Floor Academy - Helping flooring, tile and stone contractors own an asset

Kyle Hedin - Speaker, Mastermind Facilitator, Writer, Content Creator, Business Therapist, and Contractor

Floor Academy is a podcast hosted by Kyle Hedin that provides small business information and guidance to flooring, tile and stone contractors on how to build a successful and sustainable business. The podcast aims to help contractors move from owning a job to owning an asset, by providing insights and strategies related to management, entrepreneurship, and networking.

Floor Academy covers a range of topics related to flooring, tile and stone business management, including small business advertising, paid traffic, and organic traffic. The podcast also provides information on promotional marketing, LLC setup, simple small business management, and networking strategies.

The podcast aims to help carpet, tile, stone, hardwood, floating floor, and many more types of contractors develop a deep understanding of business management, including effective networking and entrepreneurship strategies, which are crucial to achieving long-term success in the flooring industry. By discussing various topics related to small business management, such as finance, operations, marketing, sales, human resources, branding, advertising, interviewing, taxes, company structures, and more the podcast provides valuable insights to help flooring, tile and stone contractors become successful business owners by answering the question how do i market my small business.

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Mindset Coaching and Conferences - Kathy Case - Quantify North America
1w ago
Mindset Coaching and Conferences - Kathy Case - Quantify North America
We all know that when we look in the mirror, we need to admit we are our biggest problem. Most of us won't do it and place blame on outside circumstances instead of owning what is right in front of us. We may even read a book on mindset or go to a weekend conference and be fired up after completing the course. However, most of us never continue to do the work, and the real change only happens when you are consistent and experience hard times. How do you get to a place where you can maintain growth, be comfortable being uncomfortable, and confronting your fears or headtrash?Kathy Case is the Director of Business Development for Quantify North America, a company that handles takeoff bids for commercial companies. With a family history that hit 100 years in 2023 she is no stranger to the commercial construction industry. Since 1979 she has been an estimator, installer, project manager, sales, and executive management. In the last 3 years she has really been able to make some moves that changed her life and business. In 2020 she dove into the self development world when Tony Robbins offered his first virtual event and she hasn't looked back since staying actively involved in his programs.Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Kathy and I discuss what motivated the participation, why she hasn't quit and why she wishes she would have taken this step sooner.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Lead Management and Rehash - JR Pentolino - Design Windows and Doors
Sep 6 2023
Lead Management and Rehash - JR Pentolino - Design Windows and Doors
I called back my client twice and texted them but they didn't respond. I think I am going to move on. This is what I do and it's a horrible way to run your small business. I know this is what a lot of you do. How many leads were not ready to close yet, how many leads needed a little more info they never got, how many leads can't find your info 12 months later when they are ready. Not everyone wants to buy right NOW!JR Pentolino owns and operates Design Windows and Doors in Ontario, CA. With 21 employees he is not only the visionary behind the company at this point but also the sales manager. On track to do 5 million in revenue this year with a goal of 6 million, it's no small operation anymore. JR has found a passion for lead management and knows how important it is to the success of his business. Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we discuss what a buying cycle looks like, why you need clients on a drip campaign, and how to rehash leads from the "dead". All of these tools will help your top line revenue grow and keep your schedule filled up. Don't miss your opportunity to set your business apart from the competition.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Making Flooring Sexy - National Installer of the Year Competition - Paul Treanor and Beth Miller - TISE and Floor Covering Installer Magazine
Aug 30 2023
Making Flooring Sexy - National Installer of the Year Competition - Paul Treanor and Beth Miller - TISE and Floor Covering Installer Magazine
