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A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a “Meeting of the Minds,” a gathering of about a dozen hardwood flooring professionals. We all came together at an Airbnb with one goal in mind: to exchange knowledge, ideas, and techniques that would help us hone our craft and elevate the quality of the work we deliver to our clients.

As someone deeply passionate about custom hardwood floors, I’m always eager to connect with fellow professionals who share the same dedication to their craft. Being surrounded by experts, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences, reminded me of the importance of community in our industry. We may each have our own businesses and projects, but by sharing what we’ve learned over the years, we all come away stronger.

Meeting of the Minds: A Space to Learn and Share

This wasn’t just a casual get-together. The gathering provided an opportunity for everyone to bring something to the table, whether it was new techniques, the latest machines and tools, or different finishes we’ve experimented with. Every person in that room had something valuable to offer, and that willingness to share openly is what made this experience so special.

One of the main focuses of the meeting was comparing tools and finishes—something we all deal with in different ways, depending on our individual workflows and the demands of our clients. There were discussions on sanding techniques, the best tools for different kinds of wood, and the most durable and visually stunning finishes. Every conversation felt like peeling back another layer of what’s possible in our industry.

Meeting of the Minds: A Grateful Gathering

I want to thank Daniel Antes at Distinctive Hardwood for organizing this event. It’s not easy to bring together a group of seasoned professionals, but Daniel did an incredible job. His passion for hardwood flooring and commitment to bringing the community together was clear throughout the entire weekend. It’s events like these that push us to evolve, helping us think beyond our individual practices and learn from the best.

I’m also deeply grateful to James Harbour, Patrick J. Russell, Josh Hansman, Nate Mullet, Justin Boone, Jason Vivash, Daniel Reddy, and Zsolt Paul Golenya. Each of these individuals shared their time and wisdom, contributing to a weekend of growth and camaraderie.

Why Community Matters in Craftsmanship

As a custom hardwood floor specialist, I often find myself working alone or with a small team on highly detailed projects. While I take immense pride in the individual artistry that goes into each floor, there’s a tremendous value in connecting with others who walk the same path.

This gathering served as a reminder that there’s always something new to learn, and often, the best way to gain that knowledge is by listening to others in the field. Whether it was someone talking about their latest machine upgrade or how they approached a complex install, the level of expertise in the room was remarkable.

Hardwood flooring isn’t just about laying boards—it’s an intricate process that involves understanding the material, mastering the tools, and being open to continual improvement. Events like this allow us to challenge our methods and refine our skills in ways we might not have considered before.

Moving Forward with New Ideas

Leaving the “Meeting of the Minds,” I felt inspired by all of the discussions with old and new friends. There’s something about being around others who are just as passionate about their craft that strengthens one’s drive. The ideas shared over those few days have already found their way into my work, and I know they will continue to influence how I approach future projects.

At the end of the day, the quality of a custom hardwood floor depends not only on the wood or the finish but on the craftsmanship and care that goes into every step of the process. By learning from others and continuously evolving, we ensure that the floors we create aren’t just functional but true works of art.

For me, this meeting wasn’t just about learning new techniques—it was about reaffirming the value of community in an industry where artistry and craftsmanship reign supreme. I look forward to more gatherings like this and to seeing how these shared insights help all of us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hardwood flooring.