Introducing the 2023 Hardwood Floors Magazine 40 Under 40

Meet 40 industry professionals under 40 who are helping to determine the future of the wood flooring industry. These individuals are today’s movers and shakers already setting the pace for tomorrow.

Your industry peers in the spotlight are outstanding men and women whose career accomplishments have moved them to the forefront. Their professional track records have helped establish them as some of today’s brightest stars – before their 40th birthday.

Read on to learn more about them.

1. Logan Allen
VP
Allen Sports Floors
Holliday, TX

Since 2017, Logan Allen has served as the VP and partner at Allen Sports Floors LLC. There, he focuses primarily on floor designs and marketing, even using his creativity to make drone videos of completed projects to showcase the art that goes into gymnasium floors.

Earlier this year, ASF Graphics was launched to complement the company’s existing flooring business, extending services into vehicle wraps, signage, and graphics. Allen hopes to see more young professionals take an interest in sports flooring. He says the potential for innovation and creativity is enormous and believes that fresh perspectives and youthful energy are vital ingredients for the next wave of industry advancements.

Allen was involved with creating the American Sports Builders Association, has been a Little League baseball coach, and has worked with the local Special Olympics. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

2. Ashley Amidon
Executive Director
International Wood Products Association
Alexandria, VA

Ashley Amidon serves as the executive director of the International Wood Products Association (IWPA). Before her promotion, she was the organization’s lobbyist and political action committee (PAC) director, but her goal was always to one day become the executive director.

Amidon is pushing IWPA to further engage in advocacy on Capitol Hill and completed the organization’s fall fly-in event in September. She also wants IWPA to lead the way in industry compliance education via a $1.2 million grant to bring the IWPA training to all industries covered by the Lacey Act and continue to build acceptance and demand in North America for globally sourced wood products from sustainably managed forests.

Amidon is very active in her local theatre community. She is a founder and producer of the New Voices Play Series at the Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA), where she served on the board. She also acts, directs, and produces plays.

3. Kyle Battles
Franchisee
Footprints Floors of Chicago
Chicago, IL

As the owner and operator of Footprints Floors Chicago, Kyle Battles has completed projects in every neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Now, his business has expanded into the North Shore and other neighboring suburbs in the Chicagoland area.

Exciting projects the team completed this year include installing almost 2,000 square feet of hardwood in a penthouse condo overlooking Wrigley Field and refinishing an end grain hardwood floor in the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Backed by his dependable hardwood flooring crews, Battles has shown growth yearly in total revenue and bottom line while continuing to handle sales, project management, and financial operations independently.

Battles sponsors a new local sports team every season. He and his family recently welcomed their second son to the family, and they spend their free time exploring local parks, pools, the zoo, and nature preserves.

4. Allison Bowring
Owner/Client Relations
RippnFinish
Kansas City, MO

Since joining RippnFinish full-time in 2021, Allison Bowring’s impact has been evident in the increase in sales by more than $1 million and a surge of 41 five-star Google reviews. Her efforts also realigned the brand’s focus toward improved communication and coordination for both clients and contractors.

Bowring is co-owner of the business with her husband, Travis Bowring. RippnFinish was the recipient of the 2023 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year award in the Best in Historic Restoration category for a project that included flooring material sourced from the Jim Beam Distillery being installed in a refurbished warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri.

Under Bowring’s influence, the company started a noble initiative, donating $100 from each project’s profits to local non-profit organizations. With a rotating selection of recipients dedicated to kids, pets, veterans, and other causes, the company already has contributed more than $12,000 to the community.

5. Vito Brattin
Management/Team Leader
SVB Wood Floors
Grandview, MO

Vito Brattin was brought up in the industry, starting in the warehouse at SVB Wood Floors. From there, he went on to field finishing and eventually made his way into the office. Around that time, he began college for business management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City while also working for the family business.

While his office duties started in bookkeeping, they quickly evolved into working directly with manufacturers, creating pricing product calculators, and creating a tried selection process in the showroom. On top of that, he recently took on the marketing and development role for sales.

