The Flooring Podcast with Mike Harris

Jared Colombo of JC Floors: Family Business Growth, Union Work & Change Orders

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:55:13 -0300

Mike interviews Jared Colombo of JC Floors, a family business founded by his father in 1989 after inheriting accounts from Somerville Floors, then expanding from East Boston to Wilmington and now Billerica, with 15–20 office staff and 30–60 union installers. He explains the roles of his parents and siblings, and highlights longtime project manager Ed Higgins. Jared outlines JC’s focus on tenant fit-outs in downtown Boston and notes post-COVID office trends toward enhanced amenities and likely office-to-apartment conversions. He shares personal background (Peabody, BU, Westford), early work hustles, and starting in the warehouse before moving into estimating and buyouts. Industry topics include NEFCA board involvement, union recruiting, buying-group participation, AI’s potential in estimating, and a detailed discussion of change orders and documentation.

Topics

00:54 Nicknames and Small Talk

01:36 How JC Floors Started

03:35 Ed Higgins Industry Veteran

05:05 Family Roles at JC Floors

06:24 Typical Projects and Market

07:08 Post COVID Office Changes

09:08 Jared Background and Homebuying

10:31 Remote Work During COVID

11:45 School Years and Early Hustles

15:17 Bachelor Trips and Travel Stories

17:37 Career Path in the Business

19:02 Brother Joins the Trade

19:42 Business Outlook and Crew Size

20:49 Unions and NEFCA Role

22:47 Recruiting the Next Generation

24:03 Buying Groups and Conferences

25:33 AI for Estimating

27:05 Change Orders Explained

30:35 Famous Three Questions

34:15 Italian Roots and Family Life

35:58 Wrap Up and Contact Info

Jamie Lopez on Large Flooring Projects & the Power of Collaboration

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0300

Mike interviews Jamie Lopez of Allegheny Contract about his flooring career, leadership, and personal background. Lopez, originally from El Salvador, came to Chelsea at 15 without speaking English and later built a career starting at union shop Circle Floors before leaving to seek more opportunity, briefly working independently and in California, then returning to Boston and gaining job-running experience through a non-union shop. He describes advancing at Allegheny during major early-2000s Cambridge/Boston growth and leading large projects including Battery Wharf and a Natick job installing wood in 500 luxury apartments in six weeks with extensive logistics and multiple crews. Lopez credits success to clear protocols, craftsmanship, and collaboration, and shares a Paris, France project that led to a client-funded family vacation. He cites mentors, emphasizes minimizing waste of time/materials/talent, and answers fun questions about coffee ice cream, grilling steak, and desired travel destinations.

Topics

00:46 Meet Jamie Lopez

02:49 Union Beginnings

04:45 Leaving the Union

05:34 Back to Boston

08:03 Running Bigger Jobs

09:21 Natick Six Week Sprint

11:35 How They Pulled It Off

15:08 Craft Pride and Floors

15:51 Immigration and Family

17:10 Home Life and Daughters

17:54 Hiking and Outdoors

18:45 White Mountains Reflections

19:39 Mentors And Standards

21:17 Why Ardex Matters

22:18 Paris Job Origin Story

25:54 Design Details And Perfection

28:46 Vacation Surprise Reward

31:53 What Sets Allegheny Apart

34:15 Famous Three Questions

36:02 Thanks And Sign Off

LeeAnn DiPietropolo on Distribution, Relationships & Giving Back in Flooring

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:50:21 -0300

Mike interviews LeeAnn DiPietropolo of Spartan Surfaces about her 25-year flooring distribution career, including 17 years at Sales Master after Western Carpet lost the AROC VCT line, and how Spartan’s acquisition expanded her work from contractor-driven sales to architect/designer specification for commercial projects like hospitals and schools. She describes Spartan’s product mix (rubber, Roppe, EVA/Capri Eco Surfaces, ceramic tile, wood, and installation supplies like MAPEI and Bostik), and shares her relationship-first sales philosophy and upcoming book, “Soul to Soul Selling.” Leanne also discusses her 501(c) charity Santa’s Porch, which has run for 10 years and helped over 1,000 children last year, including recognition on Live with Kelly and Ryan. She serves as vendor partner on the NEFCA board and addresses being a woman in a male-dominated industry, sustainability trends like PVC-free flooring, and current strength in the Boston market.

