Minnesota

Robb Haas

Plymouth, MN

612-532-0100
Curriculum Vitae

Richard Laughlin

Rochester, MN

507-923-5743
Curriculum Vitae

Frank Kostuch

Elgin, IL

847-754-1186
Curriculum Vitae

Educational Training designed for Floor Covering Career Professionals

CFIU provides Educational Training designed for Floor Covering Career Professionals at the highest competency level. Floor Covering Industry specific product knowledge with emphasis on detail. Rigorous examinations that teach and hone inspection skills. Brett Whitehead Wichita, Kansas 316-253-4154 Contact Bret

Bret Whitehead

They are my ” Go To Mentors”

It is with great pleasure that I endorse Linda and Ricky and their new organization; CFIU, Certified Flooring Inspectors University. I have known both for many years and can testify to their integrity and expertise. Having attended many of their training courses in the past years I have grown to know them both as true… Read more “They are my ” Go To Mentors””

Carl Howard

You Can’t Go Wrong

You’ve made the right decision if you are looking for a flooring inspector training program that will present you with unmatched training and priceless support after the training has ended. The years of experience the CFIU trainers bring cannot be duplicated. The courses presented before and during training are top notch and thorough. The owners and trainers… Read more “You Can’t Go Wrong”

Trent Oates

Real in the field scenarios that prepare the inspector with the proper skills

For the past several years, we have seen a dramatic change in the data collection and reporting from inspectors that Linda and her team have trained. Their approach to teaching inspectors “how to inspect” has had a positive effect on inspectors going through their training classes. Her team’s approach to training does not mask as… Read more “Real in the field scenarios that prepare the inspector with the proper skills”

Ron Gould

CFIU Glass Tile Course was Exceptional

The CFIU Glass Tile course was informative, educational, and detailed in the requirements of installation procedures and determinations. The visual photos present were especially useful in understanding what is expected in the performance of the product. Jeff Emanuel Florida 813-652-2436

Jeff Emanuel

The training and courseware offered by CFIU is top notch

In my role as claims manager for Emser Tile I have arranged for hundreds of inspections. The training and courseware offered by CFIU is top notch and will provide flooring inspectors the foundation they need to succeed. Jeff Hartke, Emser Tile Claims Manager Emser Tile

Jeff Hartke, Emser Tile Claims Manager

CFIU teaches you the information you need to succeed

I took many classes prior to CFI University courses. However, I believe I would have spent far less money and have made it farther in the industry if my initial courses were those of CFIU! Their courses teach you the information you need to succeed as an inspector and more importantly how to write a… Read more “CFIU teaches you the information you need to succeed”

Anthony Ruggieri

Very knowledgable instructors

Very knowledgeable instructors. A great help in assisting in skill development. Ray Fournier Ontario, Canada 647-393-4230 florzinspections@gmail.com Contact Ray

Ray Fournier

Awesome Instructors

As a flooring inspector with 12+ years of experience and multiple certifications and updates, I still find the instruction methods, reference materials available online and ongoing support from CFIU to be of great value! This is a group of awesome instructors who know the importance of their students really learning how to inspect floors! One… Read more “Awesome Instructors”

Kevin Broadhead

CFI University is behind me supporting me through the process. They are a partner.

After completing, the CFI University Carpet Inspector’s course, I now possess the understanding of a myriad of carpet related issues. More importantly, CFI University’s training has given me the confidence to implement this new skill. I have no fear or anxiety walking into an inspection. If I find myself confronted by an issue that I… Read more “CFI University is behind me supporting me through the process. They are a partner.”

Steve Lopes

The Luxury Vinyl online course was excellent.

The Luxury Vinyl online course was excellent. You have it put together very well! I plan on continuing with the other courses you offer. Very impressive. Also, I received the arrow/measure comparators today. Thanks for getting those out so quick. They will be a big help with photos on future inspections. I had been on… Read more “The Luxury Vinyl online course was excellent.”

