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8 Flooring Specialist Summer 2026Taking Stock of Heroes Inside and Outside the IndustryBy Rod Von Busch of CDI Floors, CFI #16577Recently, over the span of less than three weeks, I lost two close friends to illness. One due to cancer; the other a victim of heart disease. I went to high school with Fred and we played ball as adults for many years. We did not stay in close contact after I moved from Nebraska to Kentucky, but all the great memories we shared as friends and teammates still hit me hard. So too for the loss of Ronnie, the first friend I made upon arriving in Kentucky and my closest male friend these past 30 years. Both lost their battles too early, and though the two never met they had a lot in common. Both men were dedicated to what they believed in and lived their lives by that principle.As I sit here in my office drafting this article, it%u2019s Memorial Day weekend. Certainly, Memorial Day is a great reminder to honor those in the military who gave their lives to protect this country%u2019s unique freedoms. Although I personally never served, many family members and friends did heed the call and without their many sacrifices we would not have recently celebrated the U.S.%u2019s 250th anniversary. Thank you to all that have served or are serving this country. So many true heroes.I am 67 and looking to retire soon, so I find myself looking back on my life and career and recognizing how many people have contributed to the person I am today. Everywhere I look, in almost every activity I engaged in while growing up, I can find examples of those who encouraged my growth and offered their immense wisdom. I imagine many of us could name a teacher or instructor who made a sizable impact on our futures. My high school journalism teacher, Mr. Blue, was one I looked up to as a student%u2014and even more so later as an adult. Religion leadership including priests, pastors, fathers, rabbis, youth ministers and Sunday school teachers are also worthy of gratitude. Coaches, too, have a significant impact on shaping our values.Do not forget your family members. Our parents and siblings were often key role models. I grew up with an incredible case of hero worship of my oldest brother. I wanted to grow up to be just like him. Funny thing, although we share many of the same values, we share very few of the same interests.While growing up, it was likely you could name several actors, musicians, athletes and even politicians among the list of people you idolized. I wonder if you were to name your heroes today, if any of those people would still make the list. I think as we mature most of us find heroes in our personal connections.I find myself drawn to people who stand for something. My heroes demonstrate their values and commitments through their actions. They do not always have the loudest voice; they often quietly go about their business in a manner undeterred by peer pressure. So many of my heroes today are people I have met through CFI. Although many have passed away over the years, the active list is still a lengthy one. It would not be complete without Jim and Jane Walker. Their influence on this industry and so many of our personal and professional lives is unmatched. My list also includes close friends: Jerry Miller, Roland Thompson, Dave Garden, Dick Schmidt, Daris Mulkin, Bob Gillespie, Bruce Gentry and Don Styka. They are all such notable examples of what CFI stands for.My list certainly would not be complete without including John McHale. Like many of my CFI heroes, I have known John for more than 30 years. However, it has been during my time as a member of the advisory board I have come to recognize John for what he really is: the backbone of this organization. His consistent and unwavering dedication is nothing short of amazing. He is incredibly humble by nature and will hate me sharing these words, but John is a real-life hero. He is someone I look up to without reservation.Memorial Day is the one day a year dedicated to honoring our military heroes, but do not make it the only day you remind yourself of all the special people who have passed through your life. Take the time to thank each of your heroes for setting the example the rest of us follow. If, as in John%u2019s case, this praise causes them some embarrassment, let that put a smile on your face. I know it%u2019s making me grin.About the Author: Rod is the Vice President of Operations for CDI Floors in Louisville, KY with 42 years in the industry. He holds numerous industry certifications including CFI C1&2 and R1&2; CFI #16577. He is the chairman of the CFI Surface Prep committee which was responsible for the creation of The Surface Prep Resource Guide and the two-day training program. He is also a Certified InstallationManager (CIM) and Chair of the CFI Advisory Board. TRAININGPictured left to right: Jen Zurn, John McHale, Roland Thompson and Rod Von Busch.