Russell Brandsen is the Winter 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.
Russell Brandsen was named our Winter Face of MFMA. We share his insights in the interview below.
How did you get started in the sports floor industry?
Russell: As I say, “The lack of fame and my family name”. I worked summers starting when I was 14 with my father who is still active in the company today. We did our first installation of a maple sports floor in 1988 with the help of an architect who got us approved and in the spec despite our lack of experience; at the time we were a residential wood flooring company.
Who was the biggest influence in your career?
Russell: Jim Nugent had a big part in shaping my career and sharing with me how to stripe and coat gym floors when I was just out of high school. He had a strong work ethic and showed by practice and process that every action and every minute count on a project, and was always working to minimize wasted time and steps on projects.
How does your company help the sports flooring industry?
Russell: We network with architects for lunch and learns and have joined A4LE and several other industry groups in our area to share information about developments in the industry. We want to be a resource for them for any questions about flooring whether we secure a project with them or not.
What do you feel are your keys to success?
Russell: Our belief is that our next project comes from a satisfied customer at the project we are on. We take a strong stand that we never would walk away from a project and we are committed to getting every project right.
What one thing has impacted the sports flooring industry the most in your career?
Russell: I would say the creation of the riding sander. Prior to getting one, it used to take two guys a week to sand a gym and now we can do that work in 1-2 days.
Do you have a saying or mantra that helps you stay motivated or motivate others?
Russell: My highest motivation comes from someone saying, “You can’t do that”. There is a way to do anything. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”.
What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen done to a sports flooring surface?
Russell: Donkey basketball.
How has the sports flooring industry changed since you started in the industry?
Russell: The industry has made tremendous strides in the understanding of biomechanics and turning the focus from what happens to a maple floor when a player impacts it to what happens to the player when they impact the floor. The drive to advance human performance is at the forefront of today’s sport floor designs.
What is your best advice to someone starting out in the industry?
Russell: This can be a tough market space to operate in and it is more than just installing a floor. Learn the industry from experts within it, connect with others (even your competitors) and gain knowledge. Never be too proud to take advice, learn how to learn, and never stop advancing your knowledge. Most importantly, take time to share it with others; you can’t take it with you.
Russell Brandsen
Brandsen Floors