Jimmy Camp

Fantastic Tests

I must admit, looking over the manuals for each product segment was a bit unnerving. I’ve been inspecting for many years and also am the Technical Director for a large flooring distributor. The depth of the information that includes (in the wood segment) math, knowing how to calculate using the coefficients was actually entertaining; it… Read more “Fantastic Tests”

Jim Rottcher

Ceramic Tile Inspections

It is my pleasure to recommend the CFIU Ceramic Tile Course to my fellow inspectors. I found the online course to be both informative and timely. The CFIU staff was both helpful and supportive. Thanks! Michael Longshore Denton, Texas 940-304-4866 Contact Michael

Michael Longshore

Great course

Great course. Lots of need-to-know information to do an LVT inspection correctly. For the money, you can’t beat it. Even if you’re already an inspector like myself it’s always good to go back refresh your knowledge. Alfred Coates 434-944-5350

Alfred Coates

Professional and very informative

This was my first 3-day training since joining CFIU earlier this year. I found it to be very professional and informative. All the invited speakers were very professional and knowledgeable in their field. They answered every question completely and honestly, I highly recommend that you attend one of the CFIU training seminars or one of… Read more “Professional and very informative”

Keith Moore

Very informative

Ricky Bunker Flooring Inspector, South Carolina-North Carolina. Tech Services. Flooring Inspector mentor and trainer at CfI University

I have been to several classes in the 10 years of my inspection career. There are a few classes that really stick out and this is one of them. The speakers and teachers are very informative. Anytime I need help with something, I get an answer or a callback. They don’t just give you… Read more “Very informative”

Eric Bunker

Not just another Diploma/Certificate mill

CFIU teaches you how to perform an inspection, not just basics and terminology. Other schools offer courses which are the bare minimum required to be able to put the “certified” in front of your name, take your money and send you out the door with a “good luck” and “goodbye”. CFIU teaches real-world, practical skills.… Read more “Not just another Diploma/Certificate mill”

Anthony Smith

Best Ever

Testimonials from other inspectors are spot on. Linda and Ricky, the heart and soul of Certified Flooring Inspectors University, are truly THE professionals of the flooring industry. After completing their classes you will learn how to inspect, how to write reports, and about tools. It will help you perform a more professional inspection. You will… Read more “Best Ever”

Jack Robnett

CFI University is unique

CFIU is not like other training facilities, it is unique. Many of the classes at CFIU offer actual hands-on training that you will not receive at most other training facilities. I know, I have been a Certified Inspector for over 33 years. I’ve been to the other classes, I have sat through their training. On… Read more “CFI University is unique”

Gene Pope

Great training class!

That was a great training class in Myrtle Beach. I like the way that the “not so fun” necessary stuff, like testing can be done on my own time and at my own pace. The stuff you can’t learn very well from just reading, like communicating with the clients and report writing, was covered thoroughly… Read more “Great training class!”

Gregg Pierce

Excellent & Passionate Training

I’ve been in the flooring industry since the early ’80s and this university is one of the best education courses I’ve received to date. The online courses are very helpful with the technical information that’s needed, but their focus is also on helping us understand the necessary tools and unbiased fact gathering that’s needed for… Read more “Excellent & Passionate Training”

Jackie Wood

THE EXPERTS!

I want to thank Linda, Ricky, and Eric for the great work they did in providing a well organized and informative training class from start to finish. I don’t think you could ask for a better group to get you where you need to be in the floor inspection field. They have continued to answer… Read more “THE EXPERTS!”

Walter Dudley

Best Path to become a WORKING Inspector

I took some time to write about my experience with CFI University, simply because over time I have come to respect what people and companies actually do on a consistent basis, not what they tell me they will do upfront. CFIU did exactly what they said they would do and more. They were thorough and… Read more “Best Path to become a WORKING Inspector”

Brian Peyton

Best Training and Partners EVER

I started my inspection career after 39 years of being a manufacturers’ rep, which included looking at flooring, installation, and substrate issues. Linda and Ricky have directed me into this new, and different aspect of flooring and substrate problems with the best, most thorough training. I quickly realized the importance of good training and helpful… Read more “Best Training and Partners EVER”

David Zeagler

Switched!

