-

cial floor covering seems to be continuing

to rise, at least in the northeast. I certainly

hope the profit margins will follow!

On behalf of the Board of Directors and

staff, I want to wish all of you a joyous and

happy holiday season.

By Gerry Swift FCICA Chairman

on the coverNazareth Home is a long term care facility sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and is located in Louisville, KY. Photograph shows the recent renovation of the 8,000 s/f lobby area featuring Flexco Natural Elements Premium Vinyl Wood Plank flooring in color 622 Natural Oak with color 618 AntiqueTeak as accents. The project was installed by FCICA member, Aztec Flooring in Louisville, KY.

Project Profile:

Sunnybrook ASSiSted living

fall.11

Advanced Adhesive Technologies, Inc. (800) 228-4583 www.aatglue.com

Ardex Americas (724) 203-5260 www.ardex.com

Beno J Gundlach Company (618) 233-1781 www.benojgundlachco.com

Bostik, Inc. (978) 750-7321 www.bostik-us.com

Burtco Enterprises, Inc. (800) 241-4019 www.burtcocarpet.com

Capri Cork (800) 492-2613 www.capricork.com

CBC Flooring (800) 446-5476 www.cbcamerica.com

CHAPCO- H B F - Construction Products (630) 952-1378 www.chapco-adhesive.com

Construction Specialties, Inc. (570) 546-4644 www.c-sgroup.com

Creative Edge (641) 472-8145 www.cec-waterjet.com

Flexco (800) 633-3151 www.flexcofloors.com

Floorlayers Local 1310 (314) 647-5010 www.floorlayerslocal1310.com

Greater New York Floor Coverers Association, Inc (516) 333-0046 www.nyfloorcoverers.com

Hank's Specialties (651) 633-5020 www.hanksspec.com

Helmitin Inc. (662) 895-4565 www.helmitinadhesives.com

High Performance Subfloors, Inc. (256) 246-0345 www.hpsubfloors.com

INSTALL/UBC (215) 582-4108 www.installfloors.com

Interlock Industries, Inc. (423) 305-6151 www.spraylock.com

Johnsonite (800) 899-8916 www.johnsonite.com

Koster American (757) 425-1205 www.koesterussa.com

Laticrete International Inc (203) 393-0010 www.laticrete.com

Loba-Wakol, LLC (704) 527-5919 www.loba-wakol.com

FCICa aSSOCIaTE MEMbERSAs of 11/30/11. For more information or to contact a member,

please go to our website at www.fcica.com

MAPEI Corporation (954) 246-8717 www.mapei.com

MATS, Inc. (800) 628-7462 www.matsinc.com

Michael Halebian & Company (201) 935-3535 www.michaelhalebian.com

Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters (313) 832-3887 www.hammer9.com

National Carpet Equipment, Inc. (800) 245-0267 www.nationalequipment.com

nora systems, Inc. (978) 689-0530 www.nora.com/us

Northeast Flooring Contractors Association, Inc. (401) 258-2625 www.nefca.us

Procedo Flooring 866-955-8291 www.procedoflooring.com

Pro Wood & Flooring (914) 665-0654 www.protile.org

RFMS (800) 701-7367 www.rfms.com

Roppe Corporation (419) 435-8546 www.roppe.com

Royal Adhesive (800) 763-7272 www.parachem.com

Shaw Contract/Patcraft/Designweave (706) 517-7703 www.patcraft.com

Spartan Surfaces (800) 997-7604 www.spartansurfaces.com

Sponge Cushion, Inc., A Leggett & Platt Co. (800) 435-4062 www.sponge-cushion.com

StarNet Worldwide Commerical Flooring (800) 787-6381 www.starnetflooring.com

Tandus Flooring, Inc. (706) 259-2604 www.tandus.com

Tek Stil Concepts, Inc. (856) 428-4464 www.tekstilconcepts.com

W. F. Taylor Co., Inc. (706) 712-5823 www.wftaylor.com

Wagner Electronic Products, Inc. (541) 582-0541 www.moisturemeters.com

XL Brands, LLC (706) 272-5800 www.xlbrands.com

Company/web Phone Company/web Phone

::: 6

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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wHaT a gREaT TIME wE HaD IN FT. LaUDERDaLE aT OUR MID yEaR MEETINg. The weather was great, the

sessions were phenomenal and the

networking was awesome! The photos of

the event can be found on pages 14–18.

At the office we are working diligently on

Convention 2012 — finalizing tours, speak-

ers and our 30th Anniversary Gala Recep-

tion and Dinner. Our theme this year is “30

Years of Installation Excellence Through

Education” and our sessions will be interac-

tive with demonstrations and more “show

and tell”. We will be at The Mulberry Inn in

Savannah, GA. The schedule can be found

on the inside front cover. Please mark your

calendar now and plan to attend.

Please take a moment to check out page

5 which lists our current associate mem-

bers. This is a great page to bookmark as

we have listed their websites and telephone

numbers all on one page. We ask that you

support those Associate members who sup-

port FCICA!

The focus for this issue is Assisted Living

Facilities. We have included a project pro-

file on Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Iowa

that has flooring by some of our members.

The profile can be found on pages 8 & 9.

Also the cover is a photo from the Naza-

reth Home in Louisville, KY. The flooring

is a FLEXCO product and the installation

was done by Aztec Flooring. You can see

additional project pictures on FLEXCO’s

associate spotlight page on page 13.

In the last few months we have been

working hard on increasing membership.

On page 25 we have listed the new members

who have joined FCICA after the last pub-

lished magazine. If you have a few minutes,

please contact these new members and wel-

come them to FCICA. Remind them about

the convention and tell them you hope to

see them there.

Have a great Holiday season and I look

forward to seeing all of you in Savannah

and celebrating our 30th Anniversary!

Kimberly E. Oderkirk FCICA Executive Vice President &

Senior Editor of The Flooring Contractor

30 yEaRS OF EXCELLENCE

executive VP letter

The focus for this issue is Assisted Living Facilities. We have included a project profile on Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Iowa that has flooring by some of our members. The profile can be found on pages 8 & 9.

January 23–26, 2012 EducationJanuary 24–26, 2012 Trade ShowSURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc AmericasMandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NVwww.surfaces.com

:::

March 1–3, 2012ASA Business Forum & ConventionHyatt Regency San Antonio, TXwww.asa.com

:::

March 11–14, 2012FCICA 30th Annual Convention 30 Years of Installation Excellence Through EducationThe Mulberry Inn, Savannah, GAwww.fcica.com

:::

april 16–19, 2012CISCA 2012 Convention & INTEXOmni Charlotte Hotel, Charlotte, NCwww.cisca.com

:::

april 17–20, 2012CoveringsOrange County Convention CenterOrlando, FLwww.coverings.com

april 19-22, 2012StarNet Fall Meeting El ConquistadorPuerto Ricowww.starnetflooring.com

:::

calendar of events

7 :::

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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FCICA represents the interests of floor covering contractors by promoting installation excellence through cooperative efforts with manufacturers, dealers, dis tri b utors and others committed to increasing the value, vitality, and viability of the installation industry. If your business is installation…or depends on it, your voice is needed in this effort. We invite you to join FCICA!

MEMbERSHIP bENEFITS

website — www.fcica.com Provides important membership information, member lists, upcoming events, technical assistance, technical resource guide, com-munication to FCICA headquarters, and links to other member websites.

E-News Bi-weekly on-line newsletter features news snippets on association activities, member announcements, industry events, and other newsworthy items pertinent to your growing business.

ask Izzy Members of the “Ask Izzy” team answer questions on commercial flooring products, installations and/or techniques. The team’s goal is to respond within 24 hours.

Mid-year Convention Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information related to all aspects of the business of installation.

Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program Provides the tools to train your employees, on your premises, at your own speed.

Educational Sessions at annual Convention Held throughout the conference and members can contribute through participation in committees and other functions.

“Start with Safety” — a Safety Program for Flooring Contractors Each member receives a complimentary copy upon completing the order form.

