Cole Johnston is the Summer Face of MFMA!
The Face of MFMA is a quarterly initiative where we interview our members and ask them to share some perspective on their job, organization, daily life, and how they are making an impact on the sports flooring industry.
Cole Johnston of JWood Sports Flooring was named our Summer Face of MFMA. We share his insights in the interview below.
How did you get started in the sports floor industry?
Cole: I grew up in the sports flooring industry working for my dad, Scott Johnston. I spent weekends, summers, and holiday breaks installing floors while in high school and college. I continued in the industry after college and started JWood in 2012. Aside from working for local farmers when I was a kid, it is the only job I have ever had.
Who was the biggest influence in your career?
Cole: The biggest influences in my career are probably my dad and Randy Randjelovik. I learned the value of a strong work ethic from my dad at a young age, as well as the in outs of the flooring business while working for him. I have always viewed Randy as a true professional, and a great guy. You can always count on Randy for valuable insight and he is always willing to help you out in any way he can.
How does your company help the sports flooring industry?
Cole: We focus on providing high quality installations that our customers can be proud of.
What do you feel are your keys to success?
Cole: Honesty, integrity, and treating everyone right!
What one thing has impacted the sports flooring industry the most in your career?
Cole: Probably Covid. It changed the landscape of the entire business. It impacted material availability, pricing, suppliers, and labor availability. Covid also seemed to force more relaxed schedules from schools and GC’s.
Do you have a saying or mantra that helps you stay motivated or motivate others?
Cole: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen done to a sports flooring surface?
Cole: Track practice with track spikes, shot puts, slip and slide, and car/tractors shows.
How has the sports flooring industry changed since you started in the industry?
Cole: Graphics have obviously changed a lot. They have become much more detailed. Often times customers are more interested in graphics than the floor system itself.
What is your best advice to someone starting out in the industry?
Cole: Start at the bottom and learn the business from the ground up. Don’t ask your employees to do anything that you’re not willing to do yourself. Stick to your guns when you're being asked (or in the case of some GC’s “demanded”) to do something you know isn’t correct.
Cole Johnston
JWood Sports Flooring