This term means to change the position, direction, or focus of. Having been part of another certifying body since 1994, I realized the time had come to “switch”. I was not receiving the value for the membership fee they expected me to pay. Having known Linda Lockwood for a long time, I decided to give… Read more “Switched!”

Jim Tobin

You’re the Tom Brady of inspections

First off I want to tell you that my respect for you as an inspector is off the charts. After just a phone conversation or two and then two days of virtual classes, it was overwhelmingly evident that you KNOW your business and you are GOOD at it – the best of the best! You’re… Read more “You’re the Tom Brady of inspections”

Steve Howell

The training goes above and beyond

The training goes above and beyond what you would expect. Great people and they are here to help you be the best inspector you can. They’re only a phone call away to answer any questions you may have. Gary Morris 805-638-7666 Contact Gary

Gary Morris

CFIU educated and supplied me with the tools and knowledge I need

With over 25 years in the flooring industry, I thought the next step would be to become a certified floor inspector. I expected the transition to floor inspection would be a logical step with my background in flooring. CFIU educated and supplied me with the tools and knowledge I needed to fill in the gaps… Read more “CFIU educated and supplied me with the tools and knowledge I need”

Ed Crawford

More than just a course and certificate for sure….

After 27 years in our business from retail, installation, distribution, to manufacturing starting in a new segment can be daunting. I was already certified and chose CFIU as a refresher and additional certification…this was MUCH more than a refresher. CFIU is there after the course to make sure that you are on the right track… Read more “More than just a course and certificate for sure….”

Bill Houle

I’m glad I chose CFI University

The team of instructors is dedicated and provides the training material and testing methods necessary to conduct thorough and accurate flooring inspections. Thank you, Linda, Ricky, and Eric for a training program that makes you think and correctly identify flooring issues we encounter in the field. Their ongoing support and mentoring have been greatly appreciated.… Read more “I’m glad I chose CFI University”

paul comtois

Excellent training, approaching the issues in all aspects

You and Ricky made the difference in Inspector Training, bringing it to a new level that was not available when I first went into inspecting. One example is report writing, the good, bad, and ugly. Also, excellent training, approaching the issues in all aspects, to come to the correct conclusion. The class input made it… Read more “Excellent training, approaching the issues in all aspects”

Outstanding Program!

It takes a lot to impress me but I have to say CFIU is very impressive! The information and knowledge you can gain from these folks is just OUTSTANDING! Never thought I would gain so much knowledge from taking these classes, being a third generation of the flooring industry and being involved in just about… Read more “Outstanding Program!”

Charles Saad

Flooring updates

The flooring updates for inspectors are a great feature; keeping us up to date on new issues and what to look for is invaluable. Education never stops. Thank you for all you do. Vincent Retired

Vincent Ferranti

CFIU Training and Support

John Lunsford, CFI University Certified Flooring Inspector, TN

Few inspectors/consultants have had the opportunity to mentor under an experienced inspector/consultant. Until recently, I had not been aware that CFIU offers 7 highly experienced inspectors committed to mentoring, education, and specific questions. – This is a great help when time pressured; I have options. – As a CFIU inspector/consultant, you are also afforded the… Read more “CFIU Training and Support”

John O.S. Lunsford

The Inspector’s Bible

The CFI University online manuals are priceless for the novice and the seasoned inspector. WOW, the continuing updates for all categories. I refer to the CFI online manuals as The Inspector’s Flooring Bible. Vincent Ferranti Retired

Simply the Best

Michael Jordan. CFI University Certified Flooring Inspector. West Virginia

Linda and her band of merry men are tops in their field. They are extremely knowledgeable about all things flooring and have designed a fantastic program to create industry leaders in the flooring inspection field. Additionally, they spend the time and effort with you as an inspector to make sure you get it right. There’s… Read more “Simply the Best”

