In Part 1 of this live February 17th broadcast, Ray Terry of About Your House Radio welcomes Tegan Statham of Floor Coverings International Southeast Charlotte for a wide-ranging and energetic conversation about flooring, skilled trades, and the future of workforce development.

Broadcasting from the Toolbox Podcast Studio, Ray opens the show with updates on Put Tools in Schools — a growing initiative focused on connecting middle school and young adult students to opportunities in the skilled trades. Ray shares powerful stories from recent workdays, where students removed carpet, learned tool safety, discovered how to operate equipment like side grinders, and experienced hands-on teamwork in action. From reading a tape measure to understanding basic tool function, the mission is simple: connect students early, spark curiosity, and build real-world confidence.

Tegan reflects on her background — from upstate New York to corporate America with Verizon and Discovery Channel — before returning to the construction and flooring industry. With over eight years in flooring and now leading her franchise, she shares how her journey came full circle and why she loves what she does.

The conversation dives deep into today’s flooring market, including:

• The growing labor shortage in the trades
• Why carpet installers are becoming harder to find
• How laminate flooring has made a major comeback
• Why some multi-million-dollar homes are choosing modern laminate over LVP
• The truth about “waterproof” flooring
• The impact of COVID on pricing and renovation expectations
• Why hardwood continues to dominate the Charlotte market

Tegan explains what makes Floor Coverings International unique: mobile showrooms with 3,000+ samples brought directly into the client’s home, free consultations, and a customer-first approach focused on lifestyle, durability, and long-term value — not just aesthetics.

The episode also touches on trade careers versus traditional college paths, the realities of education today, and why skilled trades may offer stronger long-term earning potential than many degree-based careers.

This is more than a flooring conversation — it’s a discussion about craftsmanship, opportunity, and building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as the conversation continues.