Welcome to the Berlin Flooring blog. My name is Scott Tarpinian, and the purpose of this first post is for me to introduce myself and tell you about my background and my goals for this blog.
I started installing, sanding and finishing hardwood floors with Berlin Flooring in 2004, and now I handle the job estimating, scheduling, project management, and general sales and marketing. I really enjoy the day-to-day aspects of running a small, locally owned business.
I was born and raised in Albany, NY, and received my Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Binghamton University in upstate New York. Upon graduation, I moved back to Albany and began working in the molecular biology field. I always knew that eventually I wanted to move out west, but I didn’t know where. I ended up choosing Boulder, CO for the same reasons as many other east coast transplants: the mountains, outdoor recreation, and of course, the weather. I found a job in my field and moved to Boulder in 2001.
It wasn’t long though, before I began to feel unfulfilled with my career. A friend of mine was starting his own hardwood flooring business at that time, so one day I helped him out on a job. I was immediately hooked. I enjoyed working with wood, learning a new trade, and the sense of accomplishment you get each day when you’re working on a hardwood floor. Eager to learn more, I attended training schools conducted by Bona, a manufacturer of wood floor finishes and sanding equipment, and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), the premier organization of wood flooring professionals in the world. The teachers at these schools were some of the most knowledgeable and respected hardwood flooring contractors in the country who volunteered their time to teach others. My fellow students and I had a wide range of experience in the industry, but we all shared a passion for increasing our knowledge through classroom instruction and hands-on training. After the classes, I became a member of the NWFA and was eager to pursue a new career. I soon left the molecular biology field behind and began working with my friend. Helping him develop a new business from the ground up brought out an entrepreneurial spirit in me that I never knew I had. It was only after my friend decided to relocate with his family to Oregon that I started working with Berlin Flooring. And I’m glad I did, because I’ve found a place where I truly enjoy what I do: spending my days meeting new people in their homes and helping them create beautiful new hardwood floors. I continue my education by attending the NWFA’s annual education conference and expo so I can stay up to date on the latest products, trends and techniques in the industry.
My primary goal for this blog is simple: education. I want to pass on my knowledge to homeowners and contractors so they can make informed decisions for their projects. I also want to give people a glimpse into the everyday life of a hardwood flooring contractor and what it’s like to run a small business. I encourage responses to my posts to create an active dialogue that is beneficial for everyone. I’m really looking forward to discussing all sorts of topics, and I hope you enjoy reading my posts.