Michael C Jordan

Awesome Course

I learned a lot and the team at CFIU was very knowledgeable! Andrew Stephen Linford 704-746-1311 Email

Andrew Stephen Linford

The Best Instructors in the business

I’m starting my inspection career after 36 years in the flooring industry and the last 15 years of being a manufacturers’ rep. This included flooring installation, installation, and manufacturing issues, along with substrate issues. Linda, Eric, and Ricky have shown me a new direction for flooring and substrate problems with the best training. And their… Read more “The Best Instructors in the business”

Michael Del Vacchio

CFI University Report Writing Seminar December 3, 2021

CFI University Report Writing Seminar December 3, 2021 Thank you, Linda Lockwood, Ricky, and Eric Bunker, for the good, bad, and correct way to write a report. One never stops learning or finding better ways to improve their skills. The time all of you invested in preparing this jam-packed 8-hour seminar is incredible. Again, Thank… Read more “CFI University Report Writing Seminar December 3, 2021”

Vincent Ferranti

Reports are paramount.

I was very impressed with the training and the emphasis on report writing. If the client can’t understand your report the inspection is a waste of time. Even with my 40 years in the industry as a contractor and mill rep. the knowledge I gained was incredible. Thanks, Linda and Ricky, for all you do.… Read more “Reports are paramount.”

Steve Dover

Kudos! I will be back for more!

I’ve been certified by other parties, and other classes, which were more about theory and pressure, were more about conforming to their ideology. The practicality of the class is right on the money. I felt like I learned more than I have in other environments, and the pressure of having to answer my observations was… Read more “Kudos! I will be back for more!”

Eliseo Sandoval

Second to none!

Everything connected to CFIU is second to none! The instructors show a passion for what they are doing and are very excited to help attendees in any way possible to succeed. Rick Butler Louisville, KY 502-417-5609 Email

Rick Butler

Everything connected to CFIU is second to none!

Everything connected to CFIU is second to none! The instructors show a passion for what they are doing and are very excited to help attendees in any way possible to succeed. Don Trexler Boone, NC 502-417-5609 Email

Don Trexler

CFIU is definitely the place to be. Invaluable!

Both the carpet and the hard surface classes were exceptional. The content and presentations were current and taught by seasoned professional flooring inspectors. If you are looking for a course designed to teach you how to perform a professional inspection and write coherent, concise, professional reports, then CFIU is definitely the place to be. Invaluable!… Read more “CFIU is definitely the place to be. Invaluable!”

Brian Palmer

Great experience

Linda, Ricky, and Eric are amazing. They really want to teach you how to inspect, and their passion for it is obvious. For someone that has spent the majority of their life in the flooring industry, it’s a real-world education in the inspection side of the business. CFIU can help anyone in the floor-covering industry.… Read more “Great experience”

Jason Whitlow

Zoom class was up close and personal

I was admittedly a little hesitant about registering for the CFIU class via Zoom. My concerns were based on the lack of computer proficiency and also the loss of personal comradely with others in our trade. I must say that any concerns I had were quickly dispelled. It actually seemed as if we connected better… Read more “Zoom class was up close and personal”

Al Carlson

The CFI team have been amazing in helping and supporting me

The CFI team and especially the CFI President have been amazing in helping and supporting me all the way through the course. I completed the online Floor Inspector course, which I found fantastic as it saved me time and money traveling to America, and also, I could access the content in Ireland at a time… Read more “The CFI team have been amazing in helping and supporting me”

Maurice Flinter

LVP Tutorial

Nathan Walters, CFI University Certified Carpet & Flooring Inspector. Idaho, Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, Northern Nevada, Western Wyoming, and Western Montana

An interesting class; having been in the industry for 40 years, I learned a few new things about LVP. I would recommend this course to even the most seasoned professional. Nathan C Walters Boise, Idaho 1-208-576-0781 Email

Nathan C Walters

Excellent and Driven Instructors!

