Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS) has added flooring industry veteran Paul Sneed to its instructional team. Sneed will make his FCITS debut August 20–21 in San Antonio, Texas, leading the organization’s Rigid Core Technical Certification course. Sneed brings more than 43 years of experience with Shaw Industries, where he held leadership roles including…
The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has promoted Freida Staten to Chief Operating Officer (COO), expanding her leadership responsibilities across the association and its affiliated organizations. Staten most recently served as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, where she led the association’s marketing, communications, branding, and strategic initiatives. In her new role, she will partner closely…
The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) will present a new three-part interactive series on artificial intelligence through its GROW professional development program, giving members practical guidance for using AI more effectively in their businesses. Led by Aaron Welch, Founder and CEO of Peritix Technology Advisors, the Hiring AI Webinar Series approaches AI much like a…
The World Floor Covering Association’s (WFCA) Step Up Tour has completed its first three stops, highlighting member businesses whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to the industry exemplify the strength of independent flooring retailers. The first three visits—to Sunshine Interiors in Lakeland, Florida; Jabara’s Home Services in Wichita, Kansas; and Carpet Exchange in Denver, Colorado—reflect the…
Professional education in flooring installation, inspection, moisture testing, and failure prevention. As flooring products, installation methods, and manufacturer requirements continue to evolve, ongoing education is essential for reducing installation failures and improving project outcomes. Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS), a division of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), has announced a series of…
Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI), in collaboration with the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), has opened registration for the next cohort of the SEAL (Seeking Excellence as Leaders) Training and Certification Program. Running virtually from August through November 2026, the program combines self-paced learning with monthly cohort meetings to help women in flooring strengthen…
Reduce Callbacks. Protect Profit. The Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS) program will host its Preventing Rigid Core Flooring Failures training on July 14-15, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. The course will provide flooring professionals with practical tools to identify risks early, improve decision-making, and reduce costly claims and callbacks. As rigid core flooring continues…
Industry leader helped advance merger efforts that led to the creation of the World Floor Covering Association. The floor covering and restoration industry has lost one of its most enduring, influential, and beloved figures with the passing of Dennis Blake, CFE, founder of Better Floors & Restorations, former chairman of the Western Floor Covering Association,…
Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) has awarded more than $41,000 in scholarships to 14 women across the flooring industry pursuing education and career growth opportunities, furthering WIFI’s mission to attract, educate, and empower women in flooring. Continuing that focus on professional growth and connection, WIFI will also host Coffee & Conversation during Chicago Design…
Forum Highlights National Collaboration to Strengthen Flooring Workforce Development and Career Pathways The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) hosted its Workforce Development Forum today at the Shaw Design Center in Dalton, Georgia, bringing together flooring industry leaders, educators, policymakers, media representatives, workforce development partners, and students to discuss the future of workforce development within the…
Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) has announced the 2026 Synergy Convention & Expo will take place November 10–12, 2026, at the Marriott Chattanooga Downtown. The annual event, presented in partnership with FCICA and FCITS, will bring together flooring installation professionals, contractors, inspectors, manufacturers, distributors, and other industry leaders from across the country for three days of…
Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) has announced new appointments to its Advisory Board, welcoming three industry professionals to the board while recognizing outgoing members for their service and leadership. New board appointees include: Current Advisory Board Members CFI also recognized outgoing board members Bruce Gentry (Mohawk Commercial), Joe Cea (Congoleum), and John Apodaca (Cutrate Flooring) for…