FCICa CONTaCT INFO

FCICa 7439 Millwood Drive West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Phone: 248.661.5015 ::: 877-TO-FCICA Fax: 248.661.5018 Email: keo@fcica.com www.fcica.com

MEMbERSHIP INFORMaTION

Firm Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Telephone: Fax:

Website Address:

Name of Owners, Officers, Foreman and others to be listed in the Membership Directory and as contacts in the database:

Name(s):

Title(s):

E-Mail(s):

MEMbERSHIP CaTEgORIES

Floor Covering Contractor: Any bona fide floor covering contractor, workroom, floor maintenance or retail store engaged in the business of install-ing or treatment of floor coverings. “Installer” is defined as any individual who installs on the jobsite or who works with flooring materials in the shop, workroom or store.

Company with 1–10 installers: $350 annually

Company with 11–25 installers: $650 annually

Company with 26 or more installers: $950 annually

Branch Membership: 50% of the parent company membership annually (Parent company must be in good standing)

associate Member: Any bona fide supplier of flooring goods and materials, including software, tools, tooling and or equipment, floor covering associations and cooperatives and manufacturers and wholesale distributors. Please choose one membership level.

Platinum membership: $2,500 annually

Gold membership: $1,250 annually

Base associate membership: $700 annually

Consultant/Inspector Member: Any bona fide provider of services to the flooring industry including but not limited to inspectors or consultants.

Platinum membership: $2,150 annually

Gold membership: $900 annually

Base associate membership: $350 annually

PayMENT

I certify that this information, which constitutes our membership category as a company is true and correct. It is agreed that our company will abide by all membership requirements and that we are entitled to all membership privileges as it pertains to our category as noted in the FCICA by-laws. I understand that annual membership is July 1–June 30.

Enclosed is payment of $ for one year’s dues.

Check enclosed Mastercard VISA American Express Discover

Account #: Expiration Date:

Authorized Signature: Security Code:

Title:

Printed Name: Date:

I was referred to the FCICA by:

MEMbERSHIP aPPLICaTION

::: 8fall.11

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

PROJECT PROFILE

project: SunnyBrook Assisted Living

flooring: Tandus carpet

& Armstrong’s Medintech

9 :::

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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SunnyBrook Assisted Living is a group

of assisted living and dementia care

facilities located in small County Seat towns

around Iowa.

With 50 to 75 units in each location,

every resident has an individually temperature

controlled, private apartment. The residents

join in the main hall for a true restaurant-

style meal three times a day.

Most of the floors are covered with

Tandus carpet, was designed specifically

with assisted living in mind. The bathrooms

have Armstrong’s Medintech, and the kitchens

all have quarry tile.

The entryway to each of the communities

features a large 20x20 ft area comprised of

12 × 12" marble tiles. Inside this entryway,

each location has a locally-themed marble

floor mural, about 12 × 12 feet in size.

Every town has its own landmarks, its

own heritage, and its own culture. The

goal of the entry mural was to remind the

residents and visitor that they are not away

from home. Indeed, that is the great thing

about the SunnyBrook locations; they are

located in small communities, offering

excellent retirement care usually found in

more densely populated areas. The local

theme is spread throughout each building

with many current and historic photographs

of the local area framed in the hallways and

common areas.

SunnybrookFt. Madison Entry Mural: SunnyBrook of Fort Madison’s entry mural

shows Fort Madison, the Mississippi River

and the old steam engine, representing a

past rich in railway history.

Sunnybrook Mt. Pleasant Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of

Mt. Pleasant illustrates an old-style, steam-

driven tractor and the farms on which it was

used. Every year, on Labor Day weekend,

Mt. Pleasant hosts the Old Threshers’

Reunion, which celebrates the steam-driven

era of farm equipment.

Sunnybrookburlington Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of Burling-

ton shows famed Snake Alley, the Burlington

Bridge, an historical building, and Iowa’s

state bird and flower.

SunnybrookFairfield Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of Fairfield

illustrates a traditional Iowa barn, farm

pond and rolling fields, celebrating the

rural community that surrounds the city of

Fairfield.

Creative Edge Master Shop was delighted

to be involved with this series of floors. Not

only did they fabricate the marble entry

murals, they designed each one in-house.

www.cec-waterjet.com

www.sunnybrookseniorliving.com

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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11 :::

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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IF ONLy THESE FLOORS COULD TaLk: THE INTRIgUINg STORy bEHIND RECLaIMED wOOD FLOORINgby Ed Sullivan

All dwellings, even new ones, can have a

fascinating history, if you incorporate a bit

of the past into the structure. And whether a

home, office or retail space, one of the most

dramatic and eco-friendly ways to do that is

with reclaimed, custom flooring made from

wooden structures from around the world.

Among the compelling forces behind the

increasing popularity of reclaimed vintage

floors are the stories behind them. Some

of the most beautiful and interesting wood

is made from historic structures such as

buildings from heroic Civil War venues and

antiquated factories. Others are composed

of restored lumber salvaged from sites in

Europe and Asia, including an 800-year-old

temple from the time of the Ming Dynasty

in China.

“You could say that all reclaimed wood

has an intriguing history,” says Ron Sauer

of Excelsior Wood Products (Kingston,

NY), a highly experienced wood reclaiming

specialist who creates millwork masterpieces

from vintage wood of all types. “Whether

it is removed from an old mansion, public

building or even an old industrial facility,

there is a story to it that adds an unexpected

value to the wood when it’s reclaimed.”

“People really love the history behind

their reclaimed flooring, and often collect

pictures of the original sites and struc-

tures they came from,” explains Joe Walsh,

president of Walsh Flooring (Ridgefield,

NJ), a leading specialist in the finishing and

installation of vintage wood.

“What is interesting about reclaimed

wood is that there is usually a story behind

it, and our customers are delighted with

that,” says Hany Gerges, Senior Designer at

Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath in

New York City, a comprehensive design firm

and showroom that offers a wide variety of

high-end products and services. “It makes

a good conversation piece for guests, plus

you get the unique look of the wood and the

beauty of the application, whether flooring

or paneling or other uses.”

Kevin Conklin, project manager for

a prominent New York architect and

construction manager at Wright Builders,

adds, “One of the major influences in some

designs and motifs that we’ve undertaken

was the travel that the client had done. For

instance, they may have gone to Europe and

seen a magnificent building or even a room

such as a library and decided that the weath-

ered, aged wood was a look they wanted to

replicate in their home.”

Wright Builders specializes in high-end

residential projects in the New York and

New Jersey areas, and in a recent Manhattan

brownstone project they used hand-hewn

barn beams throughout the 12,000 sq. ft

house, as well as walls, floors and ceilings

finished in reclaimed wood.

FULFILLINg THE POSSIbILITIESWalsh, a master at wood finishing, says

that the many amazing style possibilities

of reclaimed wood include species, width

and length, texture, pattern and finish. His

firm and Wright Builders often work with

Excelsior Wood Products. From moldings

to flooring, Excelsior offers customers the

highest quality antique and vintage wood

products available, and can either source the

wood or provide milling services to design-

ers and suppliers who already have their

material.

“Excelsior is quite capable of producing

reclaimed flooring and other wood products

a wide variety of species, dimensions and

textures,” says Walsh. “And that is important,

because some customers prefer a rough

texture or dull finish, while others prefer

smooth planks with a gleaming high-gloss

finish.”

Ron Sauer, Excelsior founder and presi-

dent, says he takes great pride in his firm’s

high standards and meticulous attention to

customer preferences.

“Our wood products are about qual-

ity, we don’t mass-produce our lumber,”

says Sauer. “Each floor board has been

individually hand-picked and milled to the

customer’s specifications. We also offer a

complementary line that includes antique

wooden stair treads and moldings to match

your floors. Plus, we offer furniture-grade

In addition to a fabulous custom look, reclaimed vintage wood flooring offers a fasci-nating history. The right supplier can locate and custom-mill the species of choice, mak-ing its history an exciting part of a homeowner’s life.

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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The Flooring Contractor MagazineThe Flooring Contractor Magazine

antique lumber for other woodworking

projects.”

