Back to School Welcome sign

Giving Back: Universal Metro Donates School Supplies to Support Santa Fe Springs Students

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

Giving Back Starts at Home: UMI Staff Rallies for Back-to-School Donation Drive in Santa Fe Springs

At Universal Metro, we believe generosity is a privilege—and this back-to-school season, our team came together to prove just that.

With hearts full of purpose, our staff in Santa Fe Springs joined forces to support the city’s annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, hosted by the Department of Services/Family and Human Services Division. What began as a small idea quickly turned into a company-wide effort led by Senior Project Coordinator Barbara Millette, who helped organize the drive and encourage participation throughout our office and warehouse teams.

Thanks to this incredible response, we collected an estimated eight full boxes of school supplies—everything from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and classroom essentials. Our Warehouse Lead, Luis, personally delivered the donations to the city’s drop-off center.

“We walked in with two dollies full and still had to go back for another load. Everyone did a double take—they were so grateful for our contribution,” shared Millette.

We were deeply honored to receive a heartfelt thank-you from the City and Mayor of Santa Fe Springs, who recognized our donation and spirit of giving.

Supporting the communities where we live and work has always been a cornerstone of Universal Metro’s culture. We’re proud to stand beside local organizations, schools, and charities that make a difference—especially when it helps students start their school year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

To our amazing team: thank you for showing that giving back isn’t just a value—it’s an action.school supplies pic

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Universal Metro Named one of the Places to Work LA Business Journal cover page

Universal Metro Named One of LA Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2022

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

Universal Metro Named as One of LA’s Best Places to Work in 2022

We are thrilled to announce that Universal Metro, Inc. has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Los Angeles for 2022 by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This prestigious recognition highlights our continued commitment to creating an outstanding work environment for our employees. We were honored to be recognized in the Best Small Business category—an achievement that reflects our focus on building a collaborative and empowering company culture.

Why This Award Matters

The Los Angeles Business Journal’s Best Places to Work recognition is one of the most coveted awards in the region. With over 250,000 businesses in Greater Los Angeles, this award is an extraordinary honor for any company. The selection process is highly competitive, involving a thorough assessment that includes both employee feedback and business practices. Employees were surveyed anonymously about their experiences, providing invaluable insight into what makes Universal Metro a great place to work.

Our Employees Make Us Exceptional

At Universal Metro, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. This recognition is a testament to the “Ideal Team Players” who shape our company’s success each day. Our employees are not just contributors—they are the heartbeat of Universal Metro. From project managers to installation experts, every team member plays a crucial role in maintaining our high standards of quality and service. It’s their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that make us stand out.

The rigorous nomination process involved a detailed employee survey, assessing everything from team dynamics to personal experiences at Universal Metro. This feedback helps us continuously improve our work environment and ensures that we provide the best possible experience for our team.

The Best Places to Work Awards

The awards ceremony, held in August, celebrated the top businesses that exemplify best practices in employee satisfaction and workplace culture. The results were featured in the August 15, 2022 edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal, showcasing the most exceptional workplaces across the region.

We are incredibly proud to be featured alongside other distinguished companies that share our dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative workplace.

Read more about the Best Small Companies to Work For in Los Angeles.

Universal Metro’s Core Values and Culture

Our values—Humble, Hungry, and Smart—are at the heart of everything we do. These principles guide how we work with each other and with our clients. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth, we ensure that everyone at Universal Metro has the opportunity to succeed. It’s this commitment to employee development that sets us apart in the competitive world of commercial flooring.

Our leadership team is deeply committed to supporting every individual and ensuring that we provide an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and motivated to excel.

Looking Toward the Future

This recognition is not just an award—it’s a reflection of our continued commitment to growth.  We remain focused on maintaining an outstanding workplace culture. Our employees are the key to our success, and we will continue to provide a work environment where they can thrive, innovate, and grow.

