Teaming Up for Excellence: A Flooring Partnership That Delivered

Madison East High School has stood as a cornerstone of the community since 1922, known for its striking Gothic architecture, intricate stonework, and enduring brick construction. With major improvements last made in the early 1960s, the recent renovation presented a rare opportunity to blend historical preservation with modern functionality—especially in the realm of flooring.

Remodeling a 102-year-old, fully operational high school came with unique challenges. All flooring installation was completed during second-shift hours to avoid disrupting students and staff, requiring meticulous coordination with school administrators and other trades. This project was more than just a renovation—it was a collaboration. Working closely with a valued general contractor and leveraging partnerships with EIGHTEEN Starnet vendors, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings delivered a solution that was both beautiful and practical.

The use of Tarkett Powerbond carpet with custom purple accent bands didn’t just elevate the aesthetic—it honored the school’s identity while enhancing safety. Over 45,000 square feet of J+J Flooring’s Kinetex material brought durability and comfort to classrooms, chosen with confidence from past successful installations. The use of creative problem-solving for uneven and asbestos-laden subfloors, and the use of 122,870 pounds of patch and leveler—all without extending the schedule. Every detail, from the recycled carpet scraps to the precisely cut accent corners in the forum, reflected a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and the school community. This project was the definition of partnering for success between Starnet member Sergenian’s Floor Coverings and the EIGHTEEN preferred vendors.

Starnet Preferred Vendors:

Futura Transitions, Mapei, Spray-Lock, Traxx Corporation, Uzin Utz North America, Taylor Adhesives, XGS-Xpress Global Systems, XL Brands, AHF, Engineered Floors, J+J Flooring, Milliken Commercial, Johnsonite By Tarkett, Tarkett, Measure Square Corporation, RFMS, a Cyncly Company, Spec-ID, & Wagner Meters

Partner for success with Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring!

Starnet Announces the 2025 Design Awards Winners

Showcasing Innovation in Commercial Flooring Design and Installation!


Starnet Commercial Flooring, the world’s largest network of full-service commercial flooring contractors, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Starnet Design Awards. Now in its 27th year, the competition showcases excellence in flooring design and installation, celebrating the collaborative achievements of Starnet Members, architects, designers, and leading commercial flooring brands across North America.

This year’s entries set a new benchmark for creativity and technical execution, with projects completed in 2024 competing across eight categories: Corporate, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality & Public Space, Mixed-Use Developments, Single-Source Interior Contractor, Unique Installation, and Canadian Project of the Year. A panel of industry leaders specializing in flooring, architecture, and design evaluated the projects based on innovation, craftsmanship, and their overall contribution to the built environment.

Gold category winners advanced to consideration for the prestigious Starnet 2025 Grand Prize, awarded to the year’s most outstanding flooring project. The Grand Prize, along with all gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention honorees, will be celebrated at the Starnet Design Awards gala on April 25, 2025.

Additionally, the competition featured the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award, where Starnet Members—highly skilled commercial flooring contractors—and their supporting Preferred Vendor Partners voted on standout peer projects that exemplify superior workmanship and design.

Grand Prize Winner:
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort – A Historic Revival with Modern Luxury

Universal Metro earned top honors at the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, taking home Gold in both the Hospitality and Public Space categories, along with the coveted Grand Prize, for its work at the revitalized Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.

Tucked into the hills of Southern California, the historic resort—originally established in 1902—has long been known for its natural hot springs and timeless Spanish-style architecture. The recent transformation required a sensitive approach, blending the site’s rich past with the comforts and aesthetics of contemporary wellness design.

Guided by the theme “California Nostalgic,” the interiors reflect a seamless fusion of rustic charm and coastal elegance. In the main building’s reception, café, and guestrooms, warm terracotta-toned tile echoes the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired roofs. In the bathhouse, materials were carefully selected for both resilience and refinement, with earthy matte mosaic tile paired against glossy off-white walls for a clean, modern contrast.

Behind the scenes, high-performance installation materials ensure long-term durability, moisture protection, and a flawless finish—critical to maintaining beauty and function in a hospitality environment.

“Murrieta Hot Springs Resort beautifully balances historic charm with modern luxury. The textures, materials, and overall execution seamlessly align with its design vision,” said Judge Sarah Joubert of Gensler.

Judge Megan Skaalen of Smith Group added, “The complexity of renovating a historic space brings unique challenges, and this project was exceptionally well executed to maintain its integrity while achieving a cohesive, refreshed look.”

The renewed Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is now poised to welcome a new generation of visitors, offering a restorative experience that bridges heritage and modern luxury.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Santa Fe Springs, CA

Category Winners:

Gold in Corporate
Consolidated Flooring; Confidential Law Firm

The firm’s office design integrates flexible workspaces with flooring that enhances acoustics and defines distinct areas. A bold red carpet feature in the boardroom adds a dynamic brand statement.

