Michael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Ryan Jazdzewski of Jazz Custom Wood Flooring about growing a wood flooring business, the importance of networking, using credit to your advantage, good debt vs. bad debt, and more ..read more

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 ..read more

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.  ..read more

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://web.nwfa.org/events/IWPADue%20Care%20Week-433/details ..read more

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.  ..read more

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Steve Brattin of SVB Wood Floors.  They discuss specialized divisions of labor within SVB Wood Floors, industry trends and challenges from Brattin's perspective,  the importance of keeping staff motivated, trained and enthusiastic, and more ..read more

Michael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Dana Cole about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election last week. Dana Cole is the Executive Director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents and advocates for the hardwood industry on Capitol Hill.  ..read more

In this special summit wrap-up episode of the Real Answers Podcast, Chris Zizza and Michael Martin recap the highlights, insights, and impactful moments from the NWFA Leadership Development Summit. From expert presentations on marketing and business development to powerful networking opportunities, they dive into what made this event a game-changer for attendees in the wood flooring industry. Join them as they share key takeaways, memorable experiences, and actionable advice to bring back to your business.  ..read more

Chris Zizza and Michael Martin chat with Steve Haren, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ring Ring Marketing. Steve shares valuable insights on how to effectively run your hardwood flooring business in today’s digital age. Learn why digital marketing is crucial, how to get your business discovered by consumers, and why relying solely on referrals isn’t enough. Plus, they discuss the power of business reviews and the importance of responding to customer feedback. 4o You said: description too ChatGPT said: ChatGPT In this episode of the Real Answers Podcast, Chris Zizza an ..read more

In this episode of the Real Answers Podcast, Chris Zizza and Michael Martin sit down with Chris Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at Carmody MacDonald P.C., a renowned St. Louis-based law firm. They dive into the essentials of creating a straightforward marketing plan and share practical tips on building a robust network for your wood flooring business. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights to help you strengthen your business and navigate today’s market challenges ..read more