Forney, Texas – Two H.J. Martin and Son employees, Mason Liebergen and Javier Sanchez-Ponce, recently graduated from a five-week Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI) Residential Carpet Installation Course.

Liebergen and Sanchez-Ponce were two of seven individuals who passed the recent course. H.J. Martin and Son fully supports installers who wish to further their education and skill set, as this differentiates our team to be of higher quality and better skill.

The course teaches installers how to do everything from site prep, communications, management and specialized skills like seaming and stretching. Advanced procedures like custom insets and border work were also taught.

The class was lead by certified instructors and industry professionals under both theory and hands-on training. Students build modules, custom staircases and three-bedroom mock homes to put their skills on display.

Students also got out into the field and trained in actual homes under instructor supervision.

The course is made available to current installers or those interested in learning the trade. All graduates earn a CFI R-1 Certification.  

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In an effort to provide the highest quality commercial flooring installation to their customers, H.J. Martin and Son recently had six of their installers take the level three Armstrong Certified Installer Program.

H.J. Martin and Son opted to take part in this intensive certification because Armstrong Flooring will be incorporating specific installer qualifications into their material instruction, some of which will require the skills of certified level three individuals.

The two-day certification held in December was facilitated in Green Bay and organized by a representative from Armstrong.

Six H.J. Martin and Son installers who took the certification were really excited for the opportunity. The program was a great way to challenge our installers and to highlight their abilities while helping the company stay on top of our game in the industry.

Installers tasked with the certification program were required to perform a number of installation procedures, including Flash Coving, Cove Cap Installation, Heat Welding and more. Many of the techniques used in the certification are needed for work in places with resilient floor covering, such as hospitals. 

Through this program, H.J. Martin and Son will help our customers take advantage of warranty benefits on the special products tested through the certification, as our team has the backing of Armstrong’s certification.

Additionally, Armstrong will track H.J. Martin and Son installers with all levels of their certification program, and will be able to advertise their skills for future projects to general contractors.

These certifications separate the good from the great. It also highlights us as a leader in our industry and shows we have installers with superior capabilities.

For more information, visit our certifications page at www.hjmartin.com/company/why-hj/certifications.

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Eric Owen, north central (U.S.) & Canada regional manager for Crossville, shared a brief history of tile products, starting with basic 2×2-inch tiles in the 1980s.  As the consumer market asked for “less grout,” according to Owen, tile sizes initially grew to 8×8-inches and 12×12-inches.  Today, common tile sizes are 12×24-inches and 18×36-inches.

Two new technologies – Laminam and Continua – are integral to modern tile manufacturing.  “We need technology to do what we do today in terms of tile size,” says Owen.

With Laminam the tile is pressed between two steel plates, while two steel rollers are utilized with Continua, allowing for production of tile sizes of two big countertops.

Laminam by Crossville’s innovative tile panels are some of the largest in the porcelain industry at 9×3 feet.  The material is also quite thin, and is produced at 9/64th of an inch. The tile is so long, two or more people are required to handle the installation process.

Owen shared with the group many of the applications of Crossville’s Laminam products: remodels, where new tile is going over existing tile; shower enclosures; elevator walls; countertops with a single porcelain panel, such as at reception stations; and exterior cladding, such as on the outside of a building.

Advantages of Laminam product use include a dustless installation and, in the case of Crossville, the availability of more than 108 product colors.  Owen told those on hand that long-term cost savings also are typically realized because of the product’s durability, with a reasonable price point of $7-20 per square foot.

Continua often is utilized when tile is going in over granite or marble, for lobby walls, for steam-room ceilings and on large-scale staircases.

The learning session closed with an in-person demonstration of installation techniques and tips, using installers from H.J. Martin and Son.  Details such as grouts and edge treatments were part of the dialogue.

“We appreciated the opportunity to work with Crossville and the Brown County Home Builders Association to educate local building professionals about the advantages and ease of Laminam,” says Nicole Jensky, director of marketing for H.J. Martin and Son.  “With how popular this product is becoming, I think everyone walked away from the day full of ideas on how they could use it in future projects.”

H.J. Martin and Son offers a wide variety of tile and stone products from its Northeast Wisconsin locations in Green Bay and Neenah.  Much more can be learned on the company’s website.

Based in Crossville, Tenn., Crossville is a leading manufacturer of tile solutions that advance the frontiers of design.  The company prides itself on having introduced the first large-format porcelain tiles in the U.S., along with becoming the first (and only) net consumer of tile-waste materials – meaning that it recycles more product than it produces.