“The mix of materials and bold color choices make this law office stand out—sophisticated yet unexpected,” said Judge Megan Skaalen.

Confidential Law Firm, Chicago, IL

Gold in Healthcare
Antex Western; Ksyen Regional Hospital

“The seamless transition of colors and materials enhances the architecture and patient experience,” noted judge Sarah Joubert.

Designed to foster a calming and intuitive patient experience, the hospital’s flooring plan integrates materials that guide movement, enhance well-being, and support care environments.

Ksyen Regional Hospital, Winnipeg, Canada

Gold in Education
Commercial Flooring of Toledo; Owens Community College School of Nursing

With a focus on functionality and aesthetics, the nursing school’s flooring selection supports both rigorous healthcare training and a welcoming atmosphere.

“This project masterfully aligns flooring with the architecture, enhancing both functionality and design integrity,” said Judge Sarah Joubert.

Owens Community College School of Nursing, Toledo, OH

Gold in Hospitality & Public Spaces
Universal Metro; Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation honors the site’s Spanish architectural roots while introducing contemporary materials that elevate its historic charm.

“The flooring played a key role in achieving that timeless aesthetic—beautifully selected and expertly executed,” said Judge Sarah Joubert.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Santa Fe Springs, CA

Gold in Unique Installation Challenge
Tri-State Carpet; Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Using six distinct flooring colors to define exhibit zones, this installation required intricate hand-cut designs, bringing nature themes to life.

“Every intricate cut, from tree trunks to pond details, was meticulously hand-cut, demonstrating unparalleled craftsmanship,” praised Judge Robert Varden of UNITE.

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Wilmington, DE

Gold in Single Source Interior Contractor
Couvre-Planchers Labrosse; Good News Chapel

The design and construction of the Good News Chapel, from material selection to installation, was carefully considered to create a space that fosters a sense of warmth, tranquility, and purpose.

Judge Sarah Joubert said, “This project is deserving of gold, because it is so well executed.” The judges also noted the stepped auditorium and how difficult it is to get the flooring in on such a project. “I appreciate the complexity and a job well done,” added Judge Megan Skaalen.

Good News Chapel, Laval, Quebec, Canada

Gold in Mixed-Use Developments
Consolidated Flooring; Havas

A diverse palette of textures and patterns creates a rich, layered environment, while the strategic use of flooring materials helps define and differentiate key zones throughout the space, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.

“Havas brought together a bold mix of flooring types in a way that felt cohesive and visually compelling,” said Judge Sarah Joubert. Judge Caitlin Turner added, “It’s a daring design that really stands out.” Judge Megan Skaalen summed it up: “I love it—it’s funky, dynamic, and full of energy.”

Havas, Chicago, IL

Gold in Canadian Project of the Year
Maxwell Floors; Dogwood Care Home

A defining feature of the project is the hand-crafted in-floor native logo in the Sacred Room—an intricate, meaningful detail that highlights both technical skill and cultural respect. This thoughtful element reinforces the project’s commitment to creating a care environment that is not only functional but also deeply rooted in place and community.

“In Canadian healthcare design, it’s rare to see such refined details due to government funding,” said Judge Caitlin Turner. “This project stands out for honoring Indigenous culture in a way that’s especially important to Vancouver Island.”

Dogwood Care Home, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

The Rob Starr People’s Choice Award

Honoring the legacy of former Starnet Director of Marketing and Member Services Rob Starr, this award continues to recognize projects that resonate within the industry for their craftsmanship and impact. Starnet President & CEO Mark Bischoff reflected, “This award, renamed in Rob’s honor, celebrates the projects that bring our industry together through innovation and excellence.”

Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists; Hingham Foster Elementary School

This year, the award was presented to Hingham Foster Elementary School by Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists. The Hingham Foster Elementary School is a state-of-the-art, net-zero-ready facility serving over 600 students from Pre-K through 5th grade. Designed around collaborative learning neighborhoods and inclusive education spaces, the project integrates sustainable flooring materials that enhance comfort, safety, and acoustics. Selected for its innovation, functionality, and impact on the community, the school sets a new benchmark for educational design.

Hingham Foster Elementary School, Hingham, MA

Meet the 2025 Judging Panel

Submissions for 2026 are NOW OPEN!

The Starnet Annual Membership Meeting Recap

The Starnet Annual Membership Meeting has come and gone, and it was nothing short of incredible! We extend our heartfelt thanks to our world-class members and vendors for making this event so special. Year after year, this event is a highlight on thousands of calendars, continually setting a new standard of excellence. This success is truly a collective effort, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

Here are some of the phenomenal highlights:

A special thank you to all our vendor sponsors who made events like the Design Awards, after-meeting activities, golfing, and so much more possible for our guests. Your support is invaluable.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year for another exceptional event!

