During the second weekend in May 2008, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bridges were built and walls were torn down. This was the first 'Building Bridges' workshop for flooring installers and flooring inspectors.

Influenced by an article written by Selva Lee Tucker in a popular floorcovering magazine and the discussions it spawned in The Floor Pro Community™, an idea came to life. Flooring Inspection Training Services, Inc.(FITS), in association with TheFloorPro.com, gathered flooring professionals from the installation and inspections segments of the industry to organize a training symposium to improve the education and understanding between two groups that often times find themselves at odds with each other.

The following mission statement was adopted:

"A symposium of floorcovering professionals who gather for a single purpose: to further the education and understanding necessary for the proper installation and fair assessment of flooring materials. The goal is to bridge the gap in the relationship between the installation and inspection disciplines. We agree that the end user deserves the service and performance warranted by the products purchased. This will be assured by adhering to a set of standards and recommendations established through the cooperation of each of the relevant segments of the floor covering industry.

"This workshop addresses a diverse group of important issues regarding professional installation of floor products and finishes and how these processes are examined by qualified inspectors in cases of failure or fault. Education and communication are our highest priority. We dedicate the study and practice of these issues to the furtherance of our own professionalism and to the assurance of equitable performance for the end user."

The first Building Bridges workshop brought nearly 2 dozen flooring professionals together to discuss a wide range of topics, such as:

The Role of the Inspector

Standards for the Flooring Industry

Ethics for Installers and Inspectors

Educational Resources

Changing Industry Attitudes: Building Bridges, Not Walls

These and other subjects were discussed for two days, with each segment led by accomplished installation and inspection professionals, all working as a team. The education and networking continued through meals and breaks and the consensus appears to be unanimous: the workshop was a great success.

The following were comments made by attendees:

"It was a great time and experience, there is no doubt about it. I'm sure next year will be even better." (Daris Mulkin, Installer)

"Quality not quantity. A bunch of really professional attendes." (Curt Durand, Inspector)

"I definitely felt some walls were knocked down for me and replaced with bridges." (Tony Lamar, Installer)

"They were hands down the most educated and professional people in their trade. It was the best [money] I ever spent." (Danny Ferguson, Retailer)

"Everyone was working to the same goal and there was a lot of frank, open, and meaningful discussions both in the workshop and after hours." (Mike Currin, Inspector)

"This was one of the best and most productive workshops we've ever attended and that goes back a lot of years. Those of you unable to come really missed out. Please join us next year." (Patricia Harts, Inspector)

These are just a few of the glowing reports from attendees as they checked into the discussion at The Floor Pro forums. Tandy Reeves, FITS CEO, organized a great group of leaders and the workshop attendees voted overwhelmingly to do it again next year. Look for the announcement soon for 'The Second Annual Installer-Inspector Workshop'.