Mike Harris: michaelharris76@gmail.com

LeeAnn DiPietropolo: LDiPietropolo@spartanservices.com

Topics

00:45 Italian Nicknames Banter

01:55 Career at Sales Master

03:10 Spartan Transition and Spec Work

04:26 Product Lines and Job Types

06:18 From Philly to Massachusetts

07:59 Family Life and Kids

09:16 Sales Mentors and Roots

11:23 Soul to Soul Selling Book

13:16 Santa's Porch Charity

15:59 NEFCA Role and Mission

16:48 Owner Side Insights

17:16 Vendor Showcase Plans

17:28 Santas Porch Donation

19:20 Union Jobsite Economics

21:27 Life In Westerly

22:22 Nickname Call In

23:07 Women In Flooring

25:31 Green Materials Shift

27:41 Boston Market Outlook

28:21 Family Sports Stories

29:20 Famous Three Questions

31:20 Travel And Wrap Up

The Wood Man of Boston: Steve Becht of Redhawk Solutions

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:55:01 -0300

Mike welcomes Steve Becht, a Boston-market wood flooring expert with 43 years in the industry. Becht recounts starting in estimating at Circle Floors after studying architectural engineering at Wentworth and civil engineering at Northeastern, learning under mentors including Phil Maria, then working at Allegheny and Congress before buying Charles Auditory Flooring in 1991, later renaming it BE Corporation and completing notable restoration and museum projects. He explains industry shifts such as manufacturer consolidation, engineered and prefinished wood trends, and the challenge of installing wood in uncontrolled commercial environments due to moisture and humidity changes. Becht sold BE Corp to Pavilion in 2016, helped build a specialty flooring division, then experienced Pavilion’s acquisition by Diversify. He now runs Redhawk Solutions, offering consulting, diagnostics, specification help, mentoring, and tools like Climate (formerly Floorcloud) and Clearstory.

Mike Harris: michaelharris76@gmail.com

Steve Becht: Steve.Becht@redhawkflooringsolutions.com

Topics

00:37 Show Welcome

01:23 Meet Steve Becht

02:13 Early Career Origins

02:49 Circle Floors Mentors

04:18 Allegheny Connections

05:17 Manufacturer Buyouts Era

06:39 Buying A Wood Business

07:50 Simmons Flood Save

08:40 BE Corporation Growth

09:48 Historic Restoration Work

10:37 Arsenal Mall Leveling

11:59 Prep Adhesives Evolution

13:11 Commercial Wood Trends

14:25 Museums And Moisture

15:13 Exit To Pavilion

16:31 Specialty Division Build

17:59 Family And Career Pride

18:36 Family Updates

19:17 Traveling The World

20:41 Sports Tickets And Roots

23:04 Pavilion To Diversify

25:28 Launching Redhawk Solutions

27:31 Wood Flooring Challenges

29:06 Exotics And Jobsite Reality

31:56 Tech Tools And Partnerships

35:13 Rapid Fire Favorites

37:45 Wrap Up And Sponsors

Third-Generation Growth, Co-ops, and Industry Leadership with David Ruggieri

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:35:35 -0300

Mike is joined by David Ruggieri of Ruggieri Brothers in Rhode Island, a third-generation flooring company founded in 1949 by David’s grandfather and his two brothers after World War II, evolving from linoleum and residential tract homes into major commercial work. David describes growing up in Warwick, working summers in the field, studying accounting and computer science at Quinnipiac, then spending about seven years in public accounting focused on construction subcontractors before returning as president and treasurer, alongside cousin Peter. Jeri Brothers operates both commercial and retail (Carpet One), with revenues about 75% commercial and 25% residential, roughly 30 office staff and 50–70 field workers, and recently earned Carpet One Diamond Club recognition. David discusses Starnet membership since 1994, his role chairing its meetings committee, and serving as NFCA president, highlighting labor bargaining and industry education. They also cover industry changes toward digital estimating, LVT and carpet tile, and emerging AI.

