Varden’s UNITE Reveals Preliminary Board

Rockwell, TX, January 5, 2023-The brand new Unite nonprofit launched by veteran flooring installer Robert Varden had its first unofficial board assembly this week.Varden known as the assembly to make clear his preliminary imaginative and prescient for the 501(c)3: to amplify the efforts of teams already spearheading coaching and consciousness initiatives.

After spending his profession on the set up aspect of the flooring enterprise, Varden decided that, “The set up disaster is larger than one firm or non-profit. We’d like a stronger, united voice. I name it ‘UNITE’ as a result of that’s what we do.” 

He touched on concepts to assist additional current efforts by way of collective brainstorming, useful resource sharing, partnerships with producers and promotion of upcoming coaching alternatives. Whereas he talked about internet hosting consciousness and schooling occasions, Varden stated he doesn’t plan to implement coaching packages of his personal.

“I’ve had individuals say, ‘Oh, you’re going to compete with FCEF [Floor Covering Education Foundation],’” he stated, including, “In no way. We wish to promote FCEF. We wish to promote CFI [Certified Flooring Installers]. We wish to promote everyone providing coaching. It’s going to take a concerted effort on the recruiting aspect, and it’s going to take quite a bit.”

Varden famous that it’ll finally be the board members who decide how the imaginative and prescient transpires and what steps can be taken. Confirmed board members are:

* Andrew Smith, Engineered Flooring’ buyer relations supervisor for the West Coast

* Ken Kennedy, director of technical providers for The Dixie Group

* Larry Marvel, discipline providers technical consultant at Tarkett

* Tom Cartmell, department gross sales supervisor with Diverzify

* Seth Gladden, director of selling for the Meridian Industrial Flooring Division, which incorporates Taylor Adhesives

* Brett Miller, vice chairman of technical requirements, coaching and certification for the Nationwide Wooden Flooring Affiliation

* Sonny Callahan, co-founder and chair of the Nationwide Affiliation of Flooring Protecting Technicians

* Val Chestohin, lead floorcovering teacher for the Worldwide Union of Painters and Allied Trades’ District Council 16

* P.J. Arthur, founder and CEO of the Nationwide Fiber Installer Certification

* Lew Migliore, founder and president of LGM and Associates

Varden, who personally funded the nonprofit’s launch, stated he doesn’t see the group having a big stability sheet, and he famous the chance for grants. 

He plans to finalize the board and name a proper assembly quickly to find out subsequent steps.