Mr. Shelton began his career in the early 1970s after earning an engineering degree, entering the industry through a gym floor installation company originally founded in the late 1800s. He progressed from installer to salesperson and ultimately to business owner, gaining comprehensive experience across all aspects of gym floor installation, manufacturing, sales, and inspection.
He founded Superior Floor Company, Inc. in Wausau, WI, where he manufactured maple gym floors, in Laona, WI, for approximately 20 years. Under his leadership, Superior Floor Company produced over 30 million square feet of MFMA-certified maple flooring and established a global presence through a network of trained dealers and installers. Mr. Shelton later founded Arizona Gym Floors and Gym Floor Inspectors, applying his extensive industry knowledge to serve customers throughout the Southwest and nationwide.
Mr. Shelton is widely recognized for his commitment to innovation. He holds seven patented gym floor systems, including the ScissorLoc® system, which introduced advanced airflow and humidity detection technology to the industry. This system has been installed in millions of square feet worldwide and represents a significant advancement in gym floor performance and durability.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr. Shelton provided distinguished service to the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association, serving as President and as Chair of the Technical Committee for 17 years. In these roles, he played a key part in the development and refinement of installation standards, inspection practices, and technical guidance that continue to benefit the industry.
A certified Gym Floor Inspector, Mr. Shelton has represented owners, manufacturers, installers, attorneys, and architects in matters related to installation performance and long-term floor use. He is also highly regarded for his commitment to education, having trained more than 1300 installers over the course of his career. Known for his direct and practical approach, he has consistently shared his knowledge to promote quality workmanship and professionalism within the trade.
Now retired, Mr. Shelton enjoys spending time with his wife, Pat, golfing and traveling with his family and grandchildren. His contributions to MFMA and to the maple flooring industry have had a lasting and meaningful impact, making him a deserving inductee into the MFMA Hall of Fame.