Achieving that quality and flexibility

requires a lot of specialized equipment,

Sauer says. Excelsior not only has that

equipment, but has also had equipment

custom built to suit his operation.

“In some cases we use wood that is not

vintage, but we want it to look that way,”

says Conklin. “Excelsior can do that for us

by using the species of choice and then mill-

ing and distressing the wood so that it looks

exactly the way we want it. They have the

equipment to do just about anything you

can ever imagine.”

bEyOND MILLwORkIn many instances, when locating an

unusual or historic supply of wood, or

matching the customer’s desires in terms of

species and style, Excelsior will scour many

countries and warehouses.

Getting the designer’s or customer’s pref-

erence in species is another challenge that

Sauer has accepted. Whether antique heart

pine, American and European chestnut,

mixed antique oak, or even rare species, he

has sourced throughout the world to find

the needed wood.

“In some instances we purchase large

volume of salvaged wood from historic sites

and then warehouse them for future orders,”

Sauer explains. “Examples of that include

old factories, sections of boardwalk, tobacco

barns, and stables.”

THE gREEN SIDEReclaiming wood for flooring is a recy-

cling procedure; hence, there is a significant

green side to the process.

“One of the surprising benefits of using

reclaimed wood is the ‘green’ appeal,” says

Hany Gerges. “This wood is so beautiful

and unique, yet some people attach much

importance to the green factor. They are

delighted that this fine wood is being reused

and not destroyed. And it is treated, making

it 100 percent biologically clean, which is

also a benefit.”

Also significant, whereas new construc-

tion typically uses wood from immature

trees, which can limit species selection and

offer less size latitude, salvaging wood from

magnificent large growth trees allows much

greater species and size latitude, and makes

use of a valuable resource that might other-

wise be used for firewood.

Another green-related benefit of reclaimed

wood flooring is that it is very easy to take

care of. Many customers simply have the

wood oiled, so it is actually much easier

to maintain than other exposed flooring,

which may require frequent cleaning and

refinishing.

affOrdable arTWOrkWhile using reclaimed vintage wood is

more expensive than everyday commercial

flooring, homeowners and designers feel

strongly that this beautiful flooring is a

worthwhile investment. The cost difference

depends on several factors, including

expenses incurred in procuring the salvaged

wood as well as the extent of the reclaiming,

finishing and installation processes.

“The cost difference probably isn’t as

much as many people would imagine,” Sauer

says. “In some cases it’s 30 percent higher

than everyday wood, but our customers

believe it’s very much worth it. Not only do

they feel that the flooring or paneling has an

added monetary as vintage quality that will

quite possibly appreciate in value, but it’s an

investment they can enjoy every day . . . that

also tells a pretty good story.”

For more information, contact Excelsior Wood Products, LLC,

401 Sawkill Road Kingston, NY 12401;

Phone: 845-339-6630; Fax: 845-339-6636;

E-mail: admin@excelsiorwood.com, or visit the web site: www.excelsiorwood.com

Ed Sullivan is a Hermosa Beach, CA-based writer. He has researched and written about

high technologies, healthcare, finance, and real estate for over 25 years.

Some of the most beautiful wood is made from restored lumber salvaged from historic structures such as buildings from heroic Civil war venues and antiquated factories.

bog oak is a special kind of reclaimed or salvaged wood that has been partially preserved within swamps or bogs. Excelsior woods can secure and mill bog oak from the U.S. and Europe.

13 :::

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

RESILIENT FLOORINg PaRTNER

FLEXCO has been in business for more than 60 years and has advanced as an industry pioneer and innovator by remaining, performance-driven, progress-oriented and partnership-minded. We take the initiative to bring you the very best flooring options available today, in doing this we strive to stay informed of all the latest technical information, testing and safety standards, industry news, trends in color and design and much more. FLEXCO takes pride in being a resilient flooring partner that has the experience, the determination and the dedication to make your flooring visions become realities. FLEXCO will continue to provide you with quality products you have come to expect and the level of service you deserve.

associate SPOTLIGHT

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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MId year 2011

IT’S TIMe!

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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MId year 2011

IT’S TIMe!

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MId year 2011

IT’S TIMe!

Tools Used by the Tilesetter

The Apprentice will be expected to be familiar with the safe and correct use of the following list of tools.

4’ level Channel locks or wire pliers 2’ level Crescent wrench Straight edge set, 2’ through 6’ Hacksaw Pointing trowel Carbide rub stone Chipping hammer Shovel Claw hammer Hoe Suction lifter Knee boards/Knee Pads Beating block Lath snips 1/4” chisel Flat trowel 1/2” chisel Hawk 3/4” chisel Mud stand Chalk line Scarifier Utility knife Drill mixer (slow speed) 100’tape measure Angle plane Cutting machine Sheet rock hole saw 24” square Hand brush, hand broom Wood folding rule Spacers (1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4”)

gUIDELINES FOR SELECTINg aND USINg NOTCHED TROwELSThe notched trowel is one of the most important and essential tools used by the tilesetter. Proper selection and use of the notched trowel is necessary to achieve the installation criteria recommended by ANSI and TCA, which will be discussed in technical detail in later sections of this course.

TCA specification methods refer the tilesetter to ANSI Specifications A 108.1, .4,.5,.6, .7,.8,.9 and.10, which describe the minimum materials and workmanship requirements for installing ce-ramic tile. As stated in the Standards, the amount of coverage or average contact with the back of the tile and the thickness of the bond coat after tiles are installed and beaten-in varies with each installation.

The ANSI specification for the selected installation method states the exact amount of coverage necessary, adding that comers of all tiles are required to be flush and level with the comers of adjacent tiles, with a minimum of 2/3 of joint depth left open for grouting.

TyPES OF TROwELSTo achieve the requirements described above, the proper notched trowel must be used.

The type of trowel used depends on several factors: the kind of setting material used, the type of tile installed, and the size of tile installed. The installer must consider each installation individu-ally, and should follow the manufacturer’s directions for the setting material being used.

The notched trowel is a measuring device and applicator which creates a “bead” or rib pattern in the setting material, giving uniform thickness and full contact with the tile after beating-in.

(continued on page 29)

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Financial

IRS INTERNaTIONaL TaX FbaR

By Lance Wallach

If you have a bank accountant, property

etc offshore the IRS is probably after you,

and you could face criminal penalties.

People, or businesses who have not

accurately reported and paid taxes on

international business structures, foreign

financial accounts, holdings and properties

are at greater risk than ever of fines and

criminal prosecution.

Soon, foreign financial institutions

will be required, among other things, to

provide information about each of their

U.S. owned or controlled accounts, disclose

information to the IRS. The new law also

imposes a punitive 30 percent withholding

tax on payments of U.S. investment income

to non-compliant foreign banks in order

to enforce new reporting requirements

on certain foreign accounts held by U.S.

taxpayers. It also increases the statute of

limitations for civil tax examinations to six

years in the case of an omission of income

from foreign sources.

The IRS has opened offices foreign

jurisdictions, and is going after those sus-

pected of non-compliance under existing

law. While many taxpayers are aware of the

danger, they choose to ignore it. Some feel

that the odds are in their favor. If they got

away with it this long, who’s to say their luck

won’t hold? Finally, because some aspects

of federal tax laws are so complicated,

some taxpayers don’t know they are not in

compliance.

A 2009 voluntary disclosure program

permitted taxpayers with undisclosed

offshore accounts and income to voluntarily

disclose them, mitigate substantial penalties

and decrease the risk of criminal prosecution.

At the same time, the Department of Justice

increased civil and criminal prosecutions

against those taxpayers not in voluntary

compliance and the Treasury Department

increased enforcement of cross-border

withholding taxes.

MaRk yOUR CaLENDaR FCICa’S 30TH aNNIVERSaRy CONVENTION

March 11–14, 2012Mulberry Inn, Savannah ga

FCICA, the flooring contractors association, announces that Convention 2012, will take place at the Mulberry Inn in Savannah, GA, March 11–14, 2012. This marks the 30th an-niversary of the association, which FCICA is proud to celebrate in 2011–2012.