The online classes are in-depth and extremely challenging but totally worth it. The instructors are passionate about giving you the knowledge and the support for you to succeed. Thank You to everyone at CFI University; they are the BEST!!! Mary Buntin Columbia, SC 803-513-6273 Email

Mary Buntin

I would definitely recommend the course

Ron Starkey W. Virginia and Ohio Certified Flooring Inspector at Certified Flooring Inspectors University: CFIU.org

I just recently completed the carpet course. The information provided for the course will assist me in doing inspections. It’s great to have a location where you can reference any issues that might be in question. I would definitely recommend the course to any inspector. Ronald K. Starkey Ravenswood, WV 304-532-5425 Email

RONALD K STARKEY

Great information

I like and need all the information you guys provide. I always learn something new in each meeting. Very detailed, informative, and easy to understand. PS: I really need to buy the CFIU expansion space tools. How do I go about that? I don’t show any for sale on the website.

Brian M. Smart

CFIU Team Continuing Education Zoom Meetings

Several times a year, CFIU has team meetings that consist of inspectors from all over North America and the UK. These meetings are highlighted with additional information, training, industry conditions, new products, inspection methods, and open discussions that allow all to see, hear and understand what is going on in our profession. Our last meeting… Read more “CFIU Team Continuing Education Zoom Meetings”

Charles Saad

Take your training and experience to the next level

Jason Ramsay, California. Certified Flooring Inspector. CFI University.

First off, throw out everything you think you know about flooring. Open your mind and let CFIU train you in the technical world of flooring Inspections. As a flooring installer for over 20 years, I thought I knew everything about flooring; my ego was big, and I thought I saw it all. I’ll tell you… Read more “Take your training and experience to the next level”

Jason Ramsey

Amazing Class

After over 15 years of installing hard surface flooring, I had to get off my knees. And when I started looking into this program, I love how Linda is straightforward and explained everything. I’m glad I took this class and am now Im Certified Floor inspector. Classes are hard but prepare you for work, so… Read more “Amazing Class”

Daniel Akrap

Very Well Done!

As a flooring professional in the trade for over 30 years, I have seen my share of complaints and handled many inspections in distributor and manufacturer capacity. But after taking the hard surface course with CFIU, I realized how little I really knew about properly inspecting a floor. They really go into the do’s and… Read more “Very Well Done!”

George Connelly

Excellent Course

Tim Barry, CFI University Certified Flooring Inspector, Aldergrove, BC Canada

I found the knowledge that Linda, Ricky, and Eric have combined into the course the most valuable component. They are able to convey their years of experiences through dialog & video. The training received will definitely be an asset to my skills and knowledge, especially the side-to-side shading and the deflection and flatness segments. If… Read more “Excellent Course”

Timothy Barry

Excellent investment in time and money

The hard surface class I participated in was to enhance my knowledge base since I am a fairly new inspector. The real-life examples and exercises in the class helped me become a much better inspector. The manuals that come with the class are invaluable, as well as the testing tutorials are something I use on… Read more “Excellent investment in time and money”

Jeff Selfridge

Exceptional treatment

The folks at CFIU are second to none with training and help. I thought I would be overwhelmed with all of the information included with this course, but all involved made this course an actual pleasure to attend and complete! Thank you to all !!! Jeffery Mottler Rochester, NY 585-857-0908 jeffmottler@gmail.com

Jeffery Mottler

Great value and real world experience

I am a 40-year veteran of the floor covering industry and found the training Linda, Ricky, and Eric provided to be the best bang for the buck in terms of training for anyone who wants to understand the many issues in determining field issues of flooring products post-installation. Thanks to all three of you! Al… Read more “Great value and real world experience”

Alan Van Cleave

Get Educated, stop wasting time and money!

If you own or manage a small, medium, or large-sized flooring company, you owe it to yourself and your business to do the following. Get yourself or one of your key employees certified to inspect every category of flooring you sell and install. If you don’t, you are leaving money on the table. The money… Read more “Get Educated, stop wasting time and money!”

