The Huddle Podcast

In this episode of The Huddle En Español, host Jorge Orta is joined by industry pros Jose Molar, Jesus Garcia, and Carlos Salamanca for a deep and honest conversation about the flooring trade—from overcoming language barriers to building community and opportunity. They dive into what it means to be a Hispanic professional in flooring today, the unique challenges faced in the field, and how install...

This week on The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose sit down with CFI Advisory Board members Rod Von Busch, Roland Thompson, Leslie Del Pozo, and Phillip Gladden for an unfiltered, live Q&A—no time limits, no filters. We’re digging into recent leadership shifts, WFCA’s role, funding, training relevance, and the roadmap ahead for CFI. Get ready for real talk straight from the source, with audience ques...

This week on The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose sit down with CFI Advisory Board members Rod Von Busch, Roland Thompson, Leslie Del Pozo, and Phillip Gladden for an unfiltered, live Q&A—no time limits, no filters. We’re digging into recent leadership shifts, WFCA’s role, funding, training relevance, and the roadmap ahead for CFI. Get ready for real talk straight from the source, with audience ques...

This week on The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose dive into a topic that could make or break your career: jobsite safety. From PPE neglect to skipping prep steps, cutting corners might seem like it saves time—but it can lead to costly consequences for your health, your team, and your reputation. If you've ever thought, “It’ll be fine this time,” this episode is for you. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This...

In this heart-filled episode of The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose talk about how flooring installers across the country are giving back—whether through mentorship, volunteering, donations, or simply showing up for those around them. From small acts of kindness to large-scale community impact, this conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about business—it's also about lifting others as...

In this episode of The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose dive into what it really takes to create a crew that doesn’t just get the job done—but gets better with every job. We’re talking about building a culture of continuous learning in the flooring industry, from mentorship and onboarding to training that actually sticks. If you're trying to scale, train better, or future-proof your business, this o...

In this episode of The Huddle, our full crew — Paul, Daniel, and Jose — reunites for a conversation that hits at the heart of what builds a strong flooring industry: mentorship. Whether you’re a veteran installer who's seen it all or a rising talent looking for guidance, mentorship shapes careers, culture, and the future of the trade. We’re breaking down: 🔥 Why mentorship matters now more than ev...

This week, Jose takes the mic solo to dive into the real challenges flooring crews face during the busiest time of the year — the summer rush. From overloaded schedules to crew burnout, Jose shares practical tips and honest reflections on how to handle high-pressure workloads while keeping your standards strong and your team motivated. 💡 Why Tune In? • Learn how to prepare for peak season chaos •...

🚐 Welcome aboard the 9th installment of the Blue Collar Cruise! In this episode, hosts Paul, Daniel, and Jose take you on another ride through the world of commercial flooring and construction. From fresh industry insights to raw installer experiences, this series is all about keeping it real — and keeping you informed. Whether you're in the field, running a crew, or managing a business, this epi...

In this week’s episode of The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose go back to where it all began — the core skills that define great flooring installers. Whether you're just starting out or decades into your career, mastering the basics is what keeps quality high and jobs running smoothly. We’re talking about the overlooked fundamentals, how to retrain your crew, and why the most successful installers n...

Welcome back to the 4th episode of Huddle En Español, hosted by Jorge Orta! In this episode, we dive into real conversations about life in the flooring industry from a Hispanic perspective. Jorge sits down with fellow installers to talk about challenges, successes, and how the Hispanic community continues to shape and elevate the trade. Whether you're on the job site or on the drive home, this is...

This week on The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose dive into what it really takes to build strong relationships between flooring installers and the design world. From architects to interior designers, these partnerships are key to smoother installs, better projects, and long-term success. Whether you’re looking to grow your business or improve communication on the jobsite, this episode is packed with...

We’re diving into the growing demand for expert witnesses and forensic tile pros—and how this niche could be your next big opportunity. With special guest Vince Moisco, you won't want to miss this episode. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: We dive into the world of expert witness services in flooring with special guest Vince from California. You’ll learn the difference between inspectors and t...