We’re excited to see what the future holds, and we’re committed to keeping Universal Metro a top workplace for years to come.

https://labusinessjournal.com/business-journal-events/the-best-small-companies-to-work-for-in-los-angeles/

Sheet Carpet LVT Banner2

Everyday Essentials Collection Offers Flooring Finishes in 10 Days or Less

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

While it’s always a benefit to get things in a timely manner, we have been conditioned for it in a world where Amazon and other retailers promise quick turnaround for nearly any product you can think of.

We believe that fast turnaround can also be a reality in flooring. As such, we have curated a collection of flooring finishes designed to meet urgent needs without compromise to quality or design. Our EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Collection includes carpet, LVT, and sheet vinyl flooring finishes that are available to install in as little as 3 days. For the full collection, visit https://universalmetro.com/everydayessentials/.

Continue reading “Everyday Essentials Collection Offers Flooring Finishes in 10 Days or Less” →

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Universal Metro’s Unique Installation of Carpet Tile Creates Fully Immersive 360 Experience at The Outer Realm Art Exhibit

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

How do you push the boundaries on a gallery space? For artist Michael Reeder, creating a fully immersive 360 experience with carpet tile was just the answer. In collaboration with Milliken’s national designers, their Los Angeles-based sales team, and our team of project managers and installation mechanics, Milliken’s DDI process was engaged to create a custom, patterned carpet tile that would extend the canvas beyond the showpiece to the floors and walls that surround it. To do so, the custom carpet tile needed to be as bold and as the artwork itself, and the installation had to be as precise and meticulous as the artist’s showcased work.

Continue reading “Universal Metro’s Unique Installation of Carpet Tile Creates Fully Immersive 360 Experience at The Outer Realm Art Exhibit” →

evolution of commercial flooring contractors - Floor Focus Cover

Evolution of Commercial Flooring Contractors: Interview with Grant Petruzzelli

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

In June 2019, Floor Focus Magazine published an article highlighting a panel discussion with four leaders from the Starnet Commercial Flooring network. Among them was Universal Metro’s president, Grant Petruzzelli, who joined his peers to reflect on the evolution of commercial flooring contractors and the opportunities—and challenges—shaping the industry.

You can read the full article here: Floor Focus Magazine – Evolution of the Commercial Contractor.

From Core Products to Comprehensive Services

A decade ago, commercial flooring contractors were largely focused on the basics: carpet, vinyl, and resilient products. At Universal Metro, much of our work centered on healthcare facilities, with sheet vinyl and linoleum being the dominant choices. Budget pressures often meant substituting with lower-cost finishes like VCT or broadloom carpet.

Today, however, the evolution of commercial flooring contractors has transformed the industry. Expanded budgets and greater design freedom have created demand for high-end, customized finishes such as polished concrete and porcelain tile. Contractors are no longer just installers; they’ve become single-source partners, offering a range of services under one contract.

At Universal Metro, this shift led us to expand into areas like moisture testing, infection control, and lift systems—services that add value for clients while reducing the need to coordinate multiple subcontractors.

Diversification Driven by Client Needs

Why have contractors broadened their offerings? The answer is clear: clients expect more. Facility managers and general contractors want bundled solutions, fewer vendors, and expertise across flooring categories.

Universal Metro has seen this firsthand. Facilities that once prioritized only cost are now focused on lifecycle value, performance, and long-term risk reduction. This has driven adoption of advanced moisture-control systems, epoxy coatings, and concrete underlayments—services that our teams have mastered through vendor partnerships and manufacturer certifications.

Other Starnet members echoed this trend, citing floor care divisions, stone restoration, epoxy coatings, and even wall systems as ways to meet client needs while strengthening margins. Simply put, the modern flooring contractor must evolve—or risk falling behind.

Growth Through Expertise and Partnerships

Adding new services requires more than just ambition—it requires knowledge. Universal Metro has invested heavily in training, certifications, and vendor partnerships with industry leaders like ARDEX. Our LevelMaster Elite Installer status and ongoing workshops with product experts have allowed us to bring innovative, high-performance solutions directly to our clients.

This commitment to expertise ensures that when clients choose Universal Metro, they’re not just hiring installers. They’re gaining a partner who understands the complexities of healthcare environments, corporate spaces, hospitality projects, and beyond.

