Real Answers Speaker Line-Up
Chris Zizza, President, C&R Flooring Inc., Westwood, MA and NWFA Real Answers Podcast Host
Chris Zizza is the President of C&R Flooring. He currently is a member of the NWFACP Board of Directors and is a former Chairman of the NWFA Board of Directors. Chris has served on numerous NWFACP and NWFA committees, and is an NWFACP Certified Inspector. He also is the host of the NWFA Real Answers Podcast.
Kevin Mullany, President, Benchmark Wood Floors Inc., Albuquerque, NM
Kevin Mullany is the President of Benchmark Wood Floors. He is a member of the NWFA Education & Research Foundation Board of Directors, currently serving as its Vice Chairman. Kevin has served on the NWFA and NWFACP Boards, numerous NWFA and NWFA Certified Professionals committees, and is an NWFACP Certified Installer, Sand & Finisher, and Inspector.
Sprigg Lynn, President, Universal Floors Inc., Washington, D.C.
Sprigg Lynn is the President of Universal Floors, where he specializes in historic restorations on high-profile projects like the U.S. State Department, the Supreme Court, and the White House. He has served on numerous NWFA Committees, the NWFA Board of Directors, is NWFACP certified in Installation and Sand & Finish, and has won multiple NWFA Wood Floor of the Year awards.
Steve Brattin, President, SVB Wood Floors, Kansas City, MO
Steve Brattin is the President of SVB Wood Floor Service. He is a member of the NWFA Board of Directors, currently serving as its Chairman. Steve has served on numerous NWFA and NWFA Certified Professionals committees, and is an NWFACP Certified Installer, Sand & Finisher, and Sales Advisor. He has won multiple NWFA Wood Floor of the Year awards.
Michael Martin, President & CEO, NWFA, St. Louis, MO
Michael Martin is the President & CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association. Since joining the NWFA in 2011, he orchestrated rebuilding the association’s annual Wood Flooring Expo, recognized as one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Shows by Trade Show Executive magazine four times. Michael was named a Top Association CEO by CEO Update and serves on several not-for-profit Boards.
Doug Howard, President, Growth Team Strategies, Sykesville, MD
Doug Howard is the President of Growth Team Strategies, a consulting company specializing in growth planning, succession planning, and business improvement. He has worked with owners of growing businesses for more than 30 years to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies for successfully navigating growth.
Tom Meyer, Volunteer, SCORE, Washington, D.C.
Tom Meyer is a Volunteer with SCORE, a free resource that brings together experts in a variety of professions to mentor small business owners, 11 million and counting. Tom has 35 years of experience in business development, marketing, sales and product management, and client development. He also has worked as a liaison with the St. Louis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Lynette Watson, Regional Director, America’s SBDC, St. Louis, MO
Lynette Watson is the Regional Director for the University of Missouri Extension-Small Business Development Center where she leads a team providing business coaching, training, counseling, and resources to small business owners. She has a background in economic development and connects mentors with small business owners, emphasizing cultural connections.
Chris Ruzika, Director of Business Development, Carmody MacDonald Law Firm, St. Louis, MO
Chris Ruzicka is the Director of Business Development with Carmody MacDonald law firm. He has extensive business development and marketing experience, ranging from start-ups to large organizations, focusing on ideas and resources to improve the sales and marketing efforts.
Thomas Yochim, Deputy District Director, Small Business Administration, St. Louis, MO
Tom Yochim is the Deputy District Director for the Small Business Administration, St. Louis District Office. Tom worked for the General Services Administration prior to coming to SBA in 2018. He hired small businesses through Government contracting and now is excited to help businesses start and grow through SBA’s programs of Mentoring, Lending, Government Contracting and Disaster Assistance.