FCICA will release their industry dictated educational session topics at a later date. “I have asked the education committee to focus on experiential sessions that are ‘back to the basics’,” said Gerry Swift, chairman of the board of directors for FCICA. “This means you will see more hands-on technical presen-tations and demonstrations.”

Additional highlights of the 2012 FCICA con-vention include attendees’ choice of a golf or segway tour, welcoming reception, optimal member networking, table top (vendor & manufacturer) trade shows, committee and board of directors’ meetings, a 30th anniver-sary gala, an optional pub crawl as well as an optional FCICA Adventure Day in Tybee Island.

“FCICA has become known to offer one of the best convention venues for commercial floor-ing contractors,” said Kimberly Oderkirk, Exec-utive VP. “This year will be another great one!”

about FCICa The Flooring Contractor’s Association (FCICA), a leader in the floorcovering industry, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest level of installation expertise, solutions, and opportunities to network with industry experts. Headquartered in West Bloomfield, MI, it is the commercial flooring contractors’ organization, providing its members with a unique network for problem solving, education and support, to enhance their members’ businesses and the flooring industry. FCICA currently has members in 36 states, Canada and Guam. For more informa-tion about FCICA and it programs, please contact the office at (248) 661-5015 or log onto the FCICA website at www.fcica.com.

The IRS has opened offices foreign jurisdictions, and is going after those suspected of non-compliance under existing law.

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BUSINESS

wHaT CaN bE LEaRNED FROM a MOUSE wITH bIg EaRS

1. FOCUS ON THE RIgHT STUFF aND THE MONEy wILL COME — The top

three priorities of Disneyland management

is leadership excellence, cast excellence and

guest satisfaction. The fourth priority is

financial results. The interpretation is that if

you do the first three things right, money is

a natural outcome.

2. TakE CaRE OF yOUR EMPLOyEES (CaST MEMbERS) — Disneyland has

“team centers” to serve the needs of its

employees. These centers provide insurance,

discounts, tickets, transportation services

and payroll services. The message is “be

good to your employees, and they’ll be good

to your customers.”

3. EVERybODy SHOULD DO THE “DIRTy JObS” — How many people are

there in the park sweeping up trash? Take a

guess. The right answer is an astoundingly

low number: eight. This is possible because

every employee is supposed to keep the park

clean, not just the janitors.

4. EVERybODy IS CUSTOMER SERVICE — How long do you think the

training is for the people with brooms

sweeping up the trash? — six weeks. This

is necessary because guests ask janitors

questions, so the folks with brooms must

be experts about the park. The training for

parking lot attendants can be as long as

eight weeks.

5. Pay aTTENTION TO THE DETaILS — Walt Disney himself specified the type

of trash can for the park. These cans are

currently swapped out every two years and

Disney repaints them every four months.

6. Pay aTTENTION TO EVEN MORE DETaILS — A hairdresser in the wig de-

partment takes 30–45 minutes to wash and

set the wig for Ariel. Then it takes 90–120

minutes to dry it. Finally, there’s another

30 minutes to comb it out. This is for a

wig. Most entrepreneurs don’t spend this

much time practicing their pitch for venture

capitalists.

7. MakE yOUR CUSTOMERS FEEL CLOSE aND IMPORTaNT — The build-

ings on Main Street are 5/8th scale. This is

to make people feel like they are closer to

the action and important. Most companies

erect edifices to make their customers feel

small, and their bosses feel big. Disney-

land does the opposite. Walt Disney used

to crouch down to see Disneyland from a

child’s perspective.

8. kNOw THE FaCTS — What is the

ratio of adults to kids at any given mo-

ment in the park? Believe it or not, there

are four adults for every kid. I would have

never guessed that. This has big ramifica-

tions: Disneyland can’t just be a place for

kids since kids are only 20 percent of the

customers.

9. gREEN IS gOOD — The floats

are all battery-powered. The fireworks are

launched with compressed air, not explosive

charges. The trains are bio-diesel and burn

the oil from the park’s restaurants. Currently,

80 percent of the 1.3 pounds of trash that

each guest produces per day is recycled.

9. kEEP CUSTOMERS COMINg baCk — The Star Wars inspired ride called

Star Tours has six different destinations, two

beginning scenes and three holograms. This

means that there are 54 different combina-

tions. If you’re very lucky, you can see all

the combinations in three rides — or, much

more likely, you’ll have to keep coming back

for more.

by barbara wold

“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ “— Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Barbara Wold is a street-smart, down-to-earth business speaker, presenting topics from sales and marketing to customer service and tourism. She is an international speaker who has “WOWED” over 650,000 people from all 50 of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Co-

lombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Copyright 2011. Reprinted with permission from Barbara Wold’s Retail & Consumer Tips, bwold@ix.netcom.com.

(Adapted from the article What I Learned From A Mouse With Big Ears, Guy Kawasaki Co-Founder, Alltop)

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MEMBER NEWS

LaTICRETE JUNIOR RaCE CaR DRIVER VICTORIOUS IN FRONT OF THOUSaNDS!

LATICRETE, a global manufacturer

and leader of premium installation and

finishing systems for the building

industry, is the top sponsor of junior

Connecticut driver Joey Ternullo. He is

the son of Joe Ternullo of Middletown

Ceramic Tile Company, a firm that has

been using LATICRETE materials and

methods for over 50 years. Just as

family-owned LATICRETE has been

victorious within the worldwide tile &

stone arenas, family-owned Middletown Ceramic Tile’s young race car driver has been

victorious on the racetrack. Most recently, Joey took home the checkered flag when he came

in first at Waterford Speed Bowl in Waterford, CT on September 10th. Competing against

11 other racers, driving under the lights and in front of thousands of emphatic race car fans,

this was his fifth win of the 2011 racing season.

A registered driver in the “Bandolero Division,” Joey Ternullo is currently ranked via the

approved national points system as #21 out of 138 drivers across the country in his category.

His LATICRETE #9 race car is a sleek, 750 pound vehicle which averages 70 miles per hour

during races.

“We are very proud of Joey’s performances and delighted to be his top sponsor,” stated

David A. Rothberg, LATICRETE CEO/Chairman. “Our families have known each other and

worked together for so long, it just seems like the right thing to do.”

LATICRETE International, Inc. is a US-based family-owned global manufacturer and

leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry. LATICRETE®

products are produced and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer

channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an

unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer

service. Manufactured in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers

a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of low VOC sustainable products

independently certified by GREENGUARD.

LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SpectraLOCK®, Hydro Ban® and DRYTEK® are registered

brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.

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Each newly designed website features easy navigation and improved user experience from the original corporate website.

CCa FLOORS & INTERIORS LaUNCHES NEw wEbSITES

Northern-Va based flooring and interior leader unveils four newly designed websites to serve to commercial, government and residential flooring customers worldwide

In efforts to further strengthen their presence in the commercial,

government and residential flooring industry and better serve

customers worldwide, CCA Floors & Interiors rebrands itself by

changing company name and logo that supports the recent launch

of four new websites for customers of each of their divisions: CCA

Commercial Floors & Interiors, CCA Government Floors &

Interiors, and Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home.

Each newly designed website features easy navigation and improved

user experience from the original corporate website. CCA Floors &

Interiors, located at www.ccafloors.com, provides an overview of the

organization, its leadership, and corporate divisions. Everyone from

individual homeowners to large facility managers to federal

government procurement officers can visit the corporate website

and be directed to the most appropriate division’s website for more

information. CCA Floors & Interiors also showcases their stewardship

including environmental initiatives, green office practices, green

products and LEED compliance, as well as its philanthropic activities.

Serving the flooring and interior renovation needs of corporate,

education, healthcare, hospitality, government, municipal contracts

and property management clients throughout metropolitan

Washington, D.C. area is CCA Floors & Interiors commercial

division, CCA Commercial Floors & Interiors. This newly established

website, found at www.ccafloorscommercial.com, showcases products

and services as well as markets served and green initiates. Visitors

have the opportunity to get help from a sales, service and installation

expert by requesting an online quote. They can also review a gallery

of completed CCA commercial projects and read testimonials as

well as sign-up for company and industry news via email.

