REGIONAL INSTRUCTORS
NWFA Regional Instructors are among the most experienced professionals in the wood flooring industry. Carefully selected and trained to teach to NWFA standards, these instructors bring real-world expertise into every hands-on training event they lead. Take a moment to get to know the people who will be teaching you.
ASHLEY DO CARMO
Ashley Do Carmo is the Co-Owner and CFO of Brown Oaks Flooring, with a background in finance, sales, marketing, and management. She holds a degree in Business Management and is actively involved in the wood flooring industry. Ashley serves as an NWFA Regional Instructor for the Sales Advisor course and is a member of the NWFA Certified Professionals Board of Directors.
JASON ELQUEST
Jason Elquest is the Owner of Blackhawk Floors. He is a member of the NWFA and the NWFACP Boards of Directors. Jason has served on numerous NWFA and NWFACP committees and task forces. He is an NWFACP Certified Installer, Sand & Finisher, and Inspector.
JARED FITZGERALD
Jared is the Owner of Southern Oaks Flooring in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an NWFACP Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher.
LENNY HALL
Lenny Hall is the President/Owner of Endurance Floor Company. He is a member of the NWFA Board of Directors. Lenny has served on numerous NWFA and NWFACP committees and task forces. He is an NWFACP Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher, and has won multiple NWFA Wood Floor of the Year awards.
TODD MCDONALD
Todd McDonald is the President/Owner of Maple Ridge Handscraped. He is a member of the NWFA Education & Research Foundation Board of Directors. Todd has served on numerous NWFA and NWFACP committees and task forces. He is an NWFACP Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher.
JON NAMBA
Jon Namba is the Owner of Namba Services. He is a member of the NWFA Education and Research Foundation Board of Directors. Jon has served on numerous NWFA and NWFACP committees and task forces. He is an NWFACP Certified Installer, Sand and Finisher, Inspector, and Commercial Inspector.
STEVE SEABAUGH
Steve Seabaugh of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a third-generation wood flooring professional specializing in installation and refinishing. He began working in the industry at just seven years old, learning the trade from his father and grandfather. Steve has owned and operated Seabaugh’s Custom Hardwood Floors for more than 30 years.
BILLY SIMMONS
Billy Simmons is the founder of Alabama-based ITAC International LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is a nationally recognized forensic consultant. Billy serves on numerous NWFACP committees and is an NWFACP Certified Inspector, Commercial Inspector, Installer, and Sales Councilor. He has earned NWFA Vanguard and Ambassador degrees and serves on the NWFACP Board of Directors.
MIKE SOMODEAN
Mike Somodean is the Owner and Founder of MSCS Inc., a hardwood flooring company based in Roswell, Georgia, serving the greater Atlanta area since 2006. He is an NWFA Certified Installer, Sand and Finisher, and Sales Advisor, specializing in custom installations, repairs, refinishing, and staircase work. Originally from Romania, Mike immigrated to the United States in 2003 and is recognized in the industry as an educator and contributor.
SCOTT TAYLOR
Scott Taylor is a manufacturer’s representative and wood flooring inspector with experience evaluating installation practices, environmental conditions, and product performance. He has been in the wood flooring industry since 1995 and has served on the boards of the Wisconsin Floor Covering Association and the NWFA Certified Professionals. Scott has served as an expert witness and has authored articles for Hardwood Floors Magazine as well as several manufacturer installation guidelines.
BEN TOTTA
Ben Totta is the Co-Owner of Totta Hardwoods. He has served on the NWFACP Certified Craftsman Committee. Ben is an NWFACP Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher. He also serves as an NWFA Regional Instructor.
PHIL VALENTI
Phil Valenti grew up in Medford, Long Island. After serving in the US Army and receiving the Expeditionary Medal of Service for his tour in Saudi Arabia, Phil returned home and began working in the hardwood flooring industry. He started his own company and now has more than 27 years of experience as a skilled artisan of hardwood flooring.
MARK WHATLEY
Mark Whatley brings three decades of expertise in the hardwood flooring industry, with experience spanning installation, sanding, finishing, inspection, and sales advisory. He serves as Operations Manager for Amber Flooring in Oakland, California. Mark is dedicated to mentorship and education, and is passionate about passing his knowledge of the trade to the next generation.
WILLIE SHORT
Willie Short of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, began in the wood flooring trade in 1998 and started his own business in 2004. He is an NWFA Certified Craftsman and Inspector. Willie is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and is known for communicating clearly and making learning the trade both meaningful and enjoyable.
