Michael Martin and Chris Zizza provide an overview of the upcoming 2024 NWFA Expo in New Orleans. They also delve into practical tips for enhancing your business during slower periods.

An 2024 Economic Update with the Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist

Jan 4th, 2024 27m 6s

Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist, joins Michael Martin and Chris Zizza to discuss the state of the economy, labor and supply chain issues, inflation, and advice on reducing risk and staying ahead of the financial curve more.

A Conversation with Dan Pratt of Broadlume

Nov 14th, 2023 22m 3s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Dan Pratt, co-founder and CRO of Broadlume, about the importance of having a good website for your hardwood flooring business. They discuss do's, don'ts, what a good website should contain, and when is

Running a Wood Flooring Business - Balancing a Marriage with a Successful Business

Aug 8th, 2023 22m

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza record on location at SVB Wood Floors in Kansas City. A trio of special guests joins them to discuss balancing marriage with building a successful wood flooring business.

NWFA Real Answers Podcast – Running a Wood Flooring Business - Estimates, Expectations, and More

Jul 17th, 2023 29m 51s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Dan Gorsegner of Gorsegner Brothers Hardwood Floors about the importance of following up on estimates, modern customer expectations, prioritizing customers, handling scheduling mishaps, margins, sustai

Running a Wood Flooring Business - Margins and Costs with Sam Cobb of RW Supply+Design

Jun 5th, 2023 30m 10s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza have an in-depth conversation on costs, margin, and building profitable long-term customer relationships with Sam Cobb from RW Supply+Design.

Running a Wood Flooring Business - A Conversation with Sprigg Lynn

May 22nd, 2023 46m 40s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza sit down with Sprigg Lynn from Universal Floors, to explore the ins and outs of running a thriving hardwood flooring business. They delve into the secrets of success, offering valuable insights on avoiding common

Running a Wood Flooring Business - Building Business Contacts

Apr 3rd, 2023 23m 43s

Join Michael Martin and Chris Zizza in this episode as they share insights on finding and developing a list of necessary business contacts in your community. Discover how to leverage your network to expand your reach, save money, prepare for th

Running a Wood Flooring Business - Financial Health and Planning for the Future

Mar 6th, 2023 28m 18s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Jonathan Benner, CFP, Financial Planner, from LPL Financial. They discuss guiding principles for your business, saving money and paying yourself first, renting versus owning your building, planning

Finding Focus in 2023

Feb 14th, 2023 17m 37s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss gaining a renewed sense of focus in 2023, the significance of a positive attitude, making a positive impression, finding inspiration on the road, the importance of follow-ups, and other related topics.

End-of-the-Year Perspectives and Planning

Dec 29th, 2022 16m 57s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza share their end-of-the-year perspective on the economy, adjusting to the changing economy, setting personal goals, creating an annual personal financial statement, time management skills, plans for the Real Answe

Attending Industry Trade Shows - Can You Afford Not to Go?

Nov 28th, 2022 23m 31s

Why you should attend industry trade shows, tips to grow your business, trade show do and don'ts, and how to maximize your time.

Creating More Custom Work and Being More Competitive in Your Market

Sep 19th, 2022 18m 53s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss setting yourself up for more custom work, being more competitive in your market, creating a showroom, and taking advantage of business opportunities for 2023.

Preparing for a Potential Slowdown

Aug 23rd, 2022 16m 43s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss staying busy with a potential recession looming, what to do if you see a slowdown in business, keeping a schedule, standing out from the competition, holiday-based marketing advice, remembering to read the

Protecting Your Business in Uncertain Times

Aug 1st, 2022 28m 44s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss preparing for uncertain times, planning for an economic downturn, the importance of protecting your businesses' operating cash, staying organized, identifying hidden costs, reviewing client lists, characte

Radiant Heat and Hardwood Flooring - A Conversation with Sergey Shlyapintokh of Thermosoft

Jul 18th, 2022 20m 2s

Sergey Shlyapintokh, Sales Manager of Thermosoft, Joins Chris Zizza and Michael Martin at the 2022 NWFA Expo to discuss radiant heat and hardwood flooring installation and why you should consider offering it to your customers.

A Conversation on Compliance with Elizabeth Baldwin

Jun 7th, 2022 20m 43s

Elizabeth Baldwin, Environmental Compliance Officer for Metropolitan Hardwood Floors, discusses wood trade compliance issues, and why you should consider attending the upcoming IWPA Due Care Week, being held in St. Louis, MO on June 20-24.https

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Professional

May 16th, 2022 18m 58s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Matt Casey of Bona US to discuss the future direction of the NWFA Certified Professionals program, the importance of being certified, separating yourself from competition, and more.

An Economic Update with the Bowtie Economist

Apr 26th, 2022 15m 57s

Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist, joins Chris Zizza just before his keynote presentation at the 2022 NWFA Expo Opening Session to discuss the state of the economy, surviving and thriving during a recession, and more. (Recorded April 12, 2

Building a Business Plan with Craig Leary of Certified Contractors Network

Mar 28th, 2022 18m 6s

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Craig Leary, a consultant for Certified Contractors Network. They cover the importance of having a business plan, what it consists of, and how you can create one for yourself. They also discuss det

NWFA Expo Preview - Succession Planning & Combatting New Tax Proposals: Assuring Your Company Remains Successful

Mar 22nd, 2022 17m 22s

NWFA Expo Preview - Succession Planning & Combatting New Tax Proposals: Assuring Your Company Remains SuccessfulMichael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Leon B. Resnick about his upcoming presentation at the 2022 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo - Succe

A Conversation with Emily Morrow Finkell

Mar 1st, 2022 9m 12s

Recorded at Surfaces 2022, Emily Morrow Finkell and Michael Martin discuss design and flooring trends she sees in the early part of 2022, colors of the year, women in the floor covering industry, and more.

A Conversation with John Hammel, Senior Director Hardwood and Laminate for Mannington

Feb 4th, 2022 8m 48s

Michael Martin is joined by John Hammel, Senior Director Hardwood and Laminate for Mannington at The International Surface Event (TISE) 2022. They talk about Hammel's new role at Mannington, new products, coping with supply issues, and more.