CCA’s government division, CCA Government Floors & Interiors,

holds multiple Federal, State and municipal contracts and is a

recognized leader in delivering service and value to government

clientele in facilities worldwide. The new government website, www.

ccagsa.com, allows visitors to review examples of CCA’s government

projects and get valuable information pertaining to government

products, services, and contracts. For visitor’s convenience, they can

issue an online request for help sourcing contract products, receive

assistance with the design of their government project, request

professional project management services and more.

CCA Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home is CCA Floors &

Interiors residential division, available at www.alexandriacarpetone.

com. Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home is an independently

owned Carpet One franchise with a retail showroom in Alexandria,

Virginia. The easy-to-navigate website offers information on

overstock specials and monthly sales. Customers can also request a

free in-home measurement and estimate for their flooring needs.

For inspiration and ideas, customers can browse through Alexandria

Carpet One Floor & Home’s online showcase.

CCA Floors & Interiors fourth division, CCA Area Rugs & Eco

Mats, will also have a website launch coming in fall 2011. The

website will soon serve as the premier online shopping source for

custom eco-friendly entry mats and custom designed area rugs for

both commercial and government facilities. Visitors can sign-up to

receive updates by visiting www.ecorugsandmats.com.

To learn more about CCA Floors & Interiors and get more infor-

mation about the four flooring divisions, visit www.ccafloors.com.

abOUT CCa FLOORS & INTERIORSCCA Floors & Interiors was founded in 1973 by Daryl Reinke as a

cash-and-carry retail operation specializing in carpet remnants.

Today, CCA Floor & Interiors is the largest flooring dealer in the

Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. Over the

past four decades, the flooring leader had served corporate, education,

healthcare, hospitality, government and residential customers in D.C.

and around the world to feature four separate divisions: CCA

Commercial Floors & Interiors, CCA Government Floors & Interiors,

Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home, and CCA Area Rugs & Eco

Mats. Across all divisions, CCA Floors & Interiors believes in the value

of offering innovative products, providing creative solutions and,

above all, making customer services their highest priority.

For more information, visit www.ccafloors.com or call 703-370-0000.

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NEW PRODUCTS

MAPEI IntroducEs LIquId-rubbEr crAck-IsoLAtIon MEMbrAnEIn response to installer requests, MAPEI has introduced Mapelastic CI, a premixed liquid-rubber crack-isolation membrane for installation under ceramic tile or stone. This quick-drying product can be used in interior and exterior environments on res-idential or commercial projects. Mapelastic CI provides a solution for resolving po-tential in-plane cracking in concrete substrates up to 1/8 inch (3 mm). “While MA-PEI feels that the ultimate form of crack isolation is typified by sheet membranes such as our Mapeguard 2, we have recognized the market interest in roll-applied membranes and have formulated Mapelastic CI to meet those needs,” said Brian Pistulka, Business Manager for MAPEI’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems.

Mapelastic CI was developed to give some added benefits to this new entry into the roller-applied crack-isolation membrane market. It is relatively quick-drying, al-lowing tile or stone installations after 30 to 50 minutes. The membrane changes color when it is cured, making it easy for workers to see at a glance when they can proceed to the next phase of the installation. They also profit from the labor-saving steps of easily applying Mapelastic CI with a roller or brush. And, most important-ly, use of this membrane meets ANSI A118.12 requirements, preventing in-plane floor cracks up to 1/8 inch (3 mm) from transmitting through the tile or stone.

“We expect Mapelastic CI to meet the needs of many contractors working to short deadlines who want to make sure they have proper surface preparation,” Pistulka said. “By responding to our customers’ needs with innovative ideas, we feel we are demonstrating in a very ‘flexible’ way that MAPEI is technology you can build on.”

Industry’s fIrst AngLE drILL/drIvEr wIth ArtIcuLAtIng chuck

Bosch Power Tools brings to market yet another industry first with the new PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver featuring an innovative articulating head. The five position articulating head allows the chuck to move from 90 degrees to 180 degrees providing better balance and control of the tool when working in tight areas.

The PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver is the only tool in its class to include two LED lights that articulate with the chuck to effectively illuminate dark workspaces. It has a 3/8-inch auto lock chuck with simple bit replacements for a variety of applications, including any-thing from driving 3 inch screws, drilling a pilot hole, or using a inch spade bit. Significantly faster than the current competition in Lithium-Ion, the PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver has a compact size, making it small enough to reach into narrow spaces and corners. It weighs only 2.75 pounds and offers a soft grip handle for improved ergonomics and a secure grip.

The PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver features a variable speed trigger to perfectly regu-late speeds from zero to 1,300 RPMs. It offers a maximum torque of 115 inch pounds and comes standard with Boschs Electronic Cell Protection to ensure longer battery life and run time. A built-in fuel gauge makes battery management easier, allowing for continued work with fewer interruptions.

The 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver is available in 2 models. The PS11-2A includes 2 batteries, 30 minute charger, and a soft carrying case. It retails for $149. The PS11B model includes only the bare tool. Both are available through authorized retailers nationwide. To find out more or to locate a dealer, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.

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MAPEI OffErs COMMErCIAl flOOrIng rEMOdElErs lAbOr-sAvIng AltErnAtIvE

Concrete surface Preparation gets Easier and CheaperWhen it comes to remodeling commercial floors, surface preparation can be a big, time-consuming problem. MAPEI has come up with a labor-saving alternative in the form of its new series of Planiprep™ surface prepara-tion products that installers can use themselves with minimum equipment requirements.

Virtually all flooring adhesive manufacturers require a concrete subfloor to be free from any contaminant that may interfere with the bond of the floor covering to the subfloor, including residual adhesive from old flooring. These requirements generally mean flooring installers must contract for the relatively expensive shotblasting process, which can create dust and a great deal of noise. Where shotblasting is either too expensive or not ap-proved for a jobsite situation, MAPEI’s Planiprep surface preparation prod-ucts are the perfect solution.

The Flooring Contractor Magazine

Allstate floors of dC, llC Gina Colgrove 6031 Kansas Ave NW Suite 200 Washington DC 20011 Phone: (202) 291-5960 Fax: (202) 291-5963 ginacolegrove @allstatefloorsdc.com www.allstatefloorsdc.com Contractor

Concrete science Inc. Ashok Kakade 1534 B Street Hayward, CA 94541 Phone: (510) 581-2342 Fax: (510) 581-4178 info@concretescience.com www.concretescience.com Consultant

floorcraft floor Covering Debbie Hamlin 44700 Reynolds Drive Clinton Township, MI 48036 Phone: (586) 468-9900 Fax: (586) 468-0450 fcfc@mich.com www.floorcraftinc.net Contractor

High Performance subfloors, Inc. Karen Bellinger 515 Wilhite Street Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 246-0345 Fax: (256) 246-0346 kbelinger@hpsubfloors.com www.hpsubfloors.com Associate

welcome new

members

Three innovative Planiprep products work together to get the job done:

• PlaniprepAR(AdhesiveRemover)softensandliftsoldlatexadhesiveresiduesfromthe concrete subfloor.

• PlaniprepSA(ScouringAgent)eliminatesanyadhesiveremoverresidueandetchestheconcrete.

• PlaniprepET(EpoxyTreatment)capstheconcretesubfloortocontrolmoistureemissionrates and prepare the floor to accept new adhesives.