Brattin enjoys being a part of industry associations and is involved in the local chapters of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and Home Builders Association. He is an NWFA Certified Sales Advisor and serves on the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.

6. Lenel Brown
Marketing Communications Manager
Bostik Inc.
Wauwatosa, WI

Within her 10-year tenure at Bostik, Lenel Brown has received three promotions and two internal company awards, including MVP of the Year in 2014. She has contributed to and executed several major marketing campaigns, competitions, and special events, including growing ProRewards enrollment by 150 percent. She continues to support the industry and her co-workers with innovative ideas for training and marketing.

Brown is a member of Bostik Friends (a volunteer group comprised of employees and friends) and has volunteered more than 400 hours since 2013, impacting various Southeastern Wisconsin non-profit community groups. She continues as a Wisconsin Southeastern Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, International Women’s Fraternity, and received outstanding alumnae awards. She also serves as a campus relations advisor and event planning advisor and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University.

7. Elizabeth Caldarera
Co-Owner/Vice President
Ron-Del Floor Service
Harahan, LA

As a third-generation owner of Ron-Del Floor Service, it’s no surprise that Elizabeth Caldarera spent many days of her childhood there. She ultimately earned her cosmetology license and had a hair salon next door, not knowing she would return to the family business one day. Now, she handles the accounting, billing, payroll, and more.

There is great pride for Caldarera in continuing the legacy of her grandfather, Ronald Steele, Sr. Her goal is to promote education on the business side of the wood flooring industry, as well as to be an advocate for women in the trade. Additionally, it is spreading the word that trades are needed and are a good career path to provide for a family.

Caldarera serves on the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council and is excited to welcome the NWFA Expo to her home area of New Orleans in 2024. The mom of three is very involved with her kids’ sports teams and choir activities and has helped with blood drives and cancer fundraising.

8. Chantal Callahan
Board of Directors
WW Flooring Group/Kennebec Lumber Company
Syracuse, NY

Chantal Callahan has been the marketing manager for Kennebec Lumber Company since 2014 and joined the board of directors for its partner company, WW Flooring Group, in 2019. Throughout that time, she has been instrumental in establishing marketing and digital strategies for those companies that have helped the brand grow in the United States. She also has taken lead roles in product development and sales to establish Maine Traditions Flooring into a leading brand recognized for quality.

Callahan earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Southern Maine. She enjoys attending community events with her family and regularly supports local and small businesses. She has volunteered in the Disability Service Center, for the American Red Cross, and Rotary International and leads participation in several community events such as Trunk or Treat and the Holiday Stroll Parade.

9. Kindl Chewning
General Manager
Bethlehem Floor Supply
Bethlehem, GA

For Kindl Chewning, the wood flooring industry runs in the family. She started as an installer and sand and finisher at her father’s company, Southern Woods. Two years ago, she took over her mother’s distribution business, Bethlehem Floor Supply.

Being in distribution has allowed Chewning to learn about various products quickly and provided the opportunity to work on unique jobs with contractors. She says working with, as well as educating, flooring contractors and general contractors is very rewarding. She hopes to help create a stronger flooring community in the local area and provide support so that everyone can thrive in the craft.

In her spare time, Chewning is working to complete the remodel of her home. She has volunteered at a homeless shelter and assisted with a flagship after-school education program designed to help working-class parents.

10. Nick Coates
Operations Manager
Galleher
San Jose, CA

As part of the Galleher team for a decade, Nick Coates has worked to significantly improve Galleher’s daily operations by implementing efficient processes and streamlining workflows. Those around Coates say his strategic decision-making and innovative approaches have led to cost savings and increased productivity within the company. His dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in elevating the performance and overall success of the business.

Founded in 1937, Galleher is one of the largest wholesale wood flooring distributors in the United States. Coates says he strives to consistently provide customers with the “wow factor” that helps separate the company from its competitors.

Coates is the father of two young children and looks forward to raising them to be a part of his family’s fifth generation of successful flooring professionals.

