Greetings Floor Trends & Installation readers! Do not adjust your dials. My name is Ken Ballin, and I will be talking over the installation content this month—in an industry-first Ballin Knows Best (BKB) takeover of the publication. That's right, myself and our team of Ballin Knows Best mentors will be taking over and providing the content this month, covering different flooring categories with a few different subjects for your reading and listening pleasure. 

In the year we've begun our journey together, we've laid the framework for our website and online community ballinknowsbest.com , developed the most interactive and intuitive AI bot in the industry designed to assist installers on the jobsite, recruited our top-notch team of mentors from different fields within the industry, and even brought on our first sponsor, iQ Power Tools, to help bring our vision to life.

IQ is no stranger to innovation themselves thus making them a great fit with BKB. While their claim to fame in the flooring and tile industry is a well-known line of dustless dry cutting tile saws, they don't rest on their laurels and will be bringing us even more innovation in the future. A bridge saw with a 52" rip capacity, an updated and upgraded 10" tile saw, and a new 10" semi continuous turbo hybrid blade are on the short list but stay tuned to see more from these industry rock stars as they continue to impress. 

Now on to our very own rock stars, who are sharing their top installation secrets.

 

Jason PottsContributor: Jason Potts
The Future of AI in Flooring Installation

Ballin Knows Best co-founder Jason Potts, with a background in hardwood refinishing through his company RIC Flooring out of Marion, Iowa, talks to Floor Trends & Installation’s Beth Miller about our AI integrated technology and what is setting Ballin Knows Best apart from other tech-based players in the industry.

 

Matt GarciaContributor: Matt Garcia
Case Study: Crafting Timeless Beauty in West Texas with Mesquite Wood Flooring

Matt Garcia, owner of San Angelo, Texas-based Craftsman Hardwood Flooring, shares a case study on one of his projects. Matt, who is a California-born surfer turned Texan craftsman, says our company is built on a passion for creating stunning wood floor designs that stand the test of time. But it’s not just about the floors—it’s about building a business where every team member has the chance to succeed.

When Matt isn't pushing the boundaries of wood floor design, he’s spending quality time with his family on their farm, enjoying the simple pleasures of life like swimming and fishing in the river that winds through their property. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest projects and get a glimpse of the craftsmanship that sets them apart. His Instagram is @craftsmanfloor.

 

Daniel GonzalezContributor: Daniel Gonzales
Gapping in Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Bringing Semi-Wet Setting Back

Daniel Gonzales operates Preferred Flooring in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which specializes in carpet and resilient floor coverings. While this family man spends his free time at a variety of youth sporting events, his extensive installation knowledge makes him our expert resilient flooring mentor. In his article, he discusses an issue with gapping and his technique to remedy the issue. To keep up with the very talented Preferred Flooring family follow @preferred_flooring_mi on Instagram.

 

Chris RachelContributor: Christopher Rachel
Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels: What to Consider Before Going All In

Christopher Rachel, owner of Superior Home Solutions, comes to us from Ashland, Nebraska, and not only specializes in thin panel installations but also provides multi-day advanced training installation courses through his other company, where he is a partner, Tile Nation. In his article, he will review some talking points on the category. Visit Chris on Instagram and YouTube @SHS_402 for more thin panel projects and updates. 

 

Oscar BarradasContributor: Oscar Barradas
How to Ensure Your Walls are Plumb and Flat Before Installing Tile

Austin, Texas is home to our Spanish-speaking mentor, Oscar Barradas, where he installs tile, hardwood, laminate, LVP, and renovates bathrooms. He enjoys working for clients who not only appreciate good work but also the journey of the renovation. He outlines some pointers of wall tile installation here, and you can see more of his work on his social media pages @obftile.

 

Reuben PotterContributor: Reuben Potter
More than Self-Promotion: Effective Marketing Strategies for Flooring Installers

Join Reuben Potter of Floors By Southern Boys in Manchester, Tennessee, as he sits down with Beth Miller to talk the marketing strategies that are helping him land more jobs. Be sure to check out the Floors By Southern Boys Instagram feed and YouTube channel for some great educational flooring content. 

Here at Ballin Knows Best we focus on helping installers in all stages and aspects of their careers. From just starting out and needing basic installation questions answered to running a successful business and needing help with marketing and social media to coming to the end of their installation career and seeking employment in other areas of the industry, our hope is that we serve the installation community as a resource throughout their journey and be the beacon of positivity that so many of us could have benefited from when we first started out many moons ago. 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy our version of Floor Trends and Installation this month. Visit www.ballinknowsbest.com to see what we're all about and follow us on Instagram @ballinknowsbest. Remember, we rise by lifting others.