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The objective of the nora® Technical Academy is to provide installers with the latest industry developments and installation techniques, including new moisture-testing methods, along with extensive hands-on training with nora® personnel.

Upon completion of the course, participants are confirmed as nora® approved installers.  They then are certified in specialties such as Cutting In, Seam Cutting, Stairtreads, Sanitary Base, Heat Weld, Cold Weld, Flash Coving, nora® dryfix and adhesive methods.

“There definitely is an art to installing nora® products,” says Rachel Weber, project coordinator in the commercial flooring division of H.J. Martin and Son.  “Having this certification helps to differentiate our installers from others.  We see nora® as a high-performing product in the commercial-flooring market, and H.J. Martin is well-positioned to deliver a quality solution to the end user.”

The four H.J. Martin and Son installers who received the 2016 nora® certification are a highly experienced group: Pete Hermann (13 years in commercial flooring, 4 years in resilient, 1 year in coved), Cory Freeman (24-11-19), Karl Freeman (13-13-1) and Mike Robenhorst (6-6-2).

Often nora® products are seen in educational buildings, healthcare facilities and other heavily trafficked spaces.  H.J. Martin and Son and its affiliated Mavid Construction have upcoming nora® projects at the new science building at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and at the Thrivent Financial data center in Northeast Wisconsin.

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Jason Brost, North Central territory manager for Schulter Systems®, presented on a number of topics related to the integrated family of products which comprise the Schluter®-Shower System and simplify tiled shower installations.

Brost highlighted the consequences of poor moisture mitigation in traditional shower systems, which use liquid-applied membranes. The Schluter®-Shower System instead utilizes a KERDI sheet-applied membrane, along with the pre-fabricated KERDI shower tray for the floor and the KERDI drain to ensure integration with the waterproofing membrane. Because of these advances in moisture mitigation, the Schluter®-Shower System carries a 10-year warranty on labor and materials.

“We appreciate the opportunity provided by H.J. Martin to share the broad product offerings of Schluter Systems® and to demonstrate how they address moisture-mitigate issues up front,” says Brost. “Our shower systems continue to experience double-digit growth. It helps to have a trusted partner in Northeast Wisconsin like H.J. Martin, who can provide expert installation.”

Consumers today seek shower-design elements which combine technology with luxury, comfort, relaxation and accessibility, according to a 2014 survey of manufacturers by Kitchen & Bath Design News. Designers Simona Castagna and Darren Genner of Australian design firm Minosa shared with Houzz their belief that walk-in showers with oversize panes of glass or solid walls that completely enclose the space is a trend becoming more popular. Showers generous in size offer a place for rejuvenation and wellness, according to Castagna and Genner.

With this trend, consumers more and more seek built-in seats and benches, along with inset shelves and niches, which can integrate with their shower and maintain the large, barrier-free space. Often this level of elegance will extend to linear drains, allowing for single-sloped floors and large-format tiles.

Fortunately, the KERDI line of the Schluter®-Shower System provides the flexibility for homebuilders to easily add these newly desired shower components for their customers. Brost was able to give an in-person demonstration of the relative simplicity of the Schluter®-Shower System, which all tile installers at H.J. Martin and Son are trained on.

Tag Gunnlaugsson, the in-house showers technician of H.J. Martin and Son, followed Brost with a brief presentation on the types of shower doors available today, including custom options. The shower-door capabilities of H.J. Martin and Son were enhanced with the 2015 addition of Gunnlaugsson, giving the company’s customers a more streamlined buying and installation process; Gunnlaugsson provides a single point of contact from measurement all the way through to the in-home install.

“Most people know H.J. Martin for flooring and aren’t necessarily aware that we do custom showers,” says Gunnlaugsson. “With the increased demand for larger showers that provide luxury, it’s helpful to demonstrate our capabilities to the homebuilders of Northeast Wisconsin. Plus, it’s a logical extension of the services traditionally offered by our designers.”

The innovative Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT electric floor warming system – and its ease of installation – also was demonstrated to the homebuilders by Brost. Along with providing crack resistance for elegant ceramic and stone tile floors, the system allows for customizable heating zones. In other words, homeowners can have the heated-floor elements placed only where they want/need them.

Perhaps not surprisingly, sales of Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT have been higher in the North Central region than in any other area of the country since its launch in February 2014, according to Brost. Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT is available through H.J. Martin and Son, and the company’s tile installers are trained on the system.

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A similar session was held at H.J. Martin’s Green Bay location that afternoon.

