News

Centricity Donates to Combat Install Labor Crisis

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

[St. Petersburg, Fla.] Centricity announced today that they have made a financial commitment to the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) to address the flooring industry’s installation service labor crisis. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to nurturing skilled labor in the flooring sector and fortifying the future of the industry.

Executive director of FCEF Jim Aaron expressed his gratitude for Centricity's commitment to supporting the foundation's mission, "We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from Centricity, which will significantly enhance our ability to expand and sustain our critical programs aimed at alleviating the installation labor shortage in the flooring industry. With their support, we can continue to make meaningful strides in addressing this urgent issue. Centricity’s commitment to providing an ongoing portion of all of their protection sales can make a significant impact on our important work."

FCEF has been tackling the installation labor crisis by facilitating the implementation of an installation instruction program at technical and community colleges across the country. Currently, eight colleges are running with the program, with expectations to have 12 to 15 operational by the end of 2024. This initiative has provided aspiring installers with the necessary training and skills to meet the industry's growing demand for qualified labor.

Despite FCEF's achievements, sustaining and expanding these vital programs remain a challenge, primarily due to the need for comprehensive financial support from within the flooring industry.
As a company offering protection plans through builders, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, Centricity's experience assists the flooring market in enhancing consumer confidence, satisfaction and loyalty while bolstering retailer profitability.

Centricity’s chief sales & marketing officer Bob Kilinski emphasized the importance of FCEF's work, stating, "At Centricity, we recognize the critical role that skilled installers play in ensuring the success and satisfaction of both consumers and retailers in the flooring market. We are proud to partner with FCEF as our charitable giving partner in the flooring space."
Centricity has made an initial donation of $50,000 to FCEF, providing critical support for ongoing initiatives. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from Centricity's protection plan sales within the flooring industry will contribute to sustaining FCEF's impactful programs.

"The flooring industry is experiencing transformative changes, from technological advancements to products, and we recognize the significance of nurturing skilled talent to meet the evolving demands of the market," said Kilinski. "Through our collaboration with FCEF, we aim to make a lasting impact by empowering individuals and fortifying the industry's future."

According to the companies, this partnership between FCEF and Centricity represents a pivotal moment in addressing the installation labor crisis and fostering a resilient future for the flooring industry. By leveraging shared resources and expertise, FCEF and Centricity are poised to drive meaningful change and inspire a new generation of skilled professionals.

For more information about the Floor Covering Education Foundation and its initiatives, please visit fcef.org.