“We are always looking at ways to improve installation processes for flooring contractors,” said Jeff Johnson, Business Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. “With the Planiprep surface preparation products, we are offering a time- and labor-saving method of getting the major-ity of concrete subfloors ready for a new covering. We think contractors will see substantial benefits in using Planiprep AR, SA and ET.” These products are available from MAPEI distributors in the United States and Canada.

loba-Wakol, llC Alfred Melka 9600-B Southern Pine Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: (704) 527-5919 Fax: (704) 527-5922 Alfred.melka @loba-wakol.com www.loba-wakol.com Associate

Procedo flooring Jeremy Whipple 1401 E 6th Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Phone: (866) 955-8291 Fax: (419) 436-4302 Jeremy @procedoflooring.com www.procedoflooring.com Associate

spartan surfaces Kevin Bellinger 126 Industry Lane, Unit #4 Forest Hill, MD 21050 Phone: (800) 997-7604 Fax: (410) 838-7619 kjablon @spartansurfaces.com www.spartansurfaces.com Associate

XiA: Installation eXcellence in Action Ally Ferreira 2401 19th Street Suite 300 LIC, NY 11102 Phone: (855) 942-0942 Fax: (800) 536-7768 Ally.ferreira@xia.us.com www.xia.us.com Contractor

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industry news

qEP EMPLOyEES HONOR VETERaNS wITH ‘CELEbRaTION OF SERVICE’

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, Q.E.P. Co., Inc. employees, along with their families and friends, joined with the veterans residing at the Stand Down House to renovate several buildings and refresh the exterior landscaping. Stand Down House assists and houses homeless veterans who are struggling to return to ‘civilian’ life.

During the renovation the media room, dining room and offices of the Stand Down House were painted and more than 1,600 square feet of new flooring was laid. Outside, more than 625 linear feet of concrete edging was installed, twelve large flower beds were weeded and over 300 cubic feet of mulch added and trees were pruned. The group also joined together to replace the broken concrete stops in the parking lot and restripe the entire parking area.

Len Gould, QEP’s President, said “One of QEP’s core values is to honor those who have served our country. The Stand Down House was in need of a lot of basic repair and remodeling. This is our business and we were happy to help. It says a lot about the commitment of QEP em-ployees who volunteered to make this happen last Saturday.”

Casimiro H. Crocket, PHD, Development & Administrative Director of Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. that oversees the Stand Down House expressed the grateful appreciation of the veterans who reside at the Stand Down House. “This was an amazing transformation of our hous-ing units and property that created enthusiasm and joy in our veterans and a real expression of care and love for every veteran by QEP.”

The renovation project was a coordinated effort with The Home Depot Foundation’s “Celebration of Service” Campaign, which is in the midst of a three year veterans focus. THD Foundation shared the costs of the renovation with Q.E.P. Co., Inc.

To learn more about QEP, visit us at www.qepcorporate.com.

To learn more and see our associates in action, visit www.homedepot-foundation.org, follow us on Twitter @homedepotfdn, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

To learn more about the Stand Down House, visit us at www.standown.org.

DRITaC aPPOINTS kRIS kOLLENDa TO wESTERN REgIONaL SaLES MaNagER

DriTac Flooring Products LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Kris Kollenda to Western Regional Sales Manager.

Kollenda is responsible for sales and service to all customers in the Western Region. Kollenda has been in the flooring industry for 24 years and has a strong sales and marketing background. He has devel-oped long-lasting relationships in the flooring industry while working with manufacturers, distributors and flooring contractors.

Kollenda has worked for various manufacturers, including Shaw, Tar-kett and Pergo and has successfully built strong distribution networks for well-known flooring brands throughout the Western Region.

“Kris brings a lot of experience and industry knowledge to the DriTac team. He will undoubtedly represent DriTac with a high level of profes-sionalism. We are delighted to have Kris represent DriTac in the West-ern Region” says Chuck Hall, V.P. of Sales

DriTac Flooring Products, LLC is celebrating over 55 years as one of the oldest and most experienced manufacturers of environmentally ad-hesives for the flooring industry. DriTac adhesives are available from coast to coast through more than 100 distributors and in warehouses including: Clifton, N.J., Dalton, Ga., City of Commerce, Calif. and Dal-las, Texas. For more information, or to receive a complete products guide for all of DriTac’s adhesives and installation products for wood flooring, contact: John Lio, 60 Webro Road Clifton, N.J. 07012; Ph: 800-394-9310 ext. 243; e-mail: jlio@DriTac.com; or Web: www.DriTac.com.

Hw FLOORINg MakES DEbUT NEw COMPaNy FORMED by INDUSTRy VETERaNS

A new, dedicated sales organiza-tion that brings together some of the most experienced people in flooring distribution, HW Floor-ing LLC, has been formed. Head-

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ed by President Joel Lefkowitz, the new firm combines unparalleled expertise in wood flooring with broad regional reach and an extensive industry history.

HW Flooring LLC will distribute leading wood flooring lines to retail-ers and contractors serving the commercial and residential building markets, and high-rise developers. Prefinished manufacturers include Somerset Hardwood Flooring, Appalachian Flooring, Ark Floors, and DuChateau Floors. In addition, the company will handle unfinished flooring, as well as installation and underlayment materials such as foam, adhesive, nails and other accessories. The company’s staff will apply their experience and expertise to consult with and advise the A&D community in servicing the needs of their clients in Healthcare, Hospitality, Education, High-Rise and new home construction.

The new organization covers a wide geography including New Jersey, New York (5 boroughs), Long Island, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Duchess counties, as well as Fairfield County, Connecticut. HW Flooring LLC is an affiliate of Salesmaster Flooring Solutions (Deer Park, NY; Chicopee, MA), a leader in flooring solutions that is celebrat-ing its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Lefkowitz, formerly President of Hoboken Floors and a 30-year veteran of the wood flooring industry commented, “Experience has taught us what it takes to be successful in the wood flooring business. With our combined industry expertise and knowledge, HW Flooring LLC will provide faster, personalized service for wood floor covering retailers and contractors catering to the commercial, high rise, residential and builder marketplaces.”

Steve Kurtz, President of Salesmaster Flooring Solutions and a 30+ year industry veteran himself, commented, “We’re pleased to be part-nering with Joel and his team, and the affiliation rounds out Salesmas-ter’s product offering. Through the resources of the two companies, HW Flooring LLC has a strong, experienced management team in place and provides advantages of logistics, financial stability and su-perior customer service.”

More information: HW Flooring LLC, 303 Marcus Boulevard, Deer Park, NY 11729. 1-800-234-1717, joel@hwflooring.biz.

AmericAn HArdwoods Promotion Announces newly redesigned website

The American Hardwoods Promotion campaign, which aims to elevate American Hardwoods as the building and remodeling material of choice, has a new online home at www.HardwoodInfo.com. Named the American Hardwood Information Center, the site will serve as the official website of the cam-paign and a one-stop shop for consumers looking for design and trend information.

The American Hardwood Information Center was originally launched by the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) as the authori-tative resource for consumers seeking information about American Hardwoods. The site will continue to serve in this capacity, providing information on species selection, design trends, care and mainte-nance, installation, finishing and professional specifying of American

Hardwood products, but has been redesigned with a new look and lay-out for simplified browsing and enhanced functionality.

“This website encompasses a vast amount of industry knowledge for both consumers and professionals seeking information about Ameri-can Hardwoods,” says Linda Jovanovich, executive vice president for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, and representative of the campaign. “From expert tips and photo galleries to tools for industry professionals, the site is informational and inspirational – and we plan to add even more features in the coming months.”

The site features two main sections designed to make it easy for visi-tors to quickly find the information they are looking for: Admirers and Enthusiasts, with information for consumers and homeowners on choosing, selecting and caring for American Hardwoods, as well as an inspiration photo gallery; and Designers, Specifiers and Professionals, with information about using American Hardwoods in building and remodeling projects.

The revamped site also includes a member’s only American Hard-woods Promotion section featuring marketing and sales tools industry professionals can use to easily promote their business as an American Hardwoods manufacturer or supplier, such as a logo, brand use guide-lines, sell sheets and campaign backgrounder.

Another revised feature of the HardwoodInfo.com site is the newsroom, offering media the latest press releases, as well as information and resources relating to the American Hardwood industry. The newsroom includes an image gallery, story starters, and an information and trends page.

Other features of the site include a species guide, fun facts, insights from industry experts, and information on how to download the Ameri-can Hardwood species app for iPhones and iPads.

The American Hardwood Information Center is the authoritative re-source for consumers and professionals looking for information about American Hardwoods.

