Sarmazian Brothers Flooring opened its doors to its extended family to start 2023. The Canadian company hosted the inaugural Installer Conference in January, a day filled with education and expert insight. About 80 subcontractor installers, as well as Sarmazian staff, which included managers, service coordinators and project managers, participated in the event.
The purpose of the conference was to update installers on the company’s scope of work, installation standards and health and safety protocols.
“The ability to provide quality installation is an integral part of our business. It’s this service aspect and dedication that sets us apart from others,” said Saro Sarmazian, director of operations, Sarmazian Brothers.
“And because it’s so important, we need to give our installers the attention they deserve. Even though they are subcontractors, we treat them like our employees by providing training, best practices, and with constant communication. Their attendance and enthusiasm during this conference reinforces our strong relationship together, ultimately helping the end user, the homeowner and the builder. In the end, everything we do is for the customer.”
Guest speakers at the conference included John Lichy, a health and safety instructor for the Ontario Infrastructure Health and Safety Association; attorney Evan Campbell with the law firm Filion Wakely; Luca Bucci, the chief executive officer of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, and Stacy Cooper, who is the owner of Cooper Admin & Consulting.
“The guest speakers were optimistic on the outlook of the housing industry, as there is a lot of pent-up demand in the marketplace once people acclimate to the higher interest rate environment,” said Raffi Sarmazian, managing director, Sarmazian Brothers.
“With the current shortage of housing supply this will continue to drive growth in the new construction and renovation business. A major challenge the industry is facing is the shortage of skilled labour and lack of younger people coming into the trade. Finally, the importance of health and safety was highlighted along with legal protection to minimize exposure to risk for subcontractors who employ helpers.”
Sarmazian has been serving Southwestern Ontario for over 50 years. The company was launched by four brothers – Steve, Harry, Jack and Tony Sarmazian – in 1970, when they started their business as carpet installers. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown expeditiously, and now has three locations in Guelph, Cambridge and Waterloo. They specialize in supplying and installing the latest colours and styles in hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, carpet, sheet vinyl and ceramic tile for retail, new home construction and commercial projects.
