Schönox HPS North America Hosts 2 Days to CIM Florence and Regional Meeting Florence

The Flooring Contractors Association is excited to announce it held a 2 Days to CIM training event where nine flooring professionals became Certified Installation Managers (CIMs).

Long-term FCICA member and supporter, Schönox HPS North America, hosted the training at their headquarters in Florence, Alabama Wednesday and Thursday, December 4 - 5.

Nine flooring industry professionals, who came from across the country to Florence, earned their CIM designation after 2 days of intensive instruction and assessments. FCICA board members and CIMs, Don Styka, Tarkett and Scott McDonald, Lansing Tile & Mosaic, served as CIM mentors. Board member, Shane Jenkins, Schönox, was our gracious site host. The training event provided the candidates a supportive, in-person group learning experience and professional industry camaraderie.

The Schönox facility provided an ideal site and location to conduct the training. At the conclusion of the first day of training, Schönox hosted the group for a celebratory evening dinner at a local restaurant. FCICA is especially grateful to the Schönox team for hosting the group and for their generous support and assistance.

FCICA is pleased to recognize its newest CIMs. Congratulations to the following flooring professionals who completed their Certified Installation Manager (CIM) training. 

John Augustine, Chattanooga Flooring Center

Ben Bylsma, Covington Flooring Company, Inc.

Luke Carney, Chattanooga Flooring Center

Jason Henderson, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers

Brian Lord, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers

Mario Perrucci, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers

Greg Roseman, Dalene Flooring

Anthony Sanmartin, Dalene Flooring

Joe Walker, Covington Flooring Company, Inc.

The Friday following 2 Days to CIM was the Regional Meeting Florence. The Regional Meeting was open to all industry professionals, both current FCICA members, as well as nonmembers. Participation in the event was free.

The one-day event opened with an introduction to FCICA, its mission, benefits and how to leverage those benefits to improve one's business. Introductions were followed by the first session, presented by Don Styka, CIM, Director of Field Services, Tarkett:

Education Session - A Luxury Vinyl Tile & Plank Walk-Through - Prior to the Tarkett Plant tour, we will review the ASTM Standard, product construction, proper installation and a variety of product uses. This session will help to better understand one of the most popular flooring products in the world today.

Immediately following the first presentation, attendees were invited to tour the Tarkett Luxury Vinyl Plant where they learned and viewed the vinyl creation process from design concept to finished product.

Prior to the lunch break, attendees were treated to view the vast car collection at the Trissl Sports Car Showroom. The two afternoon sessions followed. Shane Jenkins, Senior Technical Coordinator, Schönox and Cari McCanless, Business Development Support Manager, Küberit USA, LLC presented:

Education Session - Why Prep? From the Everyday to the Extreme - Every floor covering installation requires awareness, knowledge, and skill. Regardless of the final floor covering, floor surface preparation is the first and most important step for the installation of any flooring. If not properly prepped problems can arise including uneven surfaces, poor adherence, cracks, holes, and more. Before proceeding with your next installation review some basic preparation 'whys' that should be followed and several questions to factor.

Product Presentation Featuring Kuberit - In a world of design and architecture, even the smallest details do not go unnoticed. They are desired by the professional installer, architect, designer, and end user. As one of the only manufacturers supplying transitions for every flooring category, Kuberit is an innovator of the flooring world. Made with an eye for perfection and manufactured for residential as well as heavy commercial use, Kuberit provides the perfect transition solution for every flooring project. With Kuberit, the attention is in the details, providing aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully designed solutions to complement and enhance the overall style of any space.

FCICA is grateful to member Schönox and their team for their generous hospitality and to Tarkett for opening their production facility and for underwriting the event. Their support and event facilitation allowed the event to happen. 

The Regional Meeting Florence is the 8th such meeting FCICA has held. Previous regional meetings were held in Carlstadt, NJ (April 2024) Stockton, CA (February 2024), Baltimore, MD (October 2023), Suwanee, GA (August 2023), Wayland, MI (November 2022), Baltimore, MD (May 2022), Atlanta, GA (April 2021) Suwanee, GA (August 2023). The meetings are part of FCICA’s regional outreach efforts to engage current members and introduce the association to nonmembers.

FCICA is interested in holding additional 2 Days to CIM training events and Regional Meetings in 2025. If you are interested in participating or hosting at your facility, please contact Catherine Church, FCICA Executive Director.