The Center’s goal is to promote the use of American Hardwoods in home and building products ranging from flooring, cabinetry and millwork to furniture and building materials. For more information on American Hardwoods, visit www.HardwoodInfo.com.

mA mAnufActuring recycler comPletes breAk-tHrougH develoPment in using Post-consumer cArPet in its Products.

SelecTech, an innovative manufacturing recycler based in Avon, MA, is poised to become a key player in the recycling of post-consumer carpeting.

viewing waste carpet as a resource

SelecTech has just completed breakthrough technical developments that now allows the company to manufacture its FreeStyle™, Selec-Tile™ and Place N’ Go™ flooring using 70% recycled materials, includ-ing 50% post-consumer carpet tile, which is generated at an esti-mated 800 million pounds per year in this country. All of SelecTech’s

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

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The Flooring Contractor Magazine

industry news

flooring products are adhesive-free, freelay, decorative floor tiles that are water-proof, easily installed, and 100% recyclable. So, not only do SelecTech’s products help to divert old flooring materials out of the landfill, they help to keep them out. The company is now utilizing more than 500,000 lbs per year of post-consumer carpet waste and projects that number to increase nearly 10-fold in 2012. The company has also just launched its products on the homedepot.com website and hopes to have them placed in the stores within the next year, which will fur-ther help to increase the reclamation of waste carpet.

Better for the Environment and Better for Your Floors

All of SelecTech’s patented flooring products utilize a unique interlock system that allows them to be installed quickly and easily, without the need for toxic and messy adhesives. They have a built-in underlayment and are flexible so they can be placed directly over old flooring, which eliminates the need for expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive floor prep. They’re also 100% water-proof, can be installed over problem subfloors, and are perfect for basements. FreeSyle™ and SelecTile™ are designed for commercial use while Place N’ Go™ is designed for residential use.

The Recycling Wave of the Future

Founded in 1994, SelecTech Inc. is a recycling solutions provider and manufacturer of high-quality products made from undesirable plas-tic waste. Utilizing high-tech innovations that effectively reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills by efficient reprocessing, SelecTech converts a negative to a positive. SelecTech is committed to delivering a high degree of satisfaction to the end-users of their products, and they are a premier provider of innovative, tangible solutions to carpet recycling. For further information, please visit www.selectechinc.com or contact SelecTech at 1-877-738-4537.

CRossvillE® ACquiREs ThE Building PRoduCTs BRAnChEs oF MAsTER TilE in TExAs And oklAhoMA, EFFECTivE iMMEdiATElY

Crossville, Inc. is pleased to announce its purchase of 10 locations of the Building Products division of Master Tile in Texas and Oklahoma. Added to its initial acquisition of Master Tile’s Eastern division loca-tions in Central Florida in November of 2010, as well as previously ac-quired distributor locations in North Carolina and Alabama, Crossville now owns a total of 21 distributor locations.

“All locations will be officially changing their names to Crossville Tile & Stone,” says Crossville CFO Dewayne Galey. “This is an exceptional plus for Crossville,” continues Galey, “as the Texas and Oklahoma mar-kets are recovering rapidly and there are great opportunities for ex-pansion and growth in these areas. It also enables Crossville to offer the best service possible to the design and construction communities.”

Galey and Master Tile COO, Roger Hawkins, jointly released a state-ment assuring Master Tile customers that the change would not affect day-to-day business and that Crossville Tile & Stone would continue to provide them with the same product offering and expert attention they have enjoyed in the past.

For more information about Crossville, contact Crossville, Inc. at 800-221-9093 or visit www.crossvilleinc.com.

ThE ClEAn TRusT ElECTs 2011-2012 BoARd oF diRECToRs

The Clean Trust (formerly The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Res-toration Certification) announced today the election of the 2011-2012 board of directors and executive committee during its mid-October meeting in Vancouver, WA.

As part of the restructuring of the board of directors approved at the April 2011 shareholders meeting, board members will now be elected on a rotating basis, with a three year term. Additionally, it was deter-mined that the board would be limited to 15 members to create and sustain strategic governance and achieve organizational excellence.

“In the strategic plan the organization adopted last April, we outlined the organization’s goals for governance moving forward. The new board structure is a result of The Clean Trust working to accomplish these goals,” said newly elected Chairman Darrell Paulson.

New board members were elected to serve a one, two or three year term to start the rotation of terms. Elected board members for the coming year are:

Serving one year: Graham Bedwell, The Rouse Company, Dan Mabe-soone, MasterCare Corp; Norman Maia, MFT National Cleaning Ser-vices, Inc.; Darrell Paulson, Advanced Restoration Specialist; and, Tony Wheelwright (retired).

Serving two years: John Downey, Downey’s Carpet Care of Granville; Pete Duncanson, ServiceMaster Clean; Lonnie McDonald, Textile Care Group Companies; Kevin Pearson, Pearson Carpet Care; and William Weigand, Legend Brands.

Serving three years: Craig Jasper, Cleaning and Restoration Institute; David Keiter, Yellow Van Cleaning Services; Patrick Moffett, Environ-mental Consulting Management & Engineering; Rodney Paulson, A1 Carpet Care; and, Hendrik (Hank) Unck (retired).

Darrell Paulson was elected Chairman of The Clean Trust board of directors. In this capacity, Paulson will also serve as Chairman of the executive committee. Additional executive committee officers elected during the meeting were: Craig Jasper, First Vice President; Pete Dun-canson, Second Vice President; Tony Wheelwright, International Vice President and Chairman of the Certification Council; Lonnie McDon-ald, Treasurer; Dan Mabesoone, Secretary; and Paul Pearce, Immedi-ate Past Chairman. Patrick Winters will continue to serve as The Clean Trust President and CEO.

“The Clean Trust thanks all outgoing board members for their years of service and helping set the organization on a strong path forward. Without their input and decisions, we would not be in the position of strength that we are today,” said Paulson. “We look forward to their continued involvement in The Clean Trust as the passion for their work is unmatched.”

For more information, please contact The Clean Trust headquarters at (360) 693-5675.

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Because the backs of vitreous tiles have a hard, smooth, surface, which prevents a good me-chanical bond from being easily obtained, they require enough mortar to grip the edges of the tile as well as the back.

V-Notched Trowels are generally used with organic adhesives. Types of tiles installed with or-ganic adhesives include: glazed wall tile, ceramic mosaics, marble tiles, and other flat-backed tiles. Organic adhesives typically are limited to walls and residential floors, since their compres-sive strength is limited. The compressive strength is the amount of downward pressure an instal-lation can withstand before the bond breaks.

Square-Notched Trowels are typically recommended for use with sanded dryset mortars, latex-portland cement mortars, and epoxy mortars. The ribs created with these materials compress easily during beat-in and give better bond and coverage. The compressive strength for these materials is higher, giving superior performance for installations beyond residential and light commercial requirements.’

U-Notched Trowels are typically recommended for use with sanded dryset mortars, latex-port-land cement mortars, and epoxy mortars. The ribs created with these materials compress easily during beat-in and give better bond and coverage. The compressive strength for these materials is higher, giving superior performance for installations beyond residential and light commercial requirements.

bOND COaT aPPLICaTIONThe bond coat is always applied to the substrate with the flat side of the trowel, “keyed-in” in or-der to obtain the best possible mechanical bond. The material is then combed in one direction with a notched trowel of a sufficient size to result in the ANSI requirement after beat-in of 3/32” to 1/8” for latex portland cement and epoxy mortar, or 1/32” for organic adhesives. When individual tiles are set in with a pressing and twisting motion, additional mechanical bond is created to the back sides of the tiles. The bonding material must be thick enough to permit a level surface after beat-in. No lippage or high comers are allowed. The minimum required cover-age on backs of tiles is 80% (optimal is I 00%). Before grouting, remove at least three tiles to verify that this coverage has been achieved.

aCHIEVINg FULL COVERagE aND bONDDeeper-notched trowels may be needed to obtain the required coverage on button-backed, uneven, “rustic” or hand-molded tiles. A rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the more uneven the back of the tile is, the deeper the notch should be. With some tiles, it may be necessary to “back-butter,” or spread a layer of setting material on the back of each individual tile.