Visit https://ruggieribrosflooring.com/

Topics

00:45 Meet David Ruggieri

01:44 Ruggieri Brothers Origins

03:53 Family Roles Today

05:16 Nicknames And Legacy

06:38 Growing Up In The Trade

08:12 Accounting Career Detour

10:06 Cancun And Marco Stories

11:54 Outside Experience Pays Off

15:22 Rhode Island Roots And Pride

16:51 Family Life And Hometown

19:04 Business Scope And Retail

19:56 Business Mix and Payroll

21:00 Diamond Club Recognition

21:49 Starnet Membership Benefits

24:50 NFCA Leadership and Mission

27:39 Family Legacy and Tagline

29:30 Industry Changes and AI

31:33 Patriots Projects and Fandom

34:19 Rapid Fire Favorites

38:27 Closing Thanks and Website

John Gabaree, President at Jantile Flooring Systems LLC

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:04:29 -0400

John Gabaree recounts his 20+ year career in epoxy, polished concrete, and urethane cements, starting at Industrial Abrasive Blasting (IAB) in Gloucester, where he brought polished concrete into the business after Schofield certification, then building a major epoxy/polish division at Business Interiors with peaks of 45–50 field staff across 7–11 jobs. He discusses BI’s sale to Capital Flooring and his move to the Jantile Group, which includes large New York operations and Jantile Boston’s union tile/stone business. John is now president of the newly formed Jantile Flooring Systems, expanding into epoxy, polished concrete, and also carpet, resilient, and wood. The episode covers expectation-setting for on-site coatings, prep methods (shot blasting vs. grinding), power and access limits, silica dust control, and purchasing new equipment. John also shares personal background, Patriots tailgates, and former wedding DJ experience.

Topics

00:43 Meet John Gabaree

01:24 Breaking Into Flooring

02:05 IAB and Polished Concrete

03:08 Business Interiors Growth

04:56 BI Sale and Free Agency

05:51 Why Epoxy Is Different

06:43 Joining Jantile Boston

09:23 Life and Family Roots

10:26 Pats Tickets and Florida

11:45 The Wedding DJ Years

13:09 Wedding DJ Lessons

14:45 Flooring Question Segment

14:55 Epoxy Versus Soft Goods

18:40 Prep Methods And Dust

21:09 New Equipment At Jantile

23:17 Final Three Questions

25:54 Wrap Up And Contact

John Felker: Reflections & Lifelong Passions

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:11:38 -0400

Mike Harris welcomes guest John Felker, Manager of National Strategic Accounts for Ardex. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including their professional history, particularly their time together at Ardex, the evolution of the tiling and stone industries, and the unique aspects of working within a family-owned business. John shares personal anecdotes such as his background growing up in Columbus, Ohio, his unexpected journey into the industry, and his love for running marathons and poetry. The episode concludes with a light-hearted rapid-fire round where John shares his favorite ice cream flavor, Dunkin' order, and comfort food meal. The discussion is filled with insights on career growth, lifelong passions, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life.

Topics

00:36 Guest Introduction: John Felker from Ardex

01:37 Reflecting on Retirement and Social Aspects of Work

02:38 John's Background and Career Journey

04:38 Ardex: A Family-Owned Business

06:12 Leadership and Longevity at Ardex

08:48 John's Family and Personal Life

15:07 John's Running Journey

17:05 Turning 60: A New Competitive Edge

17:28 The Evolution of Ardex's Hardscape Business

20:20 Training and Innovation in Hardscapes

21:54 Personal Passions: Poetry and Journaling

24:15 Life Lessons from Boy Scouts

26:56 Storytelling and Humility

31:06 Final Reflections and Farewell

ARDEX’s Craig Morris’s Journey in Flooring

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:51:32 -0400

Mike interviews Craig Morris, a business development manager from Ardex. The conversation delves into Craig's background, from his roots in Pittsburgh to his extensive career in the flooring industry. They cover Craig's journey through Ardex, including his roles and responsibilities, and share insights into the company's innovative products. The discussion also touches on Craig's personal life, his connection to Cape Cod, and his experiences working with industry professionals. Craig's anecdotes about his family, his time in the military, and his fondness for Boston and Venice, Florida add a personal touch to the professional narrative.

