Written by INSTALL / December 18, 2016
Tom Lutz has built his career as an installer, instructor and union representative in Michigan. For the past ten years, Lutz has served as director of INSTALL Michigan and a committee member for INSTALL on a national level. Recently, Lutz has been championing some of the most important issues we are facing as an industry.
INSTALL recognized the need for substrate preparation training and the product knowledge that goes with it. “No flooring product has value until it is correctly installed,” says Lutz. “We repeat this all the time because it’s true – there isn’t a flooring product out there which is not susceptible to substrate problems and issues.”
Another important INSTALL initiative is leveraging the new VA specifications. The VA Master Specifications language for Carpet, Resilient Tile, and Athletic Carpeting determines that only INSTALL installers have the skill set needed for proper installation. Therefore, VA facilities are an increasingly important part of our industry. With new and specific quality specifications for construction purchasing and installation in place, INSTALL is set to take advantage of these changes. “Working with the VA allows us to capitalize off of existing projects to expand our relationship with this important government body.”