Making payroll, hiring to fill an open position, marketing to reach new customers. Often, these were not the tasks you most wanted to take on when starting your own business. It was the freedom to build a business your way, surrounding yourself with good people, clients, and wood flooring projects that scratched your creative itch.
Whether I am at the NWFA Expo, schools, or other industry events, I keep hearing from our members that they want more guidance on how to run their companies successfully. NWFA wants to answer that call.
This issue of Hardwood Floors magazine is focused on helping you grow your business. Some of our industry’s brightest success stories are sharing their best advice starting on page 40. From knowing when to add team members to maintaining growth once you experience it, they are sharing real life knowledge you can draw from because they have been there and understand what you are going through.
The cover story also includes input from Doug Howard with Growth Team Strategies. Doug regularly shares his expertise with NWFA members in Hardwood Floors magazine and at the NWFA Expo. Also, be sure to read Lynette Watson’s “Know Before You Grow” article on page 30. A regular presenter at NWFA’s last two fall events, Watson is an attendee favorite because she has a knack for making a room full of people understand even the most overwhelming finance topics.
It just so happens that both Lynette and Doug will be presenting again at this year’s fall event. The name has changed to the NWFA Business Workshop; however, it builds on the foundation of the former Leadership Development Summit while expanding the focus. Taking place October 28-29 in St. Louis, Missouri, the event will provide practical tools and growth strategies for business owners and professionals at every stage.
If you were with us for last year’s Real Answers Small Business Workshop, this is not a repeat of what you have already learned. This year, we’ll take things to the next level with fresh perspectives, deeper insights, and a focus on a variety of critical business skills. Topics will include the state of the wood flooring industry, managing employees, business growth, profitability, technology/AI, and more.
Throughout the day, participants will use interactive workbooks, applying the concepts and strategies they are learning directly to their own businesses in real time. You’ll experience industry-led presentations, expert panels, and collaborative discussions, while building practical tools and strategies you can put into action immediately. The workshop will conclude with a dedicated session to help you turn everything you’ve learned into a focused, achievable 90-day action plan.
The workshop also has built in time for networking during an open house at the NWFA headquarters. This reception provides an opportunity to connect or reconnect with industry friends, peers, and leaders. You’ll have the chance to talk with others about what is going well at their companies and maybe even find a solution for what is keeping you up at night.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, build lasting relationships, and take your business to the next level. REGISTER TODAY @ NWFA.ORG