11. Francisco De La Rosa
Operations Director
RIVA Spain
Miami, FL

Francisco De La Rosa is an accomplished industrial engineer with a strong focus on management and project optimization. With a background in supplier negotiation and direction, he joined RIVA Spain in 2020 and played a pivotal role in the initial phases of development.

As operations director, De La Rosa leads a team overseeing inventory control, material forecasting, warehousing, logistics, merchandising planning, cost management, and supplier organization. His ability to excel in demanding environments and drive success makes him a notable achiever. One example was developing and building RIVA’s three-story booth at The International Surfaces Event (TISE) in 2023, which was awarded “Best Booth.”

De La Rosa has a strong commitment to community service. He has volunteered at elder residences, offering companionship, assisting with cleaning, cooking, and engaging in recreational activities. Additionally, he cares for the environment and participates in activities such as beach clean-ups on Miami Beach.

12. David Derr, Jr.
Treasurer
Derr Flooring Co.
Willow Grove, PA

After graduating from La Salle University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in business administration, David Derr, Jr. joined Derr Flooring Co. in 2014. He started as an assistant controller in the credit department and quickly gained more responsibility, moving through the credit department.

Currently, Derr is the company’s treasurer and is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA). He also serves on the Derr Flooring Co. Scholarship Committee, which grants two scholarships to the children of Derr employees going to college the following fall.

For the past five years, he and his wife have fostered numerous animals through their local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). By opening their home to these animals, they were able to remove them from the stress of the shelter and assist in finding their forever homes.

13. John Derr
Safety Director
Derr Flooring Co.
Willow Grove, PA

John Derr’s time with Derr Flooring Co. began in the warehouse as a forklift operator during his summers off from college. He moved into a full-time role in 2018, working in logistics, credits, and now as safety director. In this position, he handles the company’s certified safety committee, insurance policies and claims, and ensures all details of buildings and vehicles are up to code and operate safely. He also is responsible for buying underlayment paper products.

Derr leads the charge for Derr Flooring Co.’s involvement in the community. He oversees donations and sponsorships to various charities, schools, and organizations. Derr Flooring Co. was recognized by the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce as the business of the year in 2023, and he was honored to accept the award on behalf of the company.

14. Jesse Dow
Outside Sales Representative
Horizon Forest Products
Manchester, NH

Jesse Dow became proficient in installing, sanding, and finishing hardwood flooring while working at Trinity Custom Hardwood Floors. He then moved into general home construction for several years. In 2023, Dow joined Horizon Forest Products during the company’s acquisition of Wood Pro Inc.

His advanced education and years in the trade lent to establishing and developing the Horizon North “Manchester United” Outside Sales team. The team has a record of 13 “Branch of The Month” awards, two “Top Gun” Awards, and both the 2022 “Prefinished Branch of The Year” and “Branch of The Year” awards.

Dow is a proud husband and father of five who has contributed his time and education to the local community. He also has been a humanities teacher, athletic director, and director of faith formation, where he helped establish athletic and faith formation programs and organized curriculums, fundraisers, substitute teaching, and youth group trips and retreats.

15. Mike Frilund
Tech Services Manager, Western Canada
Metropolitan Floors
Vancouver, BC

Mike Frilund is a Canadian Union Certified Floor Layer with more than 20 years of flooring installation experience. He worked as a union installer for four years, then started his own business to hone his craft as an expert floor leveler and glue-down technician with an eye for detail. He is very experienced in high-end residential settings and commercial jobs.

Having joined Metropolitan in 2021, Frilund primarily looks after claims and warranties, product knowledge and testing, and also manages the quality control department in Delta, British Columbia. He is an NWFA Certified Installer, Certified Wood Flooring Inspector, and a certified inspector with the Institute for Floor Covering Inspectors International (IFCII).

Frilund recently volunteered at an NWFA hands-on school and looks forward to doing so regularly in the future. As he enjoys running, golf, and playing soccer, he is a volunteer youth soccer coach in the community.

