New PPP Loans and Budget Planning Tips for the Year Ahead
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss details of new PPP loans, and tips for budget planning and sales forecasting for 2021.
Jan 12, 2021•23 min
NWFA Real Answers
The NWFA's "Real Answers" podcast series features NWFA President & CEO, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza, founder of C&R Flooring, Inc., and past Chairman of the Board of the NWFA.
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Episodes
Advice on Locating Subcontractors
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Jeff Doyle of Doyle Wood Flooring, who discusses subcontractors, and his unique approach to finding labor.
Dec 15, 2020•18 min
Planning for the Future & Managing Customer Expectations
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss planning for the future, Chris coping with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and understanding changing customer expectations.
Dec 01, 2020•11 min
Coping with a Resurgence in COVID-19 Restrictions This Winter
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss new COVID-19 restrictions, advice on filling your business calendar, turning inventory into cash quickly, staffing considerations, and more.
Nov 16, 2020•14 min
Hardwood Flooring - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, how certain equipment can give you an edge over your competition, online marketing advice, labor only vs. supply & install projects, and more.
Nov 03, 2020•27 min
Coping with Uncertainty and Putting the Customer First
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss how COVID-19 is currently impacting Chris' employees, how to best adjust schedules when facing uncertainty, and the importance of putting the customer first.
Oct 20, 2020•16 min
Prioritizing Jobs and Growing Your Own Employees
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the upcoming Hardwood Floors Magazine NOW Event, the importance of prioritizing jobs, growing your own employees, and more.
Oct 06, 2020•14 min
Keeping it Cool & Managing Customer Satisfaction
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss how controlling your emotions when dealing with difficult customers/situations is a critical component of running a successful business.
Sep 22, 2020•16 min
Money, Money, Money & Sustainable Growth and Reaching your Goals
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss "Money, Money, Money," how big is "big enough," what it means to have sustainable growth, and how to best reach your financial goals.
Sep 08, 2020•23 min
Networking and Getting Involved in Your Community
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss ideas on how to network to grow your hardwood flooring business, and how participating in charity work can be rewarding in many different ways.
Aug 25, 2020•19 min
Employee Retention and Work/Life Balance
Michael and Chris discuss employee retention, subcontracting, lessons on leadership, team building, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Aug 11, 2020•29 min
The Importance of Organization
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the importance of getting organized weekly and monthly and making sure you are not letting fear guide your business decisions. This episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast is sponsored by DOW DIAMONDLOCK™ Flooring Adhesive, a pourable one component, moisture-cured system used to form a strong permanent bond between flooring materials and base floor materials....
Jul 27, 2020•12 min
Back to Basics and Business Fundamentals
Michael and Chris give a brief Coronavirus update and discuss getting back to basics and the fundamentals of running a successful business.
Jul 17, 2020•24 min
Survival Instincts and Thriving in Turbulent Times
Michael and Chris discuss surviving turbulent times, markup versus margins, and the vital importance of keeping up with current trends.
Jun 23, 2020•28 min
Update for Week of June 8th
Michael and Chris discuss the PPP Flexibility Act, best practices for your hardwood flooring business, and more. This episode is brought to you by Hardwood Floors magazine.
Jun 09, 2020•12 min
Update for Tuesday, June 2
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza give an update on Coronavirus best practices, separating yourself and your business from the competition, and the importance of confidence when quoting.
Jun 02, 2020•17 min
Update for Friday, May 29 - Generating Future Business
Michael and Chris discuss the importance of marketing, generating future business, and more.
May 29, 2020•12 min
Update for Friday, May 22 - PPP Loan FAQs Answered, and Arboritec USA's Donnie Dusson
Michael and Chris answer FAQs about PPP loan forgiveness and are joined by Arboritec USA's Vice President, Donnie Dusson. Donnie explains how qualified flooring professionals will receive $500 worth of free Arboritec products, including transport.