This week on The Huddle, we're flipping the script! Join Daniel and Jose for a special episode of Would You Rather: Flooring Edition — a hilarious, eye-opening, and totally raw take on the quirks, challenges, and head-scratchers of the commercial flooring world. From job site dilemmas to business growth choices, we’re asking the hard-hitting (and hilarious) questions installers face every day — an...

Hop in—we’re taking another spin through what’s hot (and what’s not) in the trades! On this week’s Blue Collar Cruise, Paul, Daniel, and Jose are back in the driver’s seat, diving into the biggest stories, industry shifts, and real-world issues facing the flooring and construction world right now. From job site wins and woes, to technology trends and trade show takeaways, this episode is packed wi...

Every installer has a story—the good, the bad, and the downright unbelievable. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on real job site experiences with special guest Andy McWilliams. From unexpected challenges to lessons learned the hard way, we’re diving into the wild world of flooring installations like never before. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How a surprising incident on a hospita...

Most installers focus on perfecting their craft—but what about the relationships that can take your career to the next level? This week, we’re going beyond the jobsite with special guest Lisbeth Calandrino to talk about the power of networking in the flooring industry and how the right connections can open doors you never imagined. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: In this episode, you’ll lear...

Today, we're highlighting some truly exceptional guests — Go Carrera's prestigious 5-Hammer installers. These elite craftsmen represent the highest standard in the flooring industry. Join us as we sit down with Jimmy Salisbury, Roland Thompson, Jerry McNeight, and Allen Lewis to hear their stories, lessons learned, and what it takes to reach the top of their trade. From the challenges they've over...

Running a flooring business comes with risks—job site accidents, liability claims, equipment damage, and more. But are you truly protected? This week on The Huddle, we’re joined by experts from Federated Insurance to break down the essentials of safeguarding your business and crew. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The biggest insurance mistakes flooring pros make (and how to avoid them), what...

The flooring industry is evolving, and creating more opportunities for women and minorities is essential for its future success. In this episode of The Huddle, Paul, Daniel, and Jose discuss Breaking Barriers: Supporting Women and Minorities in Flooring—diving into the challenges, progress, and solutions for fostering a more inclusive industry. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Breaking Stereo...

Set sail with us for the 7th installment of Blue Collar Cruise! This time, Paul and Jose are back to break down the latest news, innovations, and trends shaping the flooring and construction industries. From groundbreaking technologies to industry-shifting updates, this episode is packed with insights to keep you informed and ahead of the game. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Industry Trends...

Are you ready to see the future of the flooring industry? In this week's episode of The Huddle, we’re excited to welcome Ralph from CFI. Join us as Ralph shares insights from his new role at CFI and discusses his bold vision for transforming flooring into a premier trade in construction. Why Tune In? Fresh Perspective: Learn about Ralph’s innovative strategies to elevate the installation industry....

The Huddle En Español: Inspiración y Conocimiento para la Industria de Pisos con Jorge Orta, Jesús García y Carlos Salamanca Únete a nosotros en otro episodio dinámico de The Huddle En Español! En este episodio, el anfitrión Jorge Orta recibe a los invitados especiales, Jesús García y Carlos Salamanca, para explorar las últimas tendencias del sector, compartir experiencias personales y debatir sob...

Sometimes, you’re never fully ready to take the leap from side hustle to full-time business—but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right time. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to pull the trigger, overcome fear, and commit to building your dream. We’ll share stories, practical advice, and insights on how to navigate the transition, from planning and budgeting to mindset shifts and embracin...

Broadcasting from the heart of The International Surface Event (tise), bringing you an inside look at why trade shows like this are a must-attend for flooring professionals. From networking with industry leaders to discovering cutting-edge innovations, these events are essential for staying ahead in the field. In this episode, we dive into the excitement of the CFI Installer of the Year competitio...