Tradespeople in general are a proud bunch. How could you not be when you spend time building things that make the world go 'round. Your communities just would not function without you. What better way to let that pride show through than putting egos up against each other to see who will be the best install in the country?The National Installer of the Year Competition was revived in 2019 at the annual International Surfaces Event in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has spent the last few years not only growing in popularity at the show, but also in what is required to hold it. From a handful of entries to having to hold regional competitions to whittle down the competitors, the competition only continues to grow and attract attention. What lies in the future for the event and why is it so important to the industry as a whole? Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Paul Treanor and Beth Miller discuss their roles with the competition, how they have seen it evolve and why the industry truly needs to embrace this event and blow it up.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
You're Hiring The Wrong Players - Randy Stanbury - 4 Level Coach
Aug 16 2023
You're Hiring The Wrong Players - Randy Stanbury - 4 Level Coach
I can't find good help. No one wants to work. Everyone I hire does subpar work compared to me. These are all complaints I see from contractors looking to hire employees. They are valid complaints but no one is changing their hiring process. All of us keep going back to the same well and expecting a different result. Does that really make sense? What if there was a better way to attract, retain, and educate talent?Randy Stanbury built Service Freight Systems from the ground up. With his previous experience in transportation sales, he knew that many companies complained about freight services never communicating with their clients. This led to much frustration on the clients end about not knowing what was going on with their shipment. Randy set out to build a freight company that was dedicated to service, hence the name. Communication would be paramount to their success. This commitment paid off and after many years of running the company and growing it to multiple millions of dollars, Randy was able to sell it and look at what else he wanted to do. Now a business coach, Randy helps guide others through the different stages of business from the real world lessons he learned along the way, as well as, from the different businesses he helps excel in their fields. One of these pain points is often hiring team members. Not only do you not want A player talent for a long term employee, but you also want to make sure they are coachable. Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Randy and i discuss his approach to hiring talent that will grow with the company, how he keeps them engaged, and what kind of culture will help you retain the employees.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the showSupport the show
Why You Need A Mentor - Shannon Vogel And Crystal Sims
Jul 26 2023
Why You Need A Mentor - Shannon Vogel And Crystal Sims
You learn a trade, start a business, and just keep going on your own. You can't talk with your employees, your spouse doesn't understand, and you're too busy to chat with other professionals in your field because you are always on the tools. This is no way to run a business or be a part of one. We are meant to be life-long learners. There is a reason the saying iron sharpens iron is still around and used. We need to surround ourselves with individuals who will push us to new heights.In January of 2022, Crystal Sims was in Las Vegas competing in the National Installer of the Year competition. She had huge support from her amazing family and fellow employees at Preferred Flooring. She was the talk of the show being the only woman to ever compete in the competition to this day. She had no idea what life had in store for her. She was able to meet Shannon Vogel of Reach Social and an instant connection happened. While family and friends were potting to make this chance meeting into something more Crystal had already decided to ask Shannon to mentor her and that was that.Now a year and half later, the two have remained in constant contact, and Crystal isn't the only one on the receiving end. Listen in as we learn from these two phenomenal ladies why you need to be a mentor and a mentee. There are advantages to being on both sides of the coin and you can only gain all the useful nuggets by listening to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
I Had To Lose It All To Grow - Jon Vanarthos - Gemini Home Remodeling
Jul 12 2023
I Had To Lose It All To Grow - Jon Vanarthos - Gemini Home Remodeling
Many of us have tried to scale our company but struggle to find reliable employees or subcontractors. We fail to be able to trust them to complete the work orders we provide. We feel as if we are the only ones capable of doing the project correctly and to the standards that the client expects. I can tell you that you will never scale past you and a crew or two if you feel this way and can't let go.Jon Vanarthos owns and operates Gemini Home Remodeling in Fairless Hills, PA. He was always hands on in his company giving 150% with 13 employees until March 20th, 2020. He was T-Boned on his motorcycle moving at 45 MPH by a driver that wasn't paying attention. Jon was told he would never work again and had an 80% chance he wouldn't be able to move his leg again, and his spine was fused together. He was so scared that he lived in the hospital for 3 months. Ultimately, it led to the business being closed for an entire year, and a GoFundMe that raised $9000 to keep him afloat to some extent.Fast forward a few years and Jon is walking, raising a family, running a business with four employees and enjoys more free time now than he ever has. Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we learn about how Jon had to let go in order to learn how to fully grow his company and regain his freetime instead of being a slave to his company.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Investing In Sales Training - Jim Upton - Tiger Mountain Tile