16. Casandra Guthrie
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Choices Wholesale Flooring Solutions
Albuquerque, NM

Casandra Guthrie has worked in the hard surface flooring industry since she was 16. After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2017, she became the IT manager and product knowledge expert at Choices Wholesale Flooring Solutions.

Her significant accomplishments include developing new ways for clients to access daily pricing, inventory, and training schedules online, in turn eliminating hard copy distribution. The company’s website now provides URL access for clients to view the most current manufacturers’ catalogs and technical information from their desks.

Guthrie is active in the Women in Construction New Mexico (WICNM) organization, which raises money for various charities and collects school supplies and clothes for children in need. The WICNM philanthropy committee plans and coordinates charity drives for worthy causes to which the membership donates money, woman power, and goods.

17. Bo Herwynen
Technical and Marketing Manager
Herwynen Sawmill Ltd.
Rockwood, ON

Superior Hardwood Flooring by Herwynen Sawmill Ltd. is a family-operated hardwood flooring manufacturer specializing in prefinished solid and engineered hardwood floors. Bo Herwynen has been working there for 17 years. He started by sweeping the shop floors and stickering lumber and worked his way through multiple positions to earn his current role in management. He credits those experiences as the reason why he greatly respects and admires the hard work that goes into making a beautiful wood floor.

Herwynen is an NWFA Certified Sales Advisor and is an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector. He also has spent time as a volunteer firefighter in the town where their manufacturing plant is located. There is a good reason for doing so. Years ago, one of the kilns caught fire at their sawmill, so he wanted to give back to the community the same way the firefighters who helped his family that day did.

18. Lee Hoggard
Director of Sales East
AHF Products
Mountville, PA

Since entering the floor covering industry in 2013, Lee Hoggard has been able to oversee growth at every level. He joined AHF Products in 2019 and helped launch the company’s direct sales team. Seen as a top performer for AHF, Hoggard has overseen considerable growth, focusing on forging partnerships with top 100 retail, multi-family, commercial, and specialty retail customer bases.

That hard work has paid off, as Hoggard was promoted earlier this year to director of sales, overseeing Eastern U.S. distribution. His main responsibility now is to manage the distribution business, including some of AHF’s largest customers.

His passion outside of flooring is to help youth and the community by way of golf and other sports. Hoggard volunteers on the board of an American Junior Golf Association tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, as well as donates his time to coach youth sports in the area.

19. Jacqueline Jaime
Marketing Manager
Galleher Company dba Trinity Hardwood Distributors
Dallas, TX

Entering the hardwood flooring industry in early 2020, Jaqueline Jaime has led all marketing efforts for Trinity Hardwood Distributors. This includes a company-wide rebrand, social media, and streamlining sales operations with new cloud and mobile-friendly technology. During the company’s recent acquisition by Galleher, Jaime was promoted to assist the company president in his daily communications and served as a liaison between teams.

Jaime has served as a member of Junior League of America and was awarded by the 82nd Airborne Association for going above and beyond the call of duty for her community service efforts. She has brought that spirit of service into the organization through fundraisers and introducing annual donations to Habitat for Humanity. Outside work, she donated her marketing services to the Dallas Elf Society, which gathers gifts, groceries, and back-to-school supplies for local kids.

20. Shelly Jerman
Co-Owner
Rustic Wood Floor Supply
Boise, ID

Shelly Jerman manages the Boise, Idaho, location of Rustic Wood Floor Supply while doing all of the marketing, vendor relations, and business management for it and a second location in Spokane, Washington. Customers and vendors have found her to be a great ally in their business. They say she is a great resource for products and provides valuable information about product lines so contractors can make informed decisions.

Due to the success and growth of the flooring company, Jerman felt compelled to move into the distribution market. She is described as changing the local market by creating a higher level of customer service experience, and specializing in product offerings that meet the market’s needs.

Jerman is a board member of the PTO for her son’s school and holds the co-chair position for the teacher appreciation committee, ensuring teachers know how valued they are.