May 22, 2020•22 min
Update for Tuesday, May 19 - Loan Forgiveness and Job Costing Profitability
Michael and Chris give listeners an update on new details about loan forgiveness. They also discuss how you can easily gauge job costing profitability using Excel spreadsheets. This podcast is brought to you by Hardwood Floors Magazine.
May 19, 2020•17 min
Update for Friday, May 15 - Kevin Mullany, President of Benchmark Wood Floors, Inc.
Michael and Chris are joined by Kevin Mullany, President of Benchmark Wood Floors, Inc. discuss the latest about small business loans, cost savings strategies , taking advantage of rebate programs, and more.
May 15, 2020•18 min
Update for Monday, May 11 - Coronavirus Workplace Safety
In this episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast, Michael and Chris discuss considerations for making your workplace safer for employees post-Coronavirus, concerns voiced during the weeks NWFA Thought Leader conference calls, and more.
May 11, 2020•16 min
Update for Thursday, May 7 - Markup vs. Margins & Increasing Profitability
Michael and Chris discuss updates on small business loans and address several questions asked during the recent Virtual Expo, including how you can increase profitability, markup vs. margins, and examining your costs.
May 07, 2020•22 min
Update for Tuesday, May 5
In this edition of the Real Answers podcast for Tuesday, May 5, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the latest information on the Coronavirus. They also provide a recap of the NWFA's Virtual Expo, a free online event being held online on April 29-May 1. It's not too late to access content from that event now at www.nwfaexpo.org. Episode is Live Published: Apr. 28, 2020 @11AM Edit Unpublish Amplify this Episode Add Chapter Markers Transcribe this Episode Promote this Episode...
May 05, 2020•14 min
Update for Tuesday, April 28
In this edition of the Real Answers podcast for Tuesday, April 28, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the latest information on the Coronavirus. They also provide an overview of the NWFA's Virtual Expo, a free online event being held online on April 29-May 1. Registration is now available at www.nwfaexpo.org.
Apr 28, 2020•9 min
Update for Monday, April 27 - Feedback from Members in the Industry
Michael and Chris discuss recent NWFA Thought Leader Conference calls, and several quick tips you can implement to demonstrate your commitment to safety to your customers.
Apr 27, 2020•13 min
Update for Thursday, April 23
Michael and Chris discuss lending options for businesses, and developing and promoting your operations and marketing plans. If you have topics you'd like to see addressed regarding the coronavirus and how it is impacting your business, please send an email to burt.bollinger@nwfa.org. This episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast is brought to you by the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.
Apr 23, 2020•14 min
Update for Wednesday, April 22 - Senate Approves Payroll Protection Plan Funding
Michael and Chris discuss news of the Senate approving a second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. If you have topics you'd like to see addressed regarding the coronavirus and how it is impacting your business, please send an email to burt.bollinger@nwfa.org. This episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast is brought to you by the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.
Apr 22, 2020•12 min
Update for Friday, April 17
Michael and Chris give updates on the SBA loan process, and discuss information overheard on NWFA Thought Leader Thursday conference call for contractors. If you have topics you'd like to see addressed regarding the coronavirus and how it is impacting your business, please send an email to burt.bollinger@nwfa.org . This episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast is brought to you by the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.
Apr 17, 2020•11 min
Update for Thursday, April 16
In this edition of the Real Answers podcast for Thursday, April 16, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the latest information on the Coronavirus. If you have topics you'd like to see addressed regarding the coronavirus and how it is impacting your business, please send an email to burt.bollinger@nwfa.org . This episode of the NWFA Real Answers podcast is brought to you by the NWFA Emerging Leaders Council.
Apr 16, 2020•12 min
Update for Tuesday, April 14
In this edition of the Real Answers podcast for Tuesday, April 14, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza discuss the latest information on the Coronavirus. They also provide an overview of the NWFA's Virtual Expo, a free onlineevent being held online on April 29-May 1. Registration is now available at www.nwfaexpo.org .
Apr 14, 2020•13 min
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