Jul 5 2023
Investing In Sales Training - Jim Upton - Tiger Mountain Tile
Many of us are so great at the trade we perform that we decide we can go and run our own business. How hard could it be? We already know the trade, we just have to sell projects, right? Do you really know how to sell though? It's more than just showing up and offering a service for a price. Let alone the million other things you take on as an owner when you form a company. Learning how to sell should be a top priority for any business owner though, because your business doesn't exist without sales. Jim Upton is the owner of Tiger Mountain Tile, the writer of the DIYTILEGUY blog and The Grinder Newsletter. From humble beginnings in Issaquah, WA, Jim has been able to build himself a brand with steady work but it did not come without sacrifice. Investing in himself from the get go Jim sought out training to make him a better and more well rounded individual. Sales training was one part of this and greatly increased his success with potential clients closing more often. Find out about Jim's success with sales training, how it has helped develop his business, and how he got real old school with pounding the pavement during The Great Recession, all in this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Limiting Beliefs, Nutrition, and Perseverance - Amanda Vargas
Jun 28 2023
Limiting Beliefs, Nutrition, and Perseverance - Amanda Vargas
Business is not a one sided operation in that if you can understand the numbers that you will be successful. If your mind and body are not in it to win it, then your company can only go so far. Undoing your headtrash, getting rid of your limiting beliefs, eating right, focusing on your physical performance, and investing in you for the long term will get you running on all cylinders and give your company more success than you could dream of.Amanda Vargas is an entrepreneur and coach, blending the nuances of business and health. Despite facing challenges such as being legally blind and living with Multiple Sclerosis, she has built several businesses, including Fettle + Fare, a health food restaurant in New Jersey which was named ‘Business of the Year’ in 2020 for how she navigated the pandemic.Amanda successfully exited this business in March 2023 and now specializes in helping fellow business owners navigate the intricate balance between professional growth and personal well-being. With her unique perspective and extensive knowledge, she empowers her clients to prioritize their health while achieving remarkable business milestones.Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we look at how Amanda has not let her diagnoses keep her down, how you can improve your position with relative ease and a little discipline, and how you can take a holistic approach to being an entrepreneur.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
The State Of The Flooring Industry - Paul Trau - Retail Results
Jun 21 2023
The State Of The Flooring Industry - Paul Trau - Retail Results
I've seen a lot of requests from installers looking for work lately. I've talked with a few retailers that say things have slowed. I have also talked to a bunch of people that are busier than ever still. Our current market surely is a confusing one. After shutting down most businesses for a minute, turning on the printing press, and keeping everyone locked up many of us had tons of work. Now, many are trying to figure out how to pay the bills and where the next project is coming from.Paul Trau is the managing partner of Retail Results, a consulting firm specializing in the retail home furnishings and the flooring industry. With time spent with The Carpet Guys, Empire, Mattress One, Flooring America and more he has not only seen a few economic cycles but worked on the sales and marketing through them. Listen in as Paul and I discuss his views about what he sees in our market, how you can help yourself stand out, and what kind of planning you need to have to weather storms.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
I'm Right Here: Stop Ignoring Women - Katie Marcotte, Jennifer Barker, Ashley Singer, and Jennifer Blumer
Jun 14 2023
I'm Right Here: Stop Ignoring Women - Katie Marcotte, Jennifer Barker, Ashley Singer, and Jennifer Blumer
It's 2023 folks. I can't believe that this conversation even has to happen on the podcast. How an entire gender can be ignored by professionals they are asking intelligent questions to is beyond me. The only thing hotter than Phoenix currently is this episode of the Floor Academy Podcast.Katie Sue, Jennifer Lynn Barker, Ashley Singer, and Jennifer Blumer join me this week to discuss their experiences at trade shows and supply houses. You will be appalled to find out how they are ignored, overlooked, or pushed aside for when a man enters the booth. These ladies can have an intelligent conversation about their industry, their processes, and their products and yet, no one is paying attention to them. I for one know of a few companies they will not be doing business anymore.Listen in as we hear about their experiences, what they believe needs to change and how you can step up and make sure to support not only women in our industry but creating a better industry for all.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