It is also important to set the tile before the setting material has “skimmed over,” or while it is still “open.” To test whether the material is “open,” place your finger on setting material which has been spread on the substrate. If material comes off on your finger, it is still fresh and will bond to the tile. If material does not come off, remove it and replace with a fresh coat. When spreading setting material, be careful not to spread an area too large to be tiled before “skimmed-over” occurs.

The preceding was an expert from the FCICA’s

Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program Book.

CONTINUED FROM PagE 29

Safety Book: Members: $105; Nonmembers: $140

Safety is at the forefront of every contractor on the job site. In order to support our floor covering contractors in this area, FCICA, the flooring contractors association, has created the book “Start with Safety” A Safety Program for Flooring Contractors. The book includes 52 tabs for safety talk material and forms to fill out at the job site for any safety related incidents. Available in both English and Spanish.

White and Black Polo ShirtS: $38.50 to $44.50

Show off your true colors with an FCICA official logo short sleeved polo! Lightweight and durable, these polo shirts are perfect for meetings, as well as on the job. Show a unified front, and order some for your whole team! Available in either black or white.

fcica hat: $18

The FCICA official logo hat is perfect for those sunny days! It can be worn anywhere to let everyone know that you are a proud member of the FCICA. It makes a great accessory for the whole crew!

fit Program: $799

FCICA proudly announces the Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program. Featuring training programs for the installation of Carpet, Resilient and Tile flooring, the FIT Program is a must have for anyone planning on employee training. The three year FIT subscription includes: Instructor’s Manuals for the Carpet, Resilient and Tile programs, plans for stair mockups, Instructor’s video tapes, TCA Handbook, Student guide books (set of 10) for the Carpet, Resilient and Tile Programs, carpet layout exercise, certificates of completion, student wallet cards, and tool box stickers.

floor Wiz meaSuring tool: $8

Make measuring easier for those scale drawings with the handy Floor Wiz Measuring Tool! Made out of heavy plastic, the Floor Wiz has grids in both 1/4 and 1/8 inch scale. It also has a built-in ruler, and 45-degree angle tool.

Pattern carPet Video: $49.95

FCICA in conjunction with the Floorcovering Installation Training Program (FIT) Presents “Direct Glue Down Pattern Installation.” This video is an overview and is intended to serve as an orientation to correct procedures of pattern matching in carpet, not as a complete training program. The video covers many topics including: Installation Conditions, Floor Preparation, Pattern Match Policy, Pattern Bow, Pattern Skewing, Trueness of Edge, Pattern Run Off or Repeat Variation.

fcica logo mouSe Pad: $8

Your FCICA Logo Mouse Pad is more than just another mouse pad. When plugged into a USB port on a computer, it lights up with blue LED lights. It is also a 4 port USB hub. The FCICA Logo Mouse Pad works with both traditional mice and optical mice.

StrategieS for Small BuSineSSeS: $29.95

Nationally renowned authors, Dr. Bart Basi and Lance Wallach have collaborated together to produce an outstanding book for small business owners. Experts in their fields, they give their readers information on protecting assets, IRS secrets, insurance, and many other tax-related issues. As an added bonus, purchasers of this book are entitled to a free phone consultation with the authors!

tile flooring reference manual: $95

The FIT Tile Flooring reference manual is a part of the FIT Tile installation training program, and is an excellent reference tool for salespeople, specifiers, inspectors and installers. This guide contains the proper guidelines for tile floor covering installation, and can be used in addition to with other industry standards such as ASTM Standards and Manufacturer’s installation guides.

reSilient flooring reference manual: $95

The FIT Resilient Flooring reference manual is a part of the FIT Resilient installation training program, and is an excellent reference tool for salespeople, specifiers, inspectors and installers. This guide contains the proper guidelines for resilient floor covering installation, and can be used in addition to with other industry standards such as ASTM Standards and Manufacturer’s installation guides.

fcica tool Box Sticker: $13

Proudly display you FCICA membership anywhere with these versatile stickers! Perfect for advertising, these stickers can be placed anywhere. Available in sets of 5.

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long SleeVed dreSS Shirt: $40 to $42

Grab your FCICA official logo long sleeved black dress shirt! These shirts are perfect for that more formal meeting, and let everyone know that you are a member of the FCICA. They Feature a button down collar for men, and tailored fit for the ladies.

TERMS EXPIRING 2013

TERMS EXPIRING 2012

ChaIRMaNGerry SwiftMike’s Flooring Companies4425 Brookfield Corporate Dr, #300Chantilly, VA 20151Office: (703) 802–3485 x 7055Fax: (703) 802-3490Cellular: (703) 929-1445E-mail: gswift@mikesfloorco.com

VICE ChaIRMaNBruce ReeveFlooring Services, Inc 12815 Wayne RoadLivonia, MI 48150Office: (734) 522-2622Fax: (734) 522-2488Cellular: (810) 499-4900E-mail: breeve@flooringservices-inc.com

SECRETaRy/TREaSuRERMike RobertsBonitz Flooring Group5801 Middlebrook PikeKnoxville, TN 37921Office: (865) 588-3630Fax: (865) 584-1452Cellular: (865) 389-6737 E-mail: mikeroberts@bonitz.com

VICE ChaIRMaN Of aSSOCIaTESRalph FryeMats, Inc.37 Shuman AveStoughton, MA 02072Office: (800) 628-7462 x 225Fax: (781) 344-1537Cellular: (781) 964-5374 E-mail: rfrye@matsinc.com

IMMEdIaTE PaST ChaIRMaNChristopher CapobiancoChristopher Collaborative IncOne South Ocean Ave, Suite 205APatchogue, NY 11772Office: (631) 617-5059Fax: (866) 329-6297Cellular: (631) 275-6494E-mail: Christopher@ccili.com

EXECuTIVE VICE PRESIdENT Kimberly E. OderkirkFCICA7439 Millwood DriveWest Bloomfield, MI 48322Office: (248) 661-5015Fax: (248) 661-5018Toll Free: 877-TO-FCICA (877-86-32422)Home: (248) 788-9125Cellular: (248) 388-4605E-mail: keo@fcica.com

Madeleine BaylessRFMS3073 Palisades CourtTuscaloosa, AL 35405(800) 701-7367 X 3241(888) 216-5730 faxmbayless@rfms.com

Sim CrislerLGM & Associates125 Taylor Len DriveLaGrange, GA 30240(706) 333-1525(706) 884-8524 faxscrisler@charter.net

Brent FikeFLEXCO1401 E 6TH StTuscumbia, AL 35674(256) 200-0433(205) 449-8031 faxbfike@flexcofloors.com

fCICa BOaRd Of dIRECTORS

fCICa EXECuTIVE BOaRd MEMBERS 2011–2012

GOLd SPONSORS

Jose OrtizAllstate Floors and Construction2 East Wells Street, Suite 3Baltimore, MD 21230(410) 327-6400(410) 327-1004 faxjoseortiz@allstatefloors.com

Jeanne MatsonStarNet Worldwide Partnership20 Homestead RoadDarien CT 06820(800) 787-6381(203) 353-9521 faxJeanne@starnetflooring.com

Tom PopeW F Taylor Co., Inc.3601 Highway 41 SDalton, GA 30721(706) 277-9767(706) 277-3521 faxtpope@wftaylor.com

TERMS EXPIRING 2014

Burtco Enterprises

high Performance Subfloors

Laticrete

Michael halebian & Co

nora systems Inc

Spartan Surfaces

StarNet Worldwide Commercial flooring

Tek Stil Concepts

W f Taylor

Cathy PanagakosHelmitin Adhesives4 Creenwood AvenueGreenville, SC 29615(864) 380-1162(864) 609-9190 faxc.panagakos@helmitinadhesives.com

Les LippertLippert Tile CompanyN89 W14260 Patrita DriveMenomonee Falls, WI 53051(262) 437-9300(262) 437-9695 faxLesl@lipperttile.com

Bobby DiltzBreegle Building Products2213 Grant StWichita Falls, TX 76309(940) 322-3129(940) 322-3414 faxbobby@breegle.com

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