David Jackson

Learning with test results

Brian Peytpn CFI University Certified Carpet and Flooring Inspector, Texas

I just completed another course with CFIU and really appreciated the end-of-test review. Not just a pass or fail as with some other courses, but another learning moment from CFIU. Each test question and the answer I gave is there. The ones I missed, I could see the correct answer and understand what the test… Read more “Learning with test results”

Brian Peyton

Highly informative and well put

Highly informative and well put together. These guys know what they are talking about and help you learn to process the information you gather on-site. I would recommend it to anyone trying to learn. Richard McGovern 920-207-0000

Richard McGovern

Al Carlson Video-Thank you CFIU

Al Carlson 803-730-6824 carlsond680@gmail.com

Al Carlson

The right choice.

I’m so thankful I was led in the right direction. CFI goes the extra mile when it comes to assisting you! The owners and the members are extremely helpful. Their education processes are well thought out and much more extensive than my previous experience. I am very grateful to have the quality education and ongoing… Read more “The right choice.”

Troy Carter

Excellent Training

I am very grateful to CFIU for this course. This certified training gives you the right tools to inspect with knowledge and confidence. Linda, Eric, and Ricky are excellent instructors, providing the inspectors with top-notch education. Daniel Rodriguez Martell Stockton, CA 209-456-0780 rzconsulting19@gmail.com

Daniel Rodriguez Martell

CFIU is the best!!

After being in the industry for over 30 years, I thought I knew a lot, but the CFIU training course offered so much more than I ever expected. The entire program is incredibly professional. They offer ongoing support after certification as they care about their Inspectors and the professionalism that reflects on the entire team… Read more “CFIU is the best!!”

Debbie McNaughton

The Claims Analyst’s Response To My First Report …

I just received an email from the claim’s analyst (at a LARGE flooring covering manufacturer) in response to my report for my first inspection for them. “Thank you very much for the report! I very much appreciate the detail!” That’s TWO exclamation points in two sentences (!!) from a claims analyst who reads reports all… Read more “The Claims Analyst’s Response To My First Report …”

Jeffrey Horn

Ceramic TILE

After being in the flooring business for 50-plus years, CFIU’s courses have been an eye-opener. I am a third-generation installation and possess a Certified Flooring Master endorsement, which I prize. No one knows it all, but it’s extremely helpful to be involved with professional people who truly care about getting the end results done correctly.… Read more “Ceramic TILE”

Al Carlson

“We teach you to think like an inspector.”

Having already been an inspector for fourteen years, and where others might have scoffed, this intrigued me; I knew some things were missing from my training. My reports were rambling and folksy. For some inspections, I felt like I had missed something. ( I had.) This could have continued since I was working and only… Read more ““We teach you to think like an inspector.””

Jeffrey Horn

The mentorship and guidance is such a valuable benefit!!

I found CFIU when I was looking for a Tile class to round out my hard-surface inspection offerings. Their training module for Tile was so informative and well put together that I was hooked and signed up for their whole Hard Surface course. As a working inspector and mother, I very much appreciated the self-paced… Read more “The mentorship and guidance is such a valuable benefit!!”

Lisa W. Metz

Thought I knew it all

Taking the CFIU class has taught me so much of a trade I thought I knew all about. Now, with the knowledge I have, I can help my peers and friends with any installation questions or any problems they may incur in the field. If I am inspecting or doing any of my own work,… Read more “Thought I knew it all”

Sergio Rosas

After being in the flooring

After being in the flooring industry for nearly 50 years, I have found the material CFI U has put together to be no other than the best I have seen on education when you are looking for the answers to why a floor may be doing what it’s doing after installation. There are so many… Read more “After being in the flooring”

John McLean

“Glad to be here”

Whether you’re a veteran or new to the floor covering industry, perspective, knowledge, and experience are crucial to excelling and achieving success. I have seven years of experience in retail sales, service, and as an installation helper. Additionally, I have served one year as a territory manager for a distributor and have spent 32 years… Read more ““Glad to be here””

David Priester.

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