For me, the hardwood flooring trade began not as a career choice but as a job opportunity that seemed too good to pass up. It was the early 1990s, and I was looking for a better-paying job than flipping French fries at Burger King. One weekend, I stumbled across an ad in the Arlington, Virginia newspaper that promised training in hardwood floor sanding, with no experience necessary and a starting wage of $7.25 an hour. It seemed like a good fit—a way to make a little extra money and start building my work experience. Little did I know, this would be the first step in a career that would take me across the country and into the hearts of homes everywhere.At that time, I was just out of high school and thrown into the world of specialty construction, working for M&M Floors in Falls Church, VA. My first day on the job was eye-opening. I found myself surrounded by an eclectic group of workers—a mix of tough, gritty guys with varied life experiences. There were hardened veterans, peaceniks, and characters whose life stories could fill books. I was paired with Wes Tanner, a seasoned “mechanic” who trained me on my first piece of professional equipment: the push broom.The first job was a mess. We entered a home that looked like it had been through a war zone, with muddy footprints, sheetrock mud, and paint splatters everywhere. Wes wasn’t having it. He promptly cleared out the house, ordering everyone to “git yer [backsides] outta here” before we could start working. Once the house was cleared, we began. Wes strapped himself to a heavy-duty Clarke belt sander, and as the machine roared to life, I saw something amazing happen. Beneath the grime, the beautiful oak floors appeared. The smell of fresh wood hit me, and I felt a spark—something inside me came alive. That moment marked the beginning of my love for hardwood floors.A Year of Learning and the NavyOver the next year and a half, I honed my skills under the guidance of guys like Wes. But my path took a turn when I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing my service, I found myself stationed in Southern California, where I worked under another seasoned craftsman, Jim Henderson, who taught me the finer details of the trade. This was my first real exposure to the kind of meticulous, detail-oriented craftsmanship that would come to define my work.Although my time with Jim was brief, it left a lasting impression. I learned about the importance of precision, quality, and taking pride in your work—skills that I would carry with me throughout my career.A New Chapter in IdahoIn the mid-1990s, after finishing my time in the Navy, I followed a shipmate to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. There, I met Wendy, and we started a family. I spent time in other industries, but the hardwood flooring trade was always in my blood. Eventually, I found myself returning to my roots, starting Beautiful Wood Floors and offering my services to the people of Northern Idaho.But, as often happens, life threw a curveball. In the years following, the economy in the Pacific Northwest took a downturn. This was a difficult period, but it presented an unexpected opportunity to move to Colorado. A fellow craftsman reached out to me for help, and we started a new adventure in the Rocky Mountains. The work was steady, but after a couple of years, Wendy and I, along with our kids, decided to try something completely different: Florida.Adventures Across AmericaFlorida’s beaches and beautiful homes were alluring, but after a year, we felt the pull to return to the Rocky Mountain region. My daughter Maddie joined me in Colorado, and soon after, the rest of the family followed. We’ve been moving around the country ever since—traveling from place to place, meeting new people, and taking on new flooring challenges. From the Hollywood Hills to North Idaho’s frozen lakes, we’ve had the chance to work in some of the most beautiful settings in the country.There’s a unique beauty in the work we do, and it’s not just about installing wood floors. It’s about creating something lasting, something that adds warmth and character to a home. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in stunning locations—from Hollywood to Washington, D.C., and from Florida’s palm-lined beaches to the silent forests of Northern Idaho. Through it all, my team and I have made our mark, one hardwood floor at a time.A Family Business: The Heart of Beautiful Wood FloorsAt the heart of Beautiful Wood Floors is our family. Over the years, Wendy has taken on many roles, from administrative work to marketing. Our daughter Maddie joined the team, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the business, until she enlisted in the U.S. Marines. Isaiah, our son-in-law, also became a key part of the team. Most recently, our youngest daughter, Gabrielle, stepped up to help out. Together, we’ve made Beautiful Wood Floors a true family affair.Every time we start a new project, we do so with pride and dedication. As a family, we understand the importance of quality craftsmanship, and we make it our mission to deliver exceptional results on every job.A Career Full of MemoriesOne of the most amazing things about working in the hardwood flooring industry is that it allows you to experience so much. Over the years, I’ve worked on homes from coast to coast, from modest homes in rural America to mansions in major cities. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people and had the chance to experience the beauty of this country from behind my sander.I’m grateful for the experiences that have come from this trade. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of transforming a floor—taking something worn and damaged and restoring it to its original beauty. It’s a craft that demands attention to detail and a love for the work, but it rewards you with memories that last a lifetime.Looking Ahead: The Next AdventureAs much as I’ve enjoyed the experiences I’ve had and the places I’ve worked, the adventure is far from over. The family and I are always on the move, exploring new opportunities and looking for new ways to bring our craftsmanship to different communities. Whether it’s restoring a historic floor in a New York City loft or installing beautiful hardwoods in a mountain cabin in Colorado, we’re always excited about the next project.While we haven’t yet had the chance to settle down with our own hardwood floors, we know that someday, we’ll find a place to call home. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the journey, making memories, and leaving our mark on homes across America.