Ralph Falavinha Named EVP of Certified Flooring Installers

Dalton, GA, December 17, 2024-The Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), a division of the World Floor Covering Association and a certification organization for flooring installers and sales associates, has announced Ralph Falavinha's appointment as its new executive vice president, effective January 1.

Falavinha succeeds WFCA COO Steve Abernathy, who has served as CFI’s interim executive director.

Falavinha’s career spans expertise in nearly every facet of the flooring industry. His journey began as a young installation apprentice under his father’s guidance and expanded into all flooring categories during his 20s. In 2006, he relocated to Louisiana, where he first managed a successful workroom for a national home center. Over time, he oversaw multiple installation crews and later transitioned to operating a thriving retail store. After a decade in retail, Falavinha transitioned to a flooring manufacturer in the sundry/accessory segment.

A Dalton resident, Falavinha is fluent in Portuguese and English and proficient in Spanish, enabling him to connect with and support the diverse installer community effectively.

Falavinha is a Certified Flooring Installer (CFI) with certifications in three product categories, highlighting his technical expertise. He also holds IICRC certifications in Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying. He is pursuing certification as an Applied Microbial Remediation Technician.

As executive vice president, Falavinha will broaden CFI’s educational outreach, form key industry partnerships, and provide accessible training tools.

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