Shelly Davis of Armstrong World Industries covered several topics related to resilient flooring. These included its history and the early use of linoleum, to current uses and new offerings. She also touched on commercial resilient flooring options of homogeneous sheet vinyl, the range of heterogeneous visuals and the most popular pick, luxury vinyl tile (solid vinyl tile), aka LVT.

Shelly Davis of Armstrong [L] presents in Neenah

“We really believe in the value of ongoing education,” says David Martin, Fourth Generation at H.J. Martin, “both for our staff and for our partners in the construction industry. We want to be on top of the continuing advancements in flooring to best serve our customers, beginning with the initial selection.

“We thank Armstrong for sharing its expertise, along with the local education professionals, architects and designers who took the time to join our staff for a day of learning.”

Armstrong World Industries is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors and ceiling systems. As of March 2015, Armstrong operated 32 plants in nine countries, employing approximately 7,500.

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The Starnet Environmental Stewardship Award is an annual honor recognizing Starnet member initiatives “to preserve our resources so future generations can meet theirs too.” Judging is based in part on consistency in helping to bring “a greater knowledge and awareness for a healthier planet.

Presentation of Environmental Stewardship Award: [L-R] Kemp Harr, Floor Focus magazine [judge]; Bill Croswell, chairperson of Starnet board of directors; Dave Kitts, Mannington Mills [judge]; Rachel Weber, H.J. Martin; Gary VandenLangenberg, H.J. Martin; Carlton Billingsley, chairperson of Starnet environmental issues committee; and Bob Peoples, CARE [judge]

In being honored for its environmental stewardship, H.J. Martin specifically was recognized for the carpet it diverts from landfills, its recycling of warehouse materials and its donation of excess flooring products to non-profit organizations, among other best practices.

“It’s gratifying to see our efforts to be eco-friendly, through LEED certification and the CARE recycling program for post-consumer carpet, draw national recognition,” says H.J. Martin CEO Edward Martin.

At the 17th Annual Starnet Design Awards (SDA) Ceremony, held April 17, the work of H.J. Martin on North Greenville Elementary School was honored with a bronze award among 24 total entries in the Education division.

“Starnet is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the commercial flooring industry,” says Martin. “The North Greenville project offered us the opportunity to showcase our work, using colorful Starnet products able to withstand the heavy use of a school environment. Credit also goes to our installation team, which ensured completion of the work under a tight time frame.”

North Greenville Elementary School in Greenville, Wis., is a new K-4 instructional facility completed in August 2014, built to alleviate overcrowding at the city’s other elementary school and to ready for future population growth. Large, collaborative spaces with fun colors and patterns were desired, and classroom wings by grade were established that corresponded to flooring colors.

Five different colorful designs of Armstrong Imperial Textures VCT (approx. 45,000 SF) were utilized in the classroom areas and corridors, including fun way-finding elements such as checkered patterns. Vivid, contrasting colors were installed, like red and black. The “fun” theme extended into the music room, where an intricate piano design using Armstrong VCT was installed.

A variety of other Starnet products were used throughout the school, including Daltile Continental Slate Tile in the cafeteria commons, Daltile Quarry Tile in the kitchen and food service area, Daltile Keystone and Semi-gloss Tile in the bathrooms. Johnsonite Stair Tread and Reducers were utilized in step areas. Other materials utilized throughout included CHAPCO Defender, CHAPCO SmoothFinish, CHAPCO Deep-Fill Patch and HENRY® Clear Stick and Cove Base adhesive.

The project was completed on a tight time frame, with a hard completion date in order for the school to be operational for 2014-15. With its size and available resources, H.J. Martin was able to utilize 22 installers to ensure an on-time finish.

Five tile installers worked under the direction of Rob Schultz and Rob Pomeroy oversaw 17 resilient/carpet installers as the on-site foremen.

Miron Construction of Neenah, Wis., served as the general contractor on the North Greenville Elementary School project. The architect was Blue Design Group LLC, located in Hortonville, Wis.

The work of H.J. Martin in the Education industry is wide ranging, from K-12 buildings to a variety of college and university facilities.

The Starnet Design Awards each year spotlight the innovative use of flooring in commercial design. The winning projects are selected by a panel of Architectural and Design professionals.

Starnet represents more than 170 locally owned, full-service flooring contractors throughout North America. H.J. Martin is one of three Starnet members in Wisconsin.

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FCI in 2014 created an awards program “that celebrates installers’ achievements with some of the best and most creative installations of the year in a wide range of materials.”

