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May 17, 2024

Karl Anderson 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.

Karl Anderson 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?

Karl:  I was 20 years old and looking for something to get me by until I could figure out how to make a living playing music. Turned out that my talent for making flooring exceed my abilities on a drum kit.

Who was the biggest influence in your career?

Karl:  It’s hard to point to one individual. My parents taught me good work ethic, John Olson was my plant manager and fed my curiosity for the manufacturing process, Carl Abendroth was a great role model for how to treat people properly and then follow that up with working for Tom Abendroth who does a wonderful job carrying on the family name. So many people touch our lives along the way. I’m just grateful to have known so many good folks.

How does your company help the sports flooring industry?

Karl:  The commitment to excellence in manufacturing, adhering to the MFMA standards, constantly working to develop better performing subfloor systems and promoting awareness of the industry concerns for responsible use of the raw material resources are some of the ways we are helping the sports flooring industry.

What do you feel are your keys to success?

Karl:  Having people around me that are excellent in their areas of responsibility. I don’t feel that I’m personally successful, rather, I’m part of a very successful team of people.

What one thing has impacted the sports flooring industry the most in your career?

Karl:  I would have to say the evolution of the subflooring systems. When I came into the industry a 2” x 3” x 48” SPF board with a PVC pad was the standard “specialty” subfloor system. Over the years we’ve seen the development of new and better performing systems that provide uniformity of play as well as ease of installation.

Do you have a saying or mantra that helps you stay motivated or motivate others?

Karl:  I’ve said many times that I’m not afraid to make a mistake so long as I learn from it.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen done to a sports flooring surface?

Karl:  Being on the manufacturing side, I don’t get in the field much to see the finished product. I’m always amazed to see the dramatic effect moisture has on floors. It’s nearly unbelievable to see a floor with a two foot tall “speed bump” in the middle.

How has the sports flooring industry changed since you started in the industry?

Karl:  I already mentioned the subfloor issue.  On the manufacturing side, the level of automation is amazing.  We also have seen a dramatic improvement in the cutting tools being used.

What is your best advice to someone starting out in the industry?

Karl:  Regardless of what part of the industry you are involved in, work hard, take pride in your trade and treat people like you would want to be treated.

Karl Anderson

Action Floor Systems

https://www.actionfloors.com/

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