21. Thomas Junker
President/Owner
McKinney Hardwood Flooring
McKinney, TX

Tommy Junker’s career began with Armstrong, and he quickly rose through the ranks by being well-versed across multiple categories within manufacturing and distribution. He was a product manager at STC Floors and grew his business significantly during his tenure.

Since opening his own retail flooring store, Junker has exceeded his goals two years in a row. He acquired and grew the business to more than $1 million in sales revenue annually. The business has been servicing McKinney and the surrounding area for nearly 20 years.

Junker and his wife, Lauren, recently adopted two children to add to their two biological children. She was a neonatal nurse, so young children have always pulled on the couple’s heartstrings. He sponsors local schools and is a member of the NWFA, National Association of Home Builders, and the school PTO. He also is active in his community with Indian Guides, volunteering to better the community.

22. Jesse King
Owner/Operator
Home Roots Hardwood Flooring
Durango, CO

The COVID-19 pandemic left Jesse King without a job in 2020. Luckily, he was introduced to the wood flooring industry and found he had a natural talent. After a few years of honing his craft, King launched his own business. Home Roots Hardwood Flooring works with homeowners and local contractors, and there is a showroom to display products.

Home Roots Hardwood Flooring was voted as a “Best New Business” for the Best of Durango and La Plata Magazine. It is a true family business as his wife, Hunter, now works full-time for the company, helping with scheduling, accounting, managing inventory, marketing, and more.

In King’s time off, he shares his woodworking knowledge through internships and creates items such as cutting boards, tables, and pens. His family also gives back to
their greater community by taking treats to their local first responders.

23. Deanna Kraus
Project Manager
Artistic Flooring
Virginia Beach, VA

Starting as a sales representative, Deanna Kraus quickly found other avenues to be creative at Artistic Flooring. In addition to establishing solid relationships with sales reps and creating engaging social content, Kraus also gained hands-on experience in sanding, refinishing, new product demonstrations, floor prep, and floor installations. Additionally, she efficiently managed manufacturer claims, obtained a contractor’s license, and a Small, Women-owned, or Minority-owned business (SWAM) certification for the company.

She also played a pivotal role in driving sales, securing client financing options, successfully revising invoicing and estimating take-offs, integrating payment portals, overseeing payroll, operations, renovating the showroom, and contributing to the company’s prestigious COVA Best of Beach 2023 award.

Kraus has made a positive impact beyond her professional responsibilities by participating in the Mayflower Marathon Holiday Food Drive and securing the free supply and installation of a new floor for a wounded Army veteran.

24. Austen Kreie
Outside Sales
Lägler North America
Denver, CO

As part of the Lägler team since 2020, Austen Kreie is responsible for educating and demonstrating the best uses for the company’s machines in a classroom setting. He takes pride in his relationships with contractors and distributors alike and travels all across the country (and to Germany) on a regular basis to make sure those relationships are maintained, as well as to keep up on the industry guidelines and sanding procedures.

Colleagues say Kreie is easy to work with, and even if he doesn’t have an answer for you right away, he guarantees he’ll get you one. His drive for excellence is balanced by his humility and willingness to learn. Despite his achievements, he remains open to new ideas and perspectives, consistently seeking ways to refine his approach and make a broader impact.

Outside of the office, Kreie has helped with NWFA-sponsored projects and is also an umpire for youth baseball leagues.

25. Reid Lambright
President
Lambright Flooring
Charlotte, MI

The leadership of Reid Lambright has propelled Lambright Flooring from its roots as a local flooring contractor to a prominent wood flooring manufacturer. Under his guidance, the company has gained acclaim for its ability to produce custom wood flooring and stair treads that perfectly match. Clients appreciate the design possibilities offered by the incorporation of brass inlays into custom patterns. They say Lambright’s passion for innovation and craftsmanship truly sets the company apart.

Lambright is proud to be a member of the NWFA’s Emerging Leaders Council. Above all, he treasures his faith and roles as a husband and as a father to both a son and a daughter. Dedicated to making a positive impact, he actively engages in his church and community because he believes in the importance of giving back and fostering connections among neighbors and friends.