Topics

00:41 Meet Craig Morris: A Journey from Pittsburgh to South Florida

01:19 Craig's Career Path with Ardex

03:17 The Challenges and Rewards of Handling Claims

03:37 Craig's New Role in Business Development

06:42 Craig's Early Life and Entry into Flooring

07:45 Military Service and Career Transition

10:14 Family Ties and Sibling Success Stories

15:07 Innovations in Flooring Products

21:25 The Bubble Incident and Lessons Learned

22:29 Communication and Technical Knowledge

24:58 Personal Connections and Family

26:43 Union Collaborations and Training

30:07 Reflections on Mentorship and Legacy

37:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Peter McKeon of the McKeon Group

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:34:14 -0400

Mike sits down with Peter McKeon, an independent representative who has been in the flooring industry for 30 years. They discuss their experience working on commission, various flooring products, and the evolution of the market. Peter shares personal stories about his upbringing as one of 13 children, his involvement in charitable causes like the Pan-Mass Challenge, and his family's medical breakthroughs. The episode offers a deep dive into both professional and personal aspects of a long-term flooring industry professional.

Visit https://mckeongroup.com/

Email Michael Harris at michaelharris76@gmail.com

Topics

00:38 Meet Peter McKeon: A Competitor and Friend

01:37 The Journey with LRE: From College to Career

03:06 Understanding the Manufacturer's Rep Role

04:18 The Evolution of LRE and Its Products

08:40 The Super Cap Truck: Revolutionizing Floor Prep

12:45 Personal Insights: Growing Up in a Large Family

15:39 Introduction to the Guest's Background

16:00 Genetic Heart Condition and Medical Advances

16:32 Pan-Mass Challenge Biking Journey

19:12 Prostate Cancer Test Development

20:31 Large Format Tile Installation Challenges

22:19 Boston's Construction and Real Estate Trends

24:19 The McKeon Group's Operations

25:49 Family Business Dynamics

29:23 Quickfire Questions and Conclusion

From the Warehouse to Vice President: Mike Webster

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Mike welcomes Mike Webster, Vice President at Capozza Floor Covering Center in Portland, Maine. They discuss the complexities and growth of the flooring industry in the New England market. Mike Webster shares the history of Capozza, a family-owned business spanning three generations, and his own 16-year journey from warehouse worker to Vice President. The episode covers various aspects of the business, including commercial and residential flooring, recent company changes, Portland's development, the importance of training and retaining good employees, and the company's participation in the Fuse network. The conversation also delves into balancing work and family life, and concludes with some personal insights about Portland's restaurant scene and local sports culture.

Capozza Floor Covering Center: https://capozzaflooring.com/

Mike Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-webster-b0385945/

Topics

00:43 Meet Mike Webster from Portland, Maine

02:04 The History of Capozza

04:17 Mike Webster's Journey in the Flooring Industry

07:00 Acquisition of DMT and Business Expansion

09:31 Life in Portland, Maine

14:06 The Role of Fuse Network

16:09 Recent Changes and Future Plans at Capozza

20:24 Introduction to Floor Life Solutions (FLS)

20:37 Importance of Proper Floor Maintenance

21:36 Company Structure and Training Programs

25:39 Portland's Construction Boom

28:38 Sports and Family Life in Portland

29:31 Working for a Family Business

34:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Career Pathways in Union Flooring with David Pineda

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:28:00 -0400

Mike welcomes David Pineda, the head instructor for the North Atlantic state's carpenter's flooring division. They discuss David's 20-year journey in the flooring industry, the union's training programs, and the skills required for successful flooring installation. David talks about the enrollment process, the detailed curriculum, and the importance of punctuality and professionalism for apprentices. They also explore the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, the benefits of union membership, and the use of AI in training translations. David shares personal anecdotes about his career, family, and hobbies, highlighting the importance of work-life balance.

