Flooring Leadership at ConneXtion
Every year, leaders across the flooring industry gather with one goal in mind: move the industry forward together. This year’s ConneXtion, hosted by CCA Global Partners, highlighted critical trends and people shaping the future of flooring.
For Messner Flooring, those conversations matter. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we know that longevity does not happen by accident. It happens through intention. It happens through learning. And it happens through leadership that evolves while staying grounded in core values.
That commitment is one reason Ted Messner continues to invest his time and energy at the industry level, including serving on the NEX40 Advisory Council.
Why ConneXtion Sets the Tone for the Year
First, ConneXtion is more than a trade show or expo. It is one of the largest annual gatherings for independent flooring retailers, suppliers, and industry partners across North America. Attendees convene not just to see new products, but to learn, connect, and share real-world business strategies.
Throughout the event, flooring professionals discussed workforce development, leadership transitions, hiring challenges, marketing strategies, and customer-focused growth plans. These are topics that affect flooring businesses of every size. They also underline why leaders must stay proactive and engaged.
Because the flooring industry is evolving. Consumer expectations are shifting. Technology and marketing tools are advancing. Hiring and retaining strong teams demands intentional leadership that knows how to adapt. Leaders cannot rely on what worked ten years ago.
Instead, they must listen. They must adapt. And they must collaborate.
Ted Messner speaks on stage at ConneXtion, contributing to conversations shaping the future of the flooring industry.
NEX40 and NEXFest: Investing in the Next Generation
One of the most exciting parts of ConneXtion this year was NEXFest, the second annual retreat hosted by the NEX40 group. NEX40 brings together leaders under age 40 from across CCA Global Partners’ membership to learn and collaborate in meaningful ways.
More than 100 emerging leaders gathered for a full day of educational sessions, networking, and peer-to-peer collaboration. This wasn’t a standard lecture-based event. Instead, NEXFest featured interactive “Solution Rooms” designed to help attendees work through real challenges facing their businesses.
For example, standout sessions included topics like “The Gen Z Playbook,” which focused on designing onboarding and retention strategies to attract and keep younger talent. Another, “Snap, Shoot, Share,” helped participants improve their marketing content by leveraging better photos and video for social media engagement.
Importantly, NEXFest also included a Town Hall session with CCA leadership, giving young professionals direct access to senior executives to share insights and ask questions candidly.
In the afternoon, attendees engaged in peer-to-peer networking. These sessions encouraged open exchange of best practices and reinforced the idea that collaboration drives growth. The day concluded with a festival-themed evening event that celebrated the energy and community spirit of this next generation of flooring leaders.
“Being part of NEX40 allows me to both share what we’ve learned over generations and listen to how the next generation is thinking. The future of flooring depends on that balance.” - Ted Messner
A Third-Generation Perspective
For Ted, serving on the NEX40 Advisory Council and participating in NEXFest feels personal. Messner Flooring is rooted in family legacy. That legacy brings pride. It also brings responsibility.
At this year’s event, Ted had the opportunity to listen and contribute at every level. He saw emerging professionals eager to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change. He also saw experienced leaders sharing guidance, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Through interactive sessions like Solution Rooms and open dialogue with executives and peers, Ted gained fresh perspectives on leadership, talent development, and how businesses can thrive in changing markets.
Those ideas are not just theoretical. They will help inform how Messner Flooring continues to grow and serve our community in Rochester and beyond.
Bringing Insights Back Home
Of course, conferences only matter if the insights translate into action.
After ConneXtion, Ted returned with renewed clarity and focus. He brought ideas about leadership development and team empowerment. He reinforced the importance of communication at every level of our business. And he embraced new strategies for staying connected to evolving trends in marketing, hiring, and leadership.
At Messner Flooring, we believe growth must be thoughtful. We do not chase trends blindly. Instead, we evaluate what aligns with our values and our customers’ needs. Through involvement in industry leadership initiatives like NEX40, we stay informed without losing our identity.
That balance allows us to remain innovative while remaining grounded.
Staying Connected While True to Our Roots
Ultimately, ConneXtion reinforced something we have long believed.
Strong businesses do not grow in isolation. They grow in community. They grow through shared ideas. And they grow when leaders invest in the future.
We are grateful to CCA Global Partners for creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection across the flooring industry. These conversations strengthen independent businesses nationwide and worldwide.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to leadership that listens, adapts, and supports the next generation. At the same time, we stay anchored in the values that have guided Messner Flooring for decades.
Because the future of flooring depends on both legacy and leadership.
And we are proud to be part of that conversation.
Messner Flooring is a third-generation, family-owned flooring company committed to thoughtful growth, strong leadership, and exceptional service. We stay engaged in industry conversations so we can continue bringing the best ideas, products, and expertise back to our customers. If you’re planning a renovation, building a new home, or simply exploring options, we would love to help. Reach out to our team to start the conversation and experience the difference that experience and integrity make.