26. David Lauzon, Jr.
VP Sales and Customer Experience
Lauzon Hardwood Flooring
Papineauville, Quebec

Growing up in the flooring industry, David Lauzon, Jr. became involved in the family business, Lauzon Hardwood Flooring, at a young age. He started off installing wood flooring during the summer seasons and then transitioning into sales. Once he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he oversaw Western Canada’s operations for seven years.

Lauzon has worked his way through the ranks, and he is now VP of sales and customer experience. Colleagues say his receptive mindset, team-oriented leadership, and strong dedication to delivering exceptional products and services have a resonating positive influence throughout his entire team.

Lauzon also is involved within his community by providing support, leadership, contributions, and activities to local youth programs and community events. He is a member of the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.

27. Lygia Linardi
Owner
Bespoke Floors
Norwalk, CT

For 20 years, Lygia Linardi has been working with architects, contractors, designers, and homeowners on custom and antique flooring projects mainly in the tri-state area. She started her career as a secretary for a wood flooring company in New York, and quickly learned the trade. She then ended up managing that company’s showroom for the next decade.

After a long run working as a showroom and project manager, she made the decision to open Bespoke Floors in 2019. While starting the business at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, she has gone from showcasing samples from the trunk of her car to opening up a modern store front showroom.

Every year, Linardi raises money for food donations for underprivileged children in Brazil and for wheelchair donations to families in need. Colleagues are inspired by her commitment to making a positive impact both within her state and her native country.

28. Jason Long
Inside Sales
Horizon Forest Products
Derry, NH

Jason Long started in the industry at a young age as a flooring installer/finisher working for Olde Tyme Craftsmen in New Hampshire alongside veteran New England pros like Ron Charpentier and Andy Mitchell. Combining his floor work with his college studies, Long went on to manage crews and a flooring showroom, where he caught the attention of the wholesale distribution team at Wood Pro Inc.

As an inside sales team member and budding technical consultant, he joined Wood Pro during their acquisition under Horizon Forest Products and has been an integral part of Horizon’s North Division “Manchester United” team. His contributions to the New Hampshire branch have contributed to 13 “Branch of The Month” awards, two “Top Gun” awards, and both “Prefinished Branch of The Year” and “Branch of The Year” honors for 2022.

Long has traveled home and abroad and raised funds and awareness to support research for Multiple Sclerosis.

29. Marissa Meltzer
Sales Associate/Social Media Manager
Unique Hardwood Inc.
Costa Mesa, CA

Given her upbringing in the industry, it only seems natural for Marissa Meltzer to have a profound understanding of the business. She uses these talents in her current role to sell hardwood and manage Unique Hardwood’s social media presence.

Meltzer is described as embodying the company’s core values by consistently providing exceptional service to clients, whether collaborating with interior designers or assisting homeowners. She believes in taking the time to thoroughly explain products and the value they bring to projects.

Despite being a full-time student pursuing her third degree in architectural design during the evenings, Meltzer dedicates her time to work with the LaBelle Foundation, an animal rescue organization in Los Angeles. Her commitment to helping animals was evident in her decision to adopt the company’s mascot, Carmela Soprano, from that very organization.

30. Helen Altamirano Perez
Owner
Sinbad the Enchanted Floors
Marietta, GA

Helen Altamirano Perez’s path to the wood flooring industry is an inspiring one. Born and raised in Nicaragua, she studied at the University Centroamericana in Managua, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Then, at 22, she packed up her dreams and moved to the United States.

To overcome the language barrier, Perez enrolled in an English for speakers of other languages class. Eventually, she joined her brother, Jose, in Georgia, where he invited her to work with him on flooring projects to earn extra money on her days off. It was then she discovered her love of working with hardwood floors. After gaining more experience, she moved on to her next goal of opening her own flooring company, Sinbad the Enchanted Floors.

In a predominantly male industry, Perez hopes to encourage more women to open their own businesses and empower more immigrants to become entrepreneurs. She enjoys giving back to the community via food drives for the homeless and supporting breast cancer awareness.

