Five Receive CFI Master-II Certification

Kansas City, MO, October 28, 2005—Earlier this month, five installers achieved CFI Master-II certification, the highest level of certification in the carpet installation field. They join 39 installers in the nation who have demonstrated this level of expertise since the program was revised to replace the CFI Master Installer Certification in 2000. The five who achieved CFI Master Certification are: Servet Dag of Commercial Floors of America, Alexandria, Virginia; Kenneth Brown of Shaw Technical Services of Dalton, Georgia; Roy Lewis of Eagle Interiors of Phoenix, Alabama; Tim McIntyre of Tim McIntyre Enterprises of Denver, Colorado; and David Nestor of G S Floor Designs/Technical Learning Center of Arlington Heights, Illinois. The certifications were handed out on October 15, at Carpet Cushions and Supplies in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Certifiers for the event were past president, Jon Namba; chairman of the Certification Committee, Robert Varden; chairman of the Internet Committee, Daris Mulkin and co-chairman of the Complaint Committee, Tony Buckhardt. Karen Mulkin assisted with the organization of the event. According to Namba, “The three-day intensive oral, skills and knowledge tests cover a vast array of topics, including seaming, handsewing of a curved staircase with borders, woven and specialty carpets, estimating and planning of a sizeable installation, proficiency in the creation of borders and intricate patterns, ability to communicate regarding substrate preparation, knowledge of carpet and cushion construction and the proper application of the products, knowledge of carpet backings, modular tile, covebase and stair tread application and possesses the ability to demonstrate the people skills required of an installer holding the high level of achievement.” The applicants are required to demonstrate and explain in detail all facets of advanced carpet installation. After submitting a detailed resume, two letters of recommendation, a four-page application detailing past installation history and items that qualify the installer for the Master-II designation; the written test, skills and oral requirements must be met. Robert Varden stated, “This is a very difficult and grueling three days for the applicants. There is absolutely no assistance provided. The skills and information must be demonstrated at the highest level of expertise. One who achieved this level of certification should be extremely proud of his accomplishments. CFI believes that skills are an indicator of the value placed on the installer and that the rate of payment for those skills and knowledge cannot be regarded the same as those who have not received this designation. When seeking for the highest level of customer satisfaction, the dealers should be searching for those who have demonstrated the skills to offer this type of service.” The CFI Master designation was initiated in 1993 and replaced with the Master-II achievement in late 2000. There are six levels of certification; Residential I-II, Commercial I-II, Master and the Master-II. The R I-II and C I-II levels must be successfully completed prior to applying for the Master-II program. At present, over 140 applicants have completed the written portion of the test and are currently awaiting a certification date. For additional information concerning the Master-II program, contact CFI at 816-231-4646 or visit the website at www.cfiinstallers.com

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