Advertise on podcast: NWFA Real Answers

Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza give a final overview of the upcoming NWFA Business Workshop, taking place October 28 to 29 in St. Charles, MO. It’s not too late to register and join us for an experience that can transform your business. Dive into the business side of the hardwood flooring business, identify the hidden things that are holding you back, and leave with a 90-day action plan built to help you grow. Register now at nwfa.org/nwfa-business-workshop.

NWFA President and CEO Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza sit down with Ashley and Jeff Do Carmo of Brown Oaks Flooring to talk about their path through the hardwood flooring industry and what it takes to keep a business growing. The Do Carmos share how they run their company with a smart financial mindset, from evaluating efficiency to increasing sales. They also open up about working together as a husband and wife team and point out the places where many contractors are leaving money on the table. The conversation also covers why investing in education pays off, including the value of NWFA Certifications for Sales Advisors, Installers, and Sand & Finishers, and what attendees can expect at the NWFA Business Workshop later this month.

Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza discuss Chris' recent experience on the other side of the transaction...as a customer of Ohio-based wood flooring company 50 Grit Flooring. They're joined by Spencer Shatto from 50 Grit to talk about that experience, and what Chris learned about providing better customer service to his own customers by seeing things from the customer's perspective.

Recorded live at the 2026 NWFA Expo, Chris and Stephanie sit down with New York City interior designer Karen Asprea for a conversation on where design and hardwood flooring meet. Karen shares how the relationship between contractors, retailers, and designers shapes a project's success, why lookalike products are hurting the industry, and how the wood floor sets the foundation for everything else in a room. The conversation also covers the value of clear communication, choosing timeless looks over passing trends, and why nothing beats putting a physical sample in a designer's hands.

In the first installment of our new Emerging Leaders mini-series, NWFA CEO Stephanie Owen sits down with Alex Hamilton of Grain Design Flooring and his guest, 2026 Wood Floor of the Year winner Matthew Szyszka of Floor Master Company. Together, they discuss developing creativity and vision, learning from mentors, what's next for the future of their careers, and more. The Emerging Leaders mini-series joins the NWFA Real Answers Podcast every other month, bringing fresh perspectives and conversations with the next generation of industry leaders.

Recorded live at the 2026 NWFA Expo, Chris and Stephanie sit down with Gary Sinise Foundation Ambassador Brandon Dodson and his wife, Jasmine, specially adapted smart home recipients, to hear their story firsthand. Brandon reflects on his military journey and the challenges he's faced, while Jasmine shares her perspective as part of the growing community of RISE recipients supported by Gary Sinise Homes. Chris and Stephanie also spotlight how NWFA gives back through its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, and how you and your company can get involved.

Chris Zizza and Stephanie Owen sit down with a group of NWFA regional instructors at this year's Expo for a wide-ranging conversation about boosting your career, using social media effectively, growing your brand, and more.

Oliver Barajas of Bridgebay Flooring joins the podcast to share his journey in the hardwood flooring industry and what drew him to the NWFA. Oliver opens up about his experience as a member of the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council, the value of finding a niche that fits your strengths, and the lessons he's picked up along the way. As one of the council's most active voices, Oliver has played a key role in recruiting new NWFA members and expanding the Emerging Leaders' reach across the industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your focus, Oliver's perspective on building a career with purpose is one you won't want to miss.

Recorded at the recent 2026 NWFA Expo, Dana Cole from the Hardwood Federation and Jesse Joyce from Middle Tennessee Lumber join the NWFA Real Answers Podcast to discuss the Hardwood Federation's impact and updates on pending legislation that supports our industry.

NWFA President & CEO Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza talk with Katie Magoon of People Solutions Center about the common roadblocks that keep wood flooring businesses from reaching their full potential. Learn practical processes to implement, how AI can streamline your operations, the importance of role clarity, building trust with your team, and the key differences between coaching and managing. Packed with actionable insights to boost profitability.

Reid Lambright, president of Lambright Flooring and chair of NWFA’s Emerging Leaders Council, joins Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza to share his experiences with the council and why building relationships in the industry is key to growing a successful business. He reflects on how connecting with peers and leaders has shaped his journey and opened new opportunities. They also highlight the upcoming Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion and Reception on Wednesday, October 15 at NWFA’s Fall Leadership Summit.

Chris Moran of Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company joins Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza to talk about what to look for when choosing insurance for your hardwood flooring business. He highlights common hazards contractors and manufacturers often overlook, including fire and weather-related risks. The discussion offers practical guidance to help business owners protect their operations and prepare for unexpected challenges.

Stephanie Owen and Chris Zizza are joined by Doug Howard of Growth Team Strategies and Jon Czeranna, co-owner of Wit & Craft and creator of the Brand Lab, to preview the Real Answers Small Business Workshop on October 16. They explore branding and marketing strategies for hardwood flooring businesses, emphasizing the importance of knowing your customer, overcoming the fear of losing bids, and learning to sell on value instead of price. Jon shares a proven framework to help you position your business above the competition, communicate your worth clearly, and attract clients who respect both your work and your rates.

Chris Zizza and NWFA President & CEO Stephanie Owen are joined by Doug Howard of Growth Team Strategies and Lynette Watson of the University of Missouri Extension-Small Business Development Center to talk about running your business proactively instead of reacting to challenges. They dive into managing cash flow, knowing when to invest in equipment, hire, or expand, and how to make decisions that set your business up for long-term success. The conversation highlights practical ways to grow strategically while improving processes and profitability.

Chris Zizza and NWFA President & CEO Stephanie Owen talk with Doug Howard of Growth Team Strategies about the upcoming NWFA Leadership Development Summit on October 15-17, 2025, at Live! by Loews – Ballpark Village in St. Louis. Tailored for business owners and contractors in the hardwood flooring industry, the event features training, networking, and Master Mind breakout sessions focused on overcoming challenges, developing brand strategies, and driving growth. They discuss finding ways to improve business, refine processes, understand profit and margins, and achieve lasting success.