31. Noe Perez
President
North Texas Modern Flooring
McKinney, TX

Installing wood flooring since the age of 16, Noe Perez opened North Texas Modern Flooring in 2012. Throughout his career, he has invested in education, as he is a Bona Certified Craftsman, an NWFA Certified Installation Professional and Certified Sand & Finish Professional, and he is working toward becoming an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector.

Perez’s wood flooring company has become the go-to for many commercial companies such as Barnes and Noble and Ace Hardware in Texas. He is also a general contractor and is experienced in water restoration, cabinets, full home remodels, and other trades.

Noe has four children and coaches soccer teams in the community. He also donates money and clothes to local schools for other children needing soccer uniforms and equipment, and volunteers at his church.

32. Jamie Potvin
Inside Sales/Marketing
Ponders Hollow Custom Wood Flooring and Millwork
Westfield, MA

Jamie Potvin joined Ponders Hollow Custom Wood Flooring and Millwork in 2020. While she started as a receptionist and to help grow the company’s social media presence, Potvin quickly realized she wanted to be in sales. Now, she has taken over all inside sales and has helped to grow Ponders on an internet platform.

Potvin always wants to continue learning and pushing herself to be better at her job every day. She recently attended an NWFA Basic Installation class in New York City to gain a better understanding of what installers are working on and questions they could have as they look to purchase floors.

Outside of work, Potvin has a strong passion for helping to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has dedicated a lot of time to caring for family members who battled the neurodegenerative disease.

33. Eduardo Reyes
Franchisee
Footprints Floors of North San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Before his career with Footprints Floors, Eduardo Reyes was a financial sales advisor for a large bank. While transitioning from the financial industry to the flooring industry was a significant shift, his finance experience proved valuable. It honed Reyes’ attention to detail and customer satisfaction skills and instilled a strong sense of financial responsibility, ensuring that clients receive both quality service and value for their investment.

At the time, Reyes was the youngest franchisee for Footprints Floors. He says working in wood flooring pushed him to cultivate skills he never thought he’d possess at this stage of life. That led to having the chance to install new flooring throughout the oldest and largest atmospheric theater in San Antonio, The Majestic Theater.

Along with his wife, Reyes is involved in organizing charity drives for underprivileged children in their hometowns and participating in clean-ups of Texas beaches.

34. Paul Rezuke, Jr.
Sales Manager
Wickham Hardwood
Wickham, Quebec

Since joining Wickham Hardwood Flooring three years ago as a sales representative, Paul Rezuke, Jr. has grown his business by nearly 100 percent. In his current role, Rezuke is responsible for providing sales support to distributors and retailers, and assists with marketing and conducting product trainings. He also is working toward becoming an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector.

Rezuke graduated from Coastal Carolina University where he studied professional golf management and business management. He worked as an assistant golf professional at several golf courses, including Pinehurst, TPC Sawgrass, and Thorny Lea Golf Club. He maintains the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)’s Class A professional status.

Rezuke supports various organizations such as the “Why Me/Sherry’s House” organization, which provides support to families who have a child with cancer. The organization means a lot to him, so he runs the Falmouth Road Race and fundraises for the organization on an annual basis.

35. Robby Robinson
Owner
Robinson Hardwood and Homes
Bellingham, WA

In 2022, Robby Robinson purchased Robinson Hardwood and Homes, a business his parents began 30 years ago. He started working there at the age of 15, growing into the skilled tradesperson and manager he is today. Under his ownership, Robinson Hardwood received Bellingham Alive!’s Best of the Northwest Reader’s Choice Award for best flooring contractor.

Robinson has served as the leader of the men’s ministry at his church, where they participate in community service. Additionally, with the help of his team of skilled tradespeople, he transformed a local non-profit into a safe and inviting space to serve the public. He regularly offers up his weekends to help others, and it remains his top priority to care for his team like family and to give customers high-quality floors they’ll love for years to come.

