By Jeremy Waldorf, Legacy Floors, Howell, Michigan
Being a member of the NWFA means that I am not only independently certified as a craftsman in my trade, but also that I have unlimited resources whenever I need them. The most powerful resource for me is the community. The NWFA is full of wood flooring geniuses (as the t-shirt promises!) – Mike Dittmer, Wayne Lee, Lenny Hall, Brett Miller, Dick Olesen, the list goes on and on. There are so many professionals involved with the NWFA who are always willing to share their passion for the trade and teach others how to be better at what they do.
I’ve seen so many people in the NWFA go above and beyond the call of duty to help students achieve their goals and take their trade to the next level. It’s so inspiring to see the industry’s finest be so generous with their knowledge. You can’t put a price tag on that.
The NWFA has greatly impacted my business, especially through my education. Whether it’s through other craftsmen in the trade, hands-on schools, or online courses through NWFA University, I’m always growing my skillset and learning new things. Recently, a client called me from Northern Ohio (I live in Michigan) and asked me about my NWFA badges. She recognized the value and significance of my continued education and readily hired me for the job.
I’ve had many accomplishments in my career since joining NWFA but I recently completed my Inspector Certification, in the same year that I received my Installation Certification and completed all levels on hands-on training. This was a huge accomplishment, both personally and professional. Having these qualifications will allow me to do so much more with my business. I was also featured in Hardwood Floors magazine recently which was a great honor.
Working in the hardwood industry has given me a great sense of accomplishment. It’s been an honest and respectable way to make a good living for myself and my family. It’s unique to be able to earn a living using my craft as an art, it is very satisfying.