The staff of BNP Media’s Floor Covering Installer (FCI) magazine is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Namba, president of Namba Services Inc. in Taylorsville, Utah, as the magazine’s editorial director. In his new role, Namba will help guide the editorial direction of FCI to ensure that the brand continues to deliver valuable and targeted content to its audience of flooring installers, contractors and distributors. Namba, who has previously worked with FCI as a columnist, said he is eager to help enhance the magazine.

“I’ve always been a big supporter of the magazine and feel that its educational information benefits installers all over the United States,” Namba said. “The magazine has always been a top-notch product and I hope to enhance what has already been built. As a reader, look forward to new and exciting things coming to the magazine.”

One focus for Namba is increasing engagement between the installation and retail sides of the business. “I want the magazine to be a conduit to bring an understanding of what each side can bring to the table, and build a better working relationship,” he noted.

Namba has more than 35 years of experience in the flooring industry, including roles as an installer, retail flooring store manager and as part of a commercial contract sales team. From 1996 until 2001, Namba owned and operated an installation workroom that focused on a range of flooring products including carpet, hardwood, resilient, laminate, ceramic tile and decorative concrete.

He then transitioned into becoming an instructor and trainer for various industry organizations, including roles as the World Floor Covering Association’s director of technical services (2001-2006), International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association’s executive director (2006-2010), and training curriculum developer for Flooring Training Inc. (2008-2010). Since 2009, Namba has held several executive roles inside the National Wood Flooring Association Certified Professionals, including as president, executive board member and review committee chairman. Namba is also coordinator of the Installation Showcase for the annual Surfaces tradeshow, a role he has held since 2001.

Namba currently serves the industry as a consultant and speaker, where he specializes in moisture testing, inspection, training and installation. He lives in the Greater Salt Lake City area with his wife and sons, who are all involved in the installation business.

Michael Chmielecki, FCI editor, said he is pleased to have the opportunity to work more closely with Namba. “Since meeting Jon, I’ve admired his honesty, his integrity and his extensive knowledge about the inner workings of the industry. I believe he will help push FCI forward with his ideas and inspiration, and I am eager to work alongside him.”

Alex Bachrach, FCI publisher, added that he was also excited by the new partnership. “Bringing Jon Namba on board with FCI will help us focus on the issues facing floor covering installers every day, and that is the most important way to ensure that our content is always relevant and viable for our readers. I am excited to work with Jon and I look forward to learning more about the floor covering industry from him for years to come.”

Namba’s role is effective immediately. His new position with FCI will be announced to the reader in the July issue.