36. Brandon Shidlowski
Senior Director of Strategy
Leap Tools/Roomvo
Toronto, ON

In October 2019, Brandon Shidlowski started the dealer team at Roomvo, a visualization technology that allows shoppers to see how flooring will look in their homes before purchasing. He has since grown Roomvo’s user base to more than 5,000 retailers worldwide. He has helped launch significant initiatives like the Roomvo Partners Program, enabling more than 100 suppliers to provide visualization for free to their retailers in addition to Roomvo Sites, websites purpose-built for the flooring industry.

He continues to form strategic partnerships to further solidify Roomvo’s space in the industry. He also hosts a bi-monthly webinar for flooring retailers so they can learn more about the industry, improve their business/sales, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Passionate about helping small businesses succeed, Shidlowski regularly participates in webinars to share knowledge with flooring retailers. He has also supported shedding light on the installation crisis the industry is facing.

37. Jake Stadler
Market Manager – Hardwood and Soft Flooring Systems
Bostik Inc.
Wauwatosa, WI

Jake Stadler has been in the construction industry for nearly 15 years and has spent the last four with Bostik. As the market manager for hardwood and soft flooring systems, colleagues say he is focused on further establishing the brand as a market leader within the industry. In his tenure, he has been instrumental in multiple award-winning product launches.

Supporting contractors, architects, installers, clients, and co-workers, Stadler conducts multiple webinars and in-person training sessions annually and actively contributes to industry blogs. His passion is creating innovative product solutions that make life easier for hardwood flooring installers. Outside of work, Stadler enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and rescue dogs. His family donates to charities that are meaningful to them. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in marketing.

38. Brittany Stout
Multifamily Business Development Manager, Builder Specialist, and Designer
Touch of Color Flooring
Pittsburgh, PA

Brittany Stout is the multifamily business development manager, builder specialist, and designer at the Pittsburgh branch of Touch of Color Flooring. She is described as an innovator, carving out a name for herself in an industry that is largely filled with men. Her work ethic and dedication to customer service places customer needs as a top priority, and the solutions she delivers impact more than merely aesthetics and design.

Locally, Stout is known to say yes to nearly every opportunity to support a charitable cause. She also chooses to volunteer to help people in remote tribes across the world. Her favorite experience was traveling to Fiji to build walkways and teach in the local schools. Missions that address hunger, homelessness, foster and adoption, and women’s issues are closest to her heart, and she leads the way for new philanthropic opportunities through Touch of Color Flooring.

39. Cody Thompson
Project Estimator/General Contractor Liaison
Woodwright Hardwood Floors
Dallas, TX

Cody Thompson joined the Woodwright Team as an estimator, doing takeoffs and preparing bids for commercial projects with wood floors, walls, and stairs. He quickly caught on and promptly was promoted to general contractor (GC) liaison. In this role, he is responsible for building strong relationships with commercial GCs, and colleagues say he has impacted the company’s bid-to-close ratio significantly. He prides himself on his work and sees value in the collaboration of a project with their esteemed GCs.

Thompson graduated from Collin College with an associate of science and has a background in remodeling, construction, finish coatings, and estimating. He supports and initiates fundraisers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He also helps lead Woodwright’s annual food drive and supports local Future Farmers of America (FFA) participants through guidance and leadership. In his spare time, he can be found fishing, hunting, and enjoying time with family.

40. Vartan Yesayan
Vice President
L’Univers du Plancher
Montreal, Quebec

Vartan Yesayan is a third-generation flooring installer. Over the years, his expertise has led to the successful installation of countless flooring projects, each marked by precision and attention to detail. Yesayan is committed to professional growth and staying up to date with industry standards, as demonstrated by his certifications. Those include being an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector, Certified Installation Professional, Certified Sand and Finish Professional, and a Bona Certified Craftsman. Additionally, he has expanded by opening a flooring showroom.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Yesayan has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and personal well-being. His passion for the outdoors and exercise is evident through his participation in a community running group. Every Saturday, he is part of a group that runs a 5K distance, showcasing his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle and fostering connections within the community.