Topics

00:39 Meet David Pineda: Flooring Industry Veteran

01:12 Union Training Programs and Apprenticeships

02:45 The Apprentice Journey: From Application to Graduation

10:28 Union Benefits and Career Stability

12:08 David's Personal Journey into Flooring

14:44 The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

17:34 Graduation and Advanced Training Programs

19:55 Bilingual Training: Teaching in Spanish and English

21:02 Leveraging AI for Efficiency

23:17 Career Journey in Flooring

28:58 Union Membership and Opportunities

32:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life

33:58 Personal Interests: Star Wars Lego Collection

35:05 Conclusion and Rapid-Fire Questions

From Marketing to Flooring Mastery: Daniel McCarthy

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:03:00 -0400

Mike welcomes Daniel McCarthy from Allegheny Contract Flooring. The two discuss their similar beginnings in marketing and transition into the flooring industry, working together over the last decade. Daniel shares insights on various aspects of the commercial flooring business including union and non-union work, surface preparation, the use of Supercap trucks, and evolving flooring technologies. They reflect on significant projects they've handled, such as the Dennis-Yarmouth regional school and the top of the Prudential building in Boston. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes about family and favorite pastimes.

Topics

00:41 Meet Daniel McCarthy: From Marketing to Flooring

02:15 Union vs. Non-Union: Navigating the Flooring Industry

03:46 Expanding into the Boston Market

12:45 Pavilion and the Move to Allegheny

15:15 Personal Life and Family Transitions

16:19 Commuting Challenges and Relocation

16:43 Department Services Overview

17:03 Super Cap Truck Operations

18:26 Maintaining Equipment and Team

19:07 Challenges in Flooring Projects

21:00 Polished Concrete and Market Dynamics

21:35 Union vs Non-Union Work

23:20 Terrazzo Flooring Discussion

26:27 Division Size and Project Load

27:21 Year-End Reflections and Future Outlook

29:31 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

Legacy and Leadership: Dan Auditore of Allegheny Contract Flooring

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Mike talks with Dan Auditore, the president and owner of Allegheny Contract Flooring. They discuss Dan's background and history within the family business, his unexpected inheritance of the company alongside his brother following their father's sudden passing, and the challenges and successes they experienced. Dan shares insights about his early career in construction, the strategic return to the family business after a 15-year hiatus, and the ongoing commitment to principles, integrity, and training that he upholds in running Allegheny. The discussion also delves into the future of the flooring industry, technological advancements, and the importance of adapting and growing the company in the evolving marketplace. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, this episode offers a deep dive into sustaining a family legacy in commercial flooring and the evolving landscape of the industry.

Topics

00:45 Meet Dan Auditore: A Legacy in Flooring

02:10 Challenges and Triumphs: Dan's Journey

05:13 Life Beyond Flooring: Personal Pursuits

08:58 Family and Personal Life

11:08 Returning to the Family Business

12:29 Leadership and Legacy

16:02 The Importance of Principles and Integrity

21:18 Reflecting on Personal Loss

21:54 Overview of Business Operations

22:37 Exploring Business Divisions

23:41 Innovations in Flooring Technology

26:18 Impact of AI on the Flooring Industry

28:06 Challenges in the Labor Market

29:34 Training and Education Initiatives

31:37 Future Plans and Market Outlook

38:40 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

Inaugural Episode with Industry Veteran Steve Hilton

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:33:20 -0400

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Flooring Podcast with Mike Harris, where we explore all things related to flooring in commercial construction. Mike sits down with Steven Hilton, a seasoned expert with 22 years in the flooring industry. Steve discusses his journey, the evolution of flooring technologies, and his experiences working with UCX Northeast. The conversation covers key industry changes like the rise of moisture mitigation, polished concrete, and epoxy coatings. Both share insights on building strong customer relationships and the importance of bringing value and expertise to the business. Tune in to learn from industry veterans and get practical advice for navigating the commercial flooring world.

Topics

00:52 Meet the Inaugural Guest: Steve Hilton

01:44 Steve’'s Journey in the Flooring Industry

03:01 The Evolution of UCX Northeast

09:33 Challenges and Changes in the Flooring Business

17:50 Impact of Skyscraper Construction on Flooring

19:44 Challenges in Door Installation and Ramping Mortars

20:16 Restoration in Historic Buildings

22:50 The Rise of Polished Toppings

27:52 Epoxy Flooring in Modern Construction

29:33 Trends in Tile and Ceramic Flooring

31:49 The Importance of Relationships in Sales

34:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts