NWFA Wood Talk

A Conversation with Mark Scheller of Scheller Hardwood Floors

A Conversation with Mark Whatley

Brett Miller chats with Mark Whatley, Operations Manager, at Amber Flooring

Hardwood Flooring Inspecting with Billy Simmons of ITAC International

Brett Miller and Billy Simmons discuss the role of the hardwood flooring inspector, the process of becoming an NWFA Certified Inspector, the challenges inspectors face on the job, and more.

A Conversation with Hank Adams, Director of Manufacturing for Bison Hardwood

Brett Miller chats with Hank Adams, Director of Manufacturing for Bison Hardwood.

A Conversation with Tom Bodett

Brett Miller chats with writer, voice actor, and HatchSpace founder and president Tom Bodett.  They discuss Bodett's career, which includes his work as the voice of Motel 6, and how his passion for woodworking lead to the creation of HatchSpace, which was conceived as a gathering place to support fine woodworking.

A Conversation with Odie's Oil

Brett Miller is joined by James, Tracy, and Michael Tinghitella of Odie’s Oil to discuss the company's founding, its products, and more.

A Conversation with Paul Nelson of Western Sports Floors

Brett Miller is joined by Paul Nelson, founder and operations manager of Western Sports Floors and Wyoming Wood Floors, to discuss the gym floor side of the hardwood flooring industry.

A Conversation with David Watson of Grand Parkett

Brett Miller chats with David Watson of Grand Parkett in Liverpool, England.  They discuss Watson's history in the hardwood flooring industry, similarities and differences between the wood flooring market in the United States and the United Kingdom, and more.

A Conversation with Daniel Moore of Antique Floors

Brett Miller sits down with Daniel Moore, an experienced professional from Antique Floors, to discuss his long-standing career in the hardwood flooring industry. They delve into Daniel's expertise with reclaimed wood, his work in historical buildings, and the challenges and expectations that come with it. This podcast episode offers valuable insights and firsthand experiences, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the hardwood flooring industry.

A Conversation with Jacob Durham and Megan Sherman from Loba-Wakol

Join Brett Miller as he chats with Jacob Durham and Megan Sherman from Loba-Wakol during a break at an NWFA hands-on training event. They discuss their history in the wood flooring industry, their unique partnership as a couple, the importance of industry engagement through hands-on events, and more. 

A Conversation with Willie Short

Brett Miller and NWFA Regional Instructor Willie Short of Willie James Quality Flooring discuss his background, experiences as a hardwood flooring inspector, failures over concrete slabs, the importance of floor prep, working with crawlspaces, and more.

NWFA Expo Symposium Preview with Gene Wengert, aka The Wood Doctor

Brett Miller and Gene Wengert, aka The Wood Doctor, discuss the upcoming  Pre-Expo Symposium: Stump the Wood Doctor with Dr. Eugene Wengert.  Gain the knowledge you can use daily to be a better hardwood flooring installer, learn how moisture impacts wood flooring, and discover hidden factors that can affect your bottom line. https://www.nwfaexpo.org/NWFA2023/Public/SessionDetails.aspx?FromPage=Sessions.aspx&SessionID=482&SessionDateID=32

A Conversation with John Alford

Brett Miller is joined by John Alford, who is an NWFA Regional Instructor and owner of Alford's Custom Hardwood Floors, located in Loveland, Ohio.

A Conversation with Robert Pelletier of Pacific Hardwood

Brett Miller and Robert Pelletier, Owner, and CEO of Pacific Hardwood, discuss his company, its recent involvement with the NWFA's Engineered Wood Flooring Refinishable Program, the importance of sustainability, and more.

A Subflooring Conversation with Paigh Bumgarner and Jaime Perkins

Brett Miller chats with Paigh Bumgarner, Product Manager for Advantech, and Jaime Perkins, Perkins Builder Brothers. They discuss subflooring systems, testing, and subsequent advancements that the OSB industry has engaged in, how the wood panel industry has engaged with the wood flooring industry, unique wood flooring installations, and more.  

A Conversation with Steven Suntup of Elastilon USA

In this sponsored episode of the NWFA Wood Talk podcast, Brett Miller chats with Steven Suntup of Elastilon USA about his product, a peel-and-stick underlayment installation system.

A Conversation with Norman Kaswell of Kaswell Flooring Systems

Brett Miller chats with Norman Kaswell, a second-generation owner of Kaswell Flooring Systems, about the history and future of end grain flooring in commercial and residential applications. They also discuss tips on installation, finishes, fillers, and long-term care of this unique cut of wood flooring. 

A Conversation with Greg Mihaich of Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives

Brett Miller chats with Greg Mihaich, an application engineer for Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives.  In this role, he works in the professional floor sanding and DIY/Contractor markets on new product development, testing, and training. A second-generation wood flooring contractor, Mihaich has been active with NWFA, serving as an instructor at schools and assisting with updates to NWFA’s Sand and Finish Guidelines.

A Conversation with Tim Nassis of Woodchuck Flooring

Brett Miller and Tim Nassis of Woodchuck Flooring in Toronto, Canada discuss his company’s business model and more.  This podcast is sponsored  by Woodchuck Flooring.

A Conversation with Mike Somodean of MSCS Inc.

Brett Miller and Mike Somodean of MSCS Inc. discuss the value of education, what it means to be credentialed in the wood flooring industry, and the responsibilities you carry as a qualified professional in your market.

A Conversation with City Floor Supply

Brett Miller and staff from City Floor Supply, including owners Mike and Joe Glavin, as well as Caran Baxter, and Amanda Fox-Rouch discuss distribution in today’s wood flooring industry. They talk about changes in today’s distribution business, the economic climate, supply chain issues, the importance of keeping in front of their customers through different marketing strategies, their annual nailing competition, the importance of training, and some of the continuous challenges distributors f...

A Conversation with Damian Bush of Berger-Seidle America

Brett Miller and Damian Bush, Technical Sales Advisor for Berger-Seidle America, discuss his background in the industry, installation differences in dry climates, and more.

A Conversation with Damian Bush of Berger-Seidle America

Brett Miller and Damian Bush, Technical Sales Advisor for Berger-Seidle America, discuss his background in the industry, installation differences in dry climates, and more.

A Conversation with Jared Fitzgerald

Jared Fitzgerald of Southern Oaks Flooring in Nashville, TN, talks with Brett about his career path in and through the wood flooring industry, the unspoken values of collaborating with other professionals to stay motivated, the importance of education, and what to expect with Spanish classes and technical publications through NWFA. 

A Conversation with Russ Watts of Lägler/Palo Duro

Brett Miller and Russ Watts discuss the science of sanding, changes in customer expectations, how finishing furniture differs from flooring, the meaning of 'sand job topography' in relation to wood flooring, equipment maintenance, upcoming equipment maintenance class hosted at Lägler’s facility, and more.

A Conversation with Alex Korbut and Chris Yates

Brett Miller is joined by wood flooring professionals Alex Korbut and Chris Yates to discuss their experiences in Ukraine and how they are participating in relief efforts. Korbut discusses his experiences in Ukraine since the war began. And Chris Yates discusses  his efforts to assist refugees.

A Conversation with Alex Korbut and Chris Yates

Brett Miller is joined by wood flooring professionals Alex Korbut and Chris Yates to discuss their experiences in Ukraine and how they are participating in relief efforts. Korbut discusses his experiences in Ukraine since the war began. And Chris Yates discusses  his efforts to assist refugees.

A Conversation with Joe Rocco of Artistic Floors by Design

Wood Talk welcomes Joe Rocco of Artistic Floors by Design. Brett and Joe discuss Joe's background in the wood flooring industry, how he went from being an employee to building his business, the importance of investing in employee education, the purpose of NWFA Certification, finding artistic inspiration, Wood Floor of the Year projects, and more.

NWFA Expo 2022 - A Conversation with Alfred Melka, Michael Fischer, and Ashley Carter of Loba-Wakol, LLC

Recorded at the 2022 NWFA Expo on Wednesday, April 13th,  Brett Miller and Michael Martin are joined by Alfred Melka, Michael Fischer, and Ashley Carter of Loba-Wakol, LLC on the day of Loba's 100th anniversary.  They discuss the company and its culture and philosophy, the importance of education, the future of the company, and more.

NWFA Expo 2022 - A Conversation with Alfred Melka, Michael Fischer, and Ashley Carter of Loba-Wakol, LLC

Recorded at the 2022 NWFA Expo on Wednesday, April 13th,  Brett Miller and Michael Martin are joined by Alfred Melka, Michael Fischer, and Ashley Carter of Loba-Wakol, LLC on the day of Loba's 100th anniversary.  They discuss the company and its culture and philosophy, the importance of education, the future of the company, and more.

A Conversation with Andrew St. James

The guest on this week's Wood Talk episode is Andrew St. James. Andrew holds a Ph.D. in Physics and is a wood science enthusiast who is an independent consultant in the wood flooring industry. Andrew consults for manufacturers such as Goodwin Heart Pine, as well as others. In this discussion, Brett and Andrew talk about the relationship between relative humidity, temperature, and the moisture content of wood. 

A Conversation with John Yarema - Defining Your Niche

Brett Miller and John Yarema discus Yarema's path into the hardwood flooring industry, and the upcoming presentation on Tuesday, April 12, at the Pre-Expo Symposium - Define Your Niche and Tap Into a Million Dollar Market. https://www.nwfaexpo.org/NWFA2022/Public/Content.aspx?ID=2251

A Conversation with Kjell Nymark

Brett and Kjell discuss the NWFA Certified Professional program in depth. They discuss what the word certification truly means, the differences between professional certifications, product certifications, certificates of completion, other types of certificates, and more.

A Conversation with the NWFA Regional Instructors

Brett Miller kicks off 2022 with a group discussion with the NWFA Regional Instructors as they prepare for the year ahead at their annual meeting at NWFA headquarters.

A Conversation with James Toal of Loba-Wakol

Brett Miller and James Toal of Loba-Wakol discuss his history in the industry, theories on the sanding process, finishes, and the importance of education...

A Conversation with Daniel Boone

Brett Miller is joined by Daniel Boone, Training Manager at American Sanders. Brett and Daniel discuss the history of industry training, the importance of mentors, sanding tips and tricks, unsung industry veterans who have shaped the hardwood flooring industry, and more.

A Conversation with Kayleen McCabe

Brett Miller is joined by Kayleen McCabe, general contractor, TV host, and trades advocate, to discuss apprenticeship, the importance of inspiring the next generation to get involved in the trades, and more.

A Conversation with Bryan Park of Footprints Floors - Part II

Brett Miller chats with Footprints Floors owner, Bryan Park. They discuss being a businessman versus being a craftsman and how to understand your market. Park also talks about understanding the vital role margins play in the success of your business.

NWFA Inspector School - How Becoming an NWFA Certified Inspector Can Benefit Your Career

Join Brett Miller as he talks with several students at the recent NWFA Wood Floor Inspector school. This school happens once each year and takes a heavy commitment from each of the students who attend. This five-day in-person course has been developed to prepare wood flooring professionals to earn the NWFA CWFI credential. Training involves learning about the inspector's role, their legal responsibilities, identification of wood flooring problems, testing methods, tools, report writing, and ...

A Conversation with Bryan Park of Footprints Floors

Brett Miller chats with Footprints Floors owner, Bryan Park. They discuss the importance of honing your sales skills and how they translate into company growth, how he took a leap of faith and started his business, his recent educational partnership with the NWFA, and more. 

A Conversation with Jason Goldberg, Founder and CEO of America's Floor Source

Brett Miller chats with Jason Goldberg, founder and CEO of America's Floor Source. They discuss the labor crisis, addressing the shortage of qualified workers in the flooring industry, how trade associations should be playing a vital role, and combining forces to put trainers on the street to bring new installers to the trade. They also talk about the importance of investing in training, his passion for training for the wide variety of employees under his supervision, and the process he uses...

Wood Floor of the Year - Best Staircase - With Czar Floors & Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association

Brett Miller chats with Edward Tsvilik of Czar Floors and Terra Erb and John Wonderly from the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Czar Floors' winning entry, click here.

Humidity, Hardwood, and Homes - Protect the Air You Breathe and Floor Underneath Your Feet

Brett Miller is joined by Joseph Hillenmeyer from Aprilaire, and Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. to discuss an upcoming webinar on how humidity impacts wood flooring.  The  free webinar will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 11:00 AM CDT.   Register now at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5569924012807502351

Humidity, Hardwood, and Homes - Protect the Air You Breathe and Floor Underneath Your Feet

Brett Miller is joined by Joseph Hillenmeyer from Aprilaire, and Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. to discuss an upcoming webinar on how humidity impacts wood flooring.  The  free webinar will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 11:00 AM CDT.   Register now at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5569924012807502351

A Conversation with Steve Seabaugh

Brett Miller chats with Steve Seabaugh. They discuss his beginnings working with wood flooring, overcoming adversity, the biggest changes he's seen in the hardwood flooring industry, and more.

A Conversation with Denny Hickman of Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring

Brett Miller and Denny Hickman of Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring discuss moisture content, kiln-drying, the performance of live-sawn wood, common and uncommon issues caused by improper drying, and more. 

A Conversation with Tom Ourada of Ourada Designs

Brett Miller chats with Tom Ourada about his beginnings working with wood flooring, his passion for finding unique flooring material, his recent multiple 2021 Wood Floor of the Year Awards, including Best in Marquetry/Inlay, Circle/Curved Application, and Members' Choice, the importance of positive self-talk, and more.

A Conversation with Todd McDonald of Maple Ridge Handscraped

Brett Miller and Todd McDonald of Maple Ridge Handscraped discuss what it means to be a part of the hardwood flooring industry, why taking care of your health is important, hardwood flooring industry legends who made marks on his career, and more.

A Conversation with Todd McDonald of Maple Ridge Hardscraped

Brett Miller and Todd McDonald of Maple Ridge Handscraped discuss what it means to be a part of the hardwood flooring industry, why taking care of your health is important, hardwood flooring industry legends who made marks on his career, and more.

A Conversation with Marc Schulz of Lägler North America

Brett Miller and Marc Schulz discuss Marc's path in the hardwood flooring industry, his unique perspective on sanding theory, and the importance of attending educational courses to enhance skills.