NWFA Real Answers

Nov 12 2024 111 ep. 20 mins 28
NWFA Real Answers Podcast artwork

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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A Post-Election Update with Dana Cole of the Hardwood Federation

Nov 12 2024 24 mins  
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza chat with Dana Cole about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election last week. Dana Cole is the Executive Director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents and advocates for the hardwood industry on Capitol Hill.

Key Takeaways from the NWFA Leadership Development Summit

Nov 07 2024 27 mins  
In this special summit wrap-up episode of the Real Answers Podcast, Chris Zizza and Michael Martin recap the highlights, insights, and impactful moments from the NWFA Leadership Development Summit. From expert presentations on marketing and business development to powerful networking opportunities, they dive into what made this event a game-changer for attendees in the wood floorin

Boosting Your Flooring Business: Digital Marketing, Customer Reviews, and Getting Noticed with Steve Haren

Oct 07 2024 30 mins  
Chris Zizza and Michael Martin chat with Steve Haren, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ring Ring Marketing. Steve shares valuable insights on how to effectively run your hardwood flooring business in today’s digital age. Learn why digital marketing is crucial, how to get your business discovered by consumers, and why relying solely on referrals isn’t enough. Plus, the

Building a Stronger Network: Simple Marketing Strategies for Your Wood Flooring Business with Chris Ruzicka

Sep 30 2024 16 mins  
In this episode of the Real Answers Podcast, Chris Zizza and Michael Martin sit down with Chris Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at Carmody MacDonald P.C., a renowned St. Louis-based law firm. They dive into the essentials of creating a straightforward marketing plan and share practical tips on building a robust network for your wood flooring business. Whether you’re a s

Overcoming the Fear of Technology with Chris Friest from Floorzap

Sep 24 2024 13 mins  
Michael Martin and Chris Zizza sit down with Chris Friest, Director of Client Relations at Floorzap, a sponsor of the NWFA Leadership Development Summit. In this episode, they discuss how Floorzap helps small businesses streamline their operations and how the fear of adopting new technology can hold companies back. They also explore the value of attending the upcoming Leadership Su

Avoiding Small Business Mistakes and Giving Back with Caleb Unruh of RW Supply + Design

Sep 18 2024 18 mins  
In this episode, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza are joined by Caleb Unruh, Director of Marketing at RW Supply + Design, a sponsor of the NWFA Leadership Development Summit. Caleb shares insights into the company’s mission, its commitment to giving back to the community, and strategies for avoiding common small business mistakes. They also discuss the importance of attending the u

Building a Blueprint for Success: Business Planning and Organizational Structure

Sep 09 2024 15 mins  
In this episode, Michael Martin and Chris Zizza welcome Thomas Meyer from SCORE.org. Meyer provides a sneak peek into the essential strategies and tools he will be sharing at the NWFA Small Business Summit this October. Tune in as he breaks down the importance of having an organizational chart, crafting a business plan, and how often it should be updated to keep your company on tra

Outpacing the Competition: Growth and Financial Mastery for Wood Flooring Businesses

Aug 27 2024 25 mins  
Michael and Chris sit down with Lynette Watson from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to dive deep into the financial strategies and key skills that can make or break your wood flooring business. Lynette shares her expert insights on avoiding costly financial mistakes, the importance of reading and understanding financial balance sheets, and how effective coaching and co

Small Business Administration Basics and the NWFA Small Business Workshop this October

Aug 20 2024 26 mins  
Join Michael Martin and Chris Zizza as they chat with Thomas Yochim, Deputy District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. In this episode, they dive into essential topics like securing loans, accessing resources for starting and growing a business, the ins and outs of selling a business, and crafting a solid business plan. They also explore how the SBA supports small

NWFA Leadership Summit - Increasing Your Profitability in 2024 and Beyond

Aug 12 2024 39 mins  
Join Michael Martin, President/CEO of NWFA, and Chris Zizza, owner of C&R Flooring, as they talk with Doug Howard of Growth Team Strategies to discuss key strategies for growing your wood flooring business in 2024 and 2025. In this episode, they dive into practical tips for success and emphasize the importance of attending this October's NWFA Small Business Workshop in Saint Lo