Why should I join CFI Pittsburgh?

     If you are reading this letter, chances are that you have something to do with the floorcovering industry.  That being the case, there are some things that you need to be aware of regarding the Pittsburgh Chapter of CFI.  We are an organization of primarily floorcovering installers, but also area retailers, manufacturers, distributors and salespersons who desire to change the industry in which we make our living.  Not just a change for change sake, but a change that will impact not only us, but our consumer’s as well.  It is our desire to provide for all a professionally installed product at a fair price giving lasting value and quality to that home or place of business. 

    Within the floorcovering industry, the name CFI has become synonymous with quality and training.  This has not been the case with the Pittsburgh area.  The CFI organization in Western Pennsylvania is relatively unknown to consumers and has not had a great impact on the local flooring community. As a result, installation rates have not kept up with inflation, consumers don’t see the value that a quality installation provides, and quite frankly our profession is not producing qualified respectable installers.  In many ways our industry has become a last stop for individuals that have few other career opportunities.

     If we as an industry are to become more respected and more profitable we need to be in the “people pleasing business” This starts with a quality product sold by a knowledgeable salesperson, professionally installed by a floorcovering craftsman. Each of these parts is dependent upon each other.  We need to become not just some place to buy/sell or install flooring, but the most respected, reliable and professional source for each. Pleasing people is not difficult…we all are one, and we know what makes us happy. This is the cornerstone of CFI Pittsburgh.

    If you are a floorcovering installer, salesman, distributor, or retailer in the Pittsburgh or surrounding area and are completely satisfied with your niche in this industry, and see no room for improvement, then don’t join CFI –Pittsburgh.  If you are one of these folks who recognize a need for improvement with any portion of this industry and are interested in impacting your business locally, then consider joining us for one of our regularly scheduled chapter meetings. It has been said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result. If a change is to be made, we’ve got to do the changing.  Hope to see you there!

Todd