The Evolution of Advertising: From Newspapers to Social Media - Jason Kimmel - Flooring Liquidators
Jun 7 2023
The Evolution of Advertising: From Newspapers to Social Media - Jason Kimmel - Flooring Liquidators
Google, Facebook, Instagram and now TikTok reign supreme as ways to engage with your audience and create leads. It wasn't that long ago though that a little extra money being spent on a yellow pages ad or a newspaper ad could get you all the leads you wanted. Much of the flooring industry still wants to operate like we do only deal with the yellow pages and newspaper ads. Jason Kimmel is a 3rd generation flooring industry professional. Growing up in the Floors To Go franchise system that his grandpa created, he later ran his own store, until recently when he joined the team at Flooring Liquidators to handle their social media. Jason has seen a lot change in the industry from how his grandpa and father did business to how he has to now generate content to draw attention to Flooring Liquidators.Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as we discuss what's changed in the industry, how you can keep up with current trends, and why you need to stay out front or risk running your company in to the ground.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Key Performance Indicators: How Well Do You Really Know Your Business - Jeff Provost - Key Performance Integrators
May 31 2023
Key Performance Indicators: How Well Do You Really Know Your Business - Jeff Provost - Key Performance Integrators
I bet you are like me. As long as the bank account has some money in it, there is some money in the savings account, and the bills are paid, then you feel pretty good about your company. This mindset is absolutely detrimental to small businesses. We have no actual idea what is happening within our businesses to know if  we are stalled out, moving forward or shrinking. If we are counting on our profit and loss statements to tell us, then we are using a lagging indicator and it is already too late.Jeff Provost, the owner of Key Performance Integrators, is a huge fan of scorecards. This simple tool can track some key areas of your business in real time to give you instant feedback on where the company stands and which direction it is moving. You can even make scorecards for different positions within your company so that your employees can know instantly know the impact they are having on the company.Listen in to this week's episode of the Floor Academy Podcast as Jeff and I discuss some basics to add to your scorecard, what this info will empower you to do, and how it will allow you to set better and more powerful goals to catapult your business to a new level.Jeff's KPI Scorecard - https://www.kpintegrators.com/download-the-business-scorecard-template/Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show
Business Resources Through Recovery - Matt Baer - Elite Flooring Installations
May 17 2023
Business Resources Through Recovery - Matt Baer - Elite Flooring Installations
In this episode of the Floor Academy Podcast, we will be joined by Matt Baer, owner of Elite Flooring Installations in Louisville, Kentucky, who has successfully built a thriving business despite facing challenges as a recovering addict. Matt believes in the potential of individuals in the construction industry, including those who may have struggled with addiction or have a criminal record. He will share his personal journey of overcoming addiction, finding support through recovery programs, and using his experiences to shape his business model.Matt will discuss how the resources available through recovery programs have helped him establish a better business, not only for himself but also for his community. He will share insights on how hiring individuals in recovery or with criminal backgrounds can be a positive and impactful decision, including the benefits of providing second chances, fostering a supportive work environment, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in the construction industry.Join us to hear Matt's inspiring story and learn how leveraging resources available through recovery programs can contribute to building a successful and socially responsible business in the construction industry. Gain valuable insights on creating a positive work culture, empowering individuals in recovery, and making a difference in your community through your business practices.Need new headphones for working and listening to Floor Academy? Check out ISOTunes using the link below. Amazing Bluetooth headphones that are OSHA certified. http://bit.ly/2P5A9pRCheck out the virtual estimates software here! Don't forget to create an account after submitting a sample estimate to get access to more features.Check out our sponsorsJohns ManvilleThe International Surfaces EventCheck out our website and storeSupport the show