Future-Proofing Your Business in a Changing Industry

Thank You Corey Smith


As the Starnet Spring Meeting approaches, Corey Smith, owner of DMA Floors, shares his insights on the crucial topic of future-proofing businesses in the construction industry. With decades of experience, Corey emphasizes that the rapid evolution of construction demands more than just hard work and experience; it requires innovative strategies and tools to stay ahead. He highlights the importance of staying organized amid the chaos of multiple bids, documents, and project tasks, stressing that a centralized system is essential to avoid costly mistakes and improve efficiency.

Corey discusses the long-term aspect of future-proofing, focusing on the aging workforce in the industry. He points out that the valuable knowledge accumulated by experienced professionals will retire with them unless systems are implemented to capture and transfer this expertise. JENGAI’s AI Analyzer plays a pivotal role in structuring industry intelligence for the next generation. Additionally, Corey underscores the importance of visibility into the sales pipeline and the necessity of a strong CRM system to track potential work and ensure timely follow-ups, especially for salespeople on the road.

The article delves into the daily struggles faced by subcontractors, such as the challenge of estimating and the risk of missing critical details in documents. Corey shares a personal experience where a costly mistake was made due to missing a detail in the plans. He explains how JENGAI’s AI Analyzer could have prevented this error, proving the platform’s value in catching potential misses and saving time and money. The shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive management is highlighted, with JENGAI providing a centralized system that enhances efficiency and accessibility for the team.

Corey acknowledges the difficulty of introducing new systems but emphasizes the necessity of change to build a smarter business. He describes the transformation at DMA Floors, where JENGAI has improved follow-ups, provided visibility into the sales pipeline, and streamlined the estimating process. The AI Analyzer has become a core part of their operations, helping to identify key details in plans and reduce costly errors. Corey’s experience demonstrates the significant benefits of embracing technology and AI-driven solutions.

Looking ahead, Corey sees more opportunities to refine workflows and improve efficiency. He appreciates working with a team committed to making a difference in the industry, noting that JENGAI continuously updates its platform to address real challenges. Corey believes that leveraging technology to streamline pricing, scheduling, and workflows will not only keep businesses up with industry changes but set the pace. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of evolving to succeed in the next decade, urging industry professionals to embrace new strategies and technology to future-proof their businesses.

The 2025 Starnet Floor Care Convention!

Daltile, J + J, Milliken, Mohawk, and Tarkett supported the Starnet Floor Care convention in Nashville last week.

The 14th annual Starnet Floor Care Convention brought together several of the best minds in the maintenance business to strategize growth and partnership opportunities and align on the proper procedures for maintaining the Starnet Vendor Partners’ products.

A highlight from the event included a vendor panel consisting of Tarkett, Mohawk, Milliken, J + J, and Daltile technical experts. This panel of experts discussed standards, pitfalls, and real life solutions for the end use client.

Starnet manufacturer partners, floor care vendors, and Starnet contractors share the common goal of delighting the end-use client through maintenance to drive repeat flooring sales for the manufacturers and Starnet members. Growing product and installation revenue is the top priority for both the Starnet Vendor Partners and the Starnet flooring contractor. Floor care is an important piece for gaining and retaining customers to ultimately grow product revenue.

We thank Starnet Floor Care vendors XL North, Foaming Floors, Neverstrip, and TEC for their support of the floor care business and the excellent products and service they bring to the industry.

Please put on your radar to attend Starnet Floor Care Convention 2026 next February, it is a high energy event with the industry’s finest!

Who are the Top 10 BEST Distributors from 2024?

Every year, Starnet’s mandatory Preferred Vendor Survey uncovers the secrets behind member satisfaction with our vendor partners. The results are in, and once again, Starnet members are thrilled with their interactions, especially with those who master the art of distribution channel management. Our members rave about the flawless movement of products from manufacturing plants to local regions and the exceptional support from distributors, including sales and marketing resources, logistics, training, and more.

Understanding the vital role of distribution in our members’ success, Starnet conducted an in-depth survey to dive into the dynamics of the distribution channel. This survey evaluated the overall value of the distribution channel, pinpointed key qualities distributors should focus on to win business, and spotlighted the top-performing distributors.

133 Starnet members shared their experiences with 76 distributors across the United States and Canada. Distributors were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing excellence. The overall results revealed an average rating of 3.51.

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! We proudly present the top 10 performing distributors, along with their stellar ratings!

RankDistributorRating
1T & A Supply4.31
2Daltile4.27
3L. Fishman & Son4.23
4Tri-West4.12
5Professional Flooring Supply4.00
6C&C Wholesale Distributors3.94
7Tom Duffy/BR Funsten3.93
8Michael Halebian & Co. Inc.3.92
8Hank’s Specialties3.92
10Virginia Tile3.89

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to excellence.