Mooren’s work was highlighted in the October/November 2014 issue of Floor Covering Installer.  He also receives an award plaque and a pair of custom-fitted kneepads from contest sponsor ProKnee.

Noticeable in H.J. Martin’s award-winning work on the Children’s Reading Room at the Madison Public Library is the vibrantly colored flooring, evoking images of an open meadow, and three cheerfully decorated reading nooks within the walls which light up when a child enters them.

“This project required some thought and some struggles,” Mooren told FCI editor Michael Chmielecki.  “We used Forbo Marmoleum on the floors, the walls and the ceiling.  Getting it to stick on the ceiling was probably the biggest challenge for us – we had to have three or four guys hold the piece against the ceiling and then make braces for the wall until the glue set up.

“Working on the ceiling was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Mooren continued.  “It’s nice to be noticed, especially when it’s a project we’re extremely proud of.”

Nick Mooren installs colored sheet vinyl in the reading nooks of the Children’s Reading Room at the Madison Central Public Library in May 2013

Additional flooring products utilized included Flexco, Interface, Shaw Contract and Bentley, along with installation materials from Ardex/The W.W. Henry Co. and Schluter metal transitions.

“We believe our installers are among the finest craftsmen in the commercial flooring industry,” says H.J. Martin CEO Edward Martin.  “It’s wonderful to see that acknowledged on a national level by FCI and for Nick’s creative work to be honored.  We are very proud of the entire installation team which worked on the Madison Public Library.”

Joining Mooren on the Madison Public Library project were Josh Charles, Jake Greenwald, Dwayne Burleson, Andy Jurczykowski, Randy Basten, David Stevenson, Kevin Vandenbush and Pete Herman.

Forbo Associate Mechanic is one of multiple certifications held by the Commercial Flooring division of H.J. Martin.

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“We believe strongly in staying on top of the latest trends in the industries we serve,” says H.J. Martin CEO Edward Martin.  “Giving our people the best training available allows us to provide our customers with the high quality they have come to expect from H.J. Martin.”

Two H.J. Martin installers trained at the nora Technical Academy in February, and were among the 19 flooring professionals graduated from the three-day program.  Participants learned about the newest installation techniques, the latest industry standards (including new moisture testing methods and equipment) and sub-floor preparations.

The program’s most valuable benefit is its one-on-one instruction with attendees, according to Technical Academy instructor Marc Ilgenfritz.  “They get a feel for our flooring and can experience how it installs in a setting where they can experiment with the material without consequence,” Ilgenfritz says.  “It has also effectively reduced the amount of installation mistakes on job sites.”

Program graduates become a nora Approved Installer once they have successfully completed each aspect of nora installation, including: Cutting In, Seam Cutting, Stairtreads, Sanitary Base, Heat Weld, Cold Weld, Flash Coving, nora dryfix and Adhesive Methods.

A manufacturer of sustainable rubber floors, the U.S. headquarters for nora are in Salem, N.H.

Two additional installers from the company will be participating in the nora training program in November of this year, according to Rachel Weber, a project coordinator/interior designer at H.J. Martin.

Also in February, a pair of H.J. Martin installers completed the Forbo Associate Mechanic training, held in Dallas, making them eligible for the Master Mechanic program.

Forbo manufactures high-quality commercial and residential floor coverings worldwide.  The company focuses on environmentally friendly, functional and design-oriented floors.

Open only to those with a minimum of four years’ experience in the installation of resilient flooring products, the Forbo Associate Mechanic program covered job-site condition requirements, standard floor preparation, moisture testing, adhesive knowledge, installation of Marmoleum sheet and tile products, basic heat-welding techniques and base floor-care procedures.

Most recently, H.J. Martin began working with the International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL) to provide continuing education to its staff.  INSTALL Certified Contractors are recognized throughout the construction industry as skilled and dependable flooring professionals, along with being able to provide an additional INSTALL Warranty on Labor.

Ten installers from H.J. Martin received INSTALL certification in sheet vinyl in late March.  Five earned INSTALL certifications in carpet in April of this year.

The INSTALL Certification Program creates a set of standards, allowing flooring manufacturers and customers to quickly identify skilled and productive installers who complete work quickly and correctly.  A primary goal of the initiative is to eliminate faulty floorcovering installations across the United States and Canada.

INSTALL courses are based on counsel from technical representatives of major flooring manufacturers located in North America., along with the makers of flooring installation tools and materials.  More than 100 veteran instructors stay current on the latest industry trends through a rigorous “train-the-trainer” program.

“We will continue to explore training opportunities that make our people even better than they already are,” says Weber.

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