2025 Floor Focus Starnet Emerging Leaders ANNOUNCED

The Emerging Leaders Award, hosted by Floor Focus, offers the opportunity for industry businesses to acknowledge the up-and-coming in their organizations. The outstanding professionals are celebrated in Floor Focus Magazine and at the International Surface Event -TISE. The 2025 winners, all under the age of 40, are a sampling of the industry’s best and brightest, those that will push the industry forward through innovation and thoughtful leadership. We would like to recognize the outstanding young stars within the Starnet network. Congratulations to the Starnet winners listed below!

Gunnar Pennington, Jack Laurie Group – Senior Field Superintendent

Jordan Anderson, Great Floors Silverdale – Branch Manager

Andrew Conklin, M. Frank Higgins & Co. – Project Manager

Heather Nicholas, ACS Flooring Group – Director of Business Development

Kaytlin Greenley: NEW Director of Member Training and Development

Starnet has gained a major asset on staff. We are pleased to welcome our new Director of Member Training and Development…Kaytlin Greenley! This role is pivotal for Starnet’s growth and all of our world-class members and vendors.  She will help improve Starnet University, increase member training, and revolutionize the professional development resources within the commercial interior market. She has already hit the ground running with several new insights and projects for growth. She is a perfect fit for the job with a wide range of expertise from her background. 

Kaytlin joins us after an impressive seven-year tenure at Mohawk Group, where she began her career as a Brand Marketing Specialist. Over the years, she expanded her responsibility, transitioning into the role of Event Manager. In both roles, Kaytlin honed her leadership abilities, built strong industry relationships, and developed a keen analytical mindset. Prior to Mohawk Group, she had more than 12 years of experience in Marketing and Business Development at Coosa Valley Credit Union, solidifying her depth of expertise.

With her extensive background and passion for advancing the industry, Kaytlin is a great addition to the Starnet team. She is eager to help our members and vendor partners grow their businesses and achieve their goals. We are confident that her leadership and vision will make a lasting impact on Starnet and the broader commercial interiors community.

Workscapes Commercial Flooring Division Joins Starnet

Tampa, FL – Workscapes Commercial Flooring Division is proud to announce its official membership in the Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership, effective November 1, 2024. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in Workscapes’ commitment to excellence and growth in the commercial flooring industry. 

Workscapes, a 26-year-old distribution company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, has a rich history of serving the Corporate, Healthcare, Government, and Higher Education sectors. With four offices across Florida and a dedicated team of 150 employees, Workscapes has expanded its offerings to include a furniture division, an interior construction division, and a commercial flooring division. 

The flooring division, launched in 2020, was founded with the purpose of “doing good work.” Richard “Dick” Dvorak, co-owner of Workscapes, shared his journey:  

“We originally started in the Contract Furniture Industry focused in Corporate, Healthcare, Government, and Higher Education and now we have a furniture division, interior construction division, and a commercial flooring division. The flooring division was launched in 2020 with the purpose of ‘doing good work’. The owner of the company is Elizabeth Dvorak and Richard Dvorak. Richard spent his early part of his career with Armstrong World Industries in the flooring division based in Lancaster PA. Workscapes decided to launch the flooring division when approached by a friend who was selling flooring and said, ‘you are putting all the furniture on the flooring why not provide the flooring as well’. Richard Dvorak was hesitant at first but with the focus on ‘doing good work’ and following our EOS Operating System we are 4 years into the development of what could be our largest division in the company in the future. Today the division has 22 people in it and continues to look for first ‘getting better’ before trying to get bigger. We look forward to becoming a member of Starnet and finding ways to add value to the group and benefit from the years of experience and success together.” 

In addition to this exciting partnership, Workscapes is pleased to announce the recent appointments of George Martinez as Vice President of Sales and Michael Franze as Vice President of Operations. These leadership changes reflect Workscapes’ dedication to strengthening its team and enhancing its service offerings. 

George Martinez, Vice President of Sales, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership:  

“Joining the Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership is a tremendous opportunity for Workscapes. We are excited to collaborate with industry leaders and leverage the collective expertise to deliver exceptional flooring solutions to our clients. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to ‘doing good work’ and continuous improvement.” 

Mark Bischoff, President and CEO of Starnet, welcomed Workscapes to the partnership:  

“We are thrilled to welcome Workscapes Commercial Flooring Division to the Starnet family. Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will bring significant benefits to both Workscapes and the entire Starnet community.” 

As a member of Starnet, Workscapes Commercial Flooring Division aims to leverage the collective expertise and resources of the partnership to deliver superior flooring solutions and continue its tradition of excellence. The company looks forward to contributing to and benefiting from the shared knowledge and success of the Starnet community. 

For more information, please contact: tanner@starnetflooring.com