The Future of Commercial Flooring Contractors

The panel discussion underscored a key truth: the evolution of commercial flooring contractors is ongoing. Contractors must adapt to market demands, expand capabilities, and deliver bundled, value-driven solutions.

At Universal Metro, this philosophy has fueled significant growth. By offering services others can’t—or won’t—we’ve expanded our client base, deepened relationships with existing customers, and set ourselves apart in a competitive market.

Conclusion

The commercial flooring industry looks very different than it did ten years ago, and it will continue to evolve. Contractors who embrace change, invest in expertise, and partner closely with their clients will lead the way.

Universal Metro is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, delivering flooring solutions that combine innovation, compliance, and long-term value.

👉 Read the full article in Floor Focus Magazine: Evolution of the Commercial Contractor

More from UMI

Interested in learning more about our perspective on the flooring industry? Explore additional interviews with Universal Metro leaders to see how we’re shaping the future of commercial flooring, tackling unique challenges, and driving innovation across healthcare, corporate, and hospitality projects. Read more UMI interviews →

commercial flooring design - PLH Cath Lab

Universal Metro Wins Silver at Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards for Unique Installation Challenge

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

This weekend, Universal Metro, Inc. earned the Silver Award in the Unique Installation Challenge category at the Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards. The recognition highlights our expertise in healthcare flooring installation and our ability to deliver complex projects under demanding conditions.

The award-winning project was distinguished by strict OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) requirements, intricate flooring designs, ongoing moisture concerns, and a phased construction schedule that allowed an acute care facility to remain fully operational during nearly two years of construction.

We’re proud to be recognized for this achievement, and we extend gratitude to our skilled installation team, vendor partnerships, and design collaborators at c|a Architects in Long Beach, CA.

Project Overview:

New Cath Lab Suite at Placentia-Linda Hospital

The project focused on the construction of a new Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Suite at Placentia-Linda Hospital, part of an ongoing investment to enhance patient care.

  • Design by c|a Architects: The existing admin area was transformed into a spacious, family-friendly waiting area, an efficient Cath Lab, and new staff support spaces.

  • Patient-Centered Design: The suite features a warm finish palette that aligns with the hospital’s standards. The waiting area incorporates nature-inspired textures, soothing patterns, and a nourishment bar to enhance comfort for families.

  • Collaborative Planning: The design team worked closely with the hospital and GE Healthcare to ensure efficient layout and functionality. Adjustable peg boards and versatile perimeter storage create an optimized, high-performance clinical environment.

    or more examples of how we create patient-centered design environments, see our recent projects.

Tackling the Unique Installation Challenge

Working in occupied hospitals is always challenging, but in California, OSHPD regulations add an extra layer of complexity. Universal Metro’s team managed a phased, two-year construction schedule that demanded consistency in dye-lots across six separate phases while ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.

Moisture Control Solutions

One of the largest obstacles was addressing inherent slab moisture issues. Our team partnered with ARDEX Technical Service Division to engineer a custom flooring solution capable of handling:

  • High RH levels

  • Seismic cracks

  • Wide cold joints

  • Long-term warranty requirements

The solution included shot blasting, dual applications of ARDEX MC Rapid with sand broadcasts, and self-leveling with ARDEX K10. As an ARDEX LevelMaster Elite Installer, we were able to extend the warranty an additional five years beyond the standard coverage.

Infection Control & Phased Scheduling

With patient safety as the top priority:

  • Negative air containment with HEPA filters was used to maintain infection control while work continued in adjacent occupied spaces.

  • Crews operated in extremely tight conditions, often working just feet from active medical procedures.

  • Flooring designs were executed in phases, ensuring seamless transitions as containment zones shifted.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

During construction, three slab leaks required sections of the flooring system to be reinstalled. Through careful product management and use of attic stock, our team avoided unsightly patching and maintained design continuity.

This ability to adapt under pressure showcased not only technical expertise but also commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered construction.

Why This Project Stands Out

This award-winning installation represents the very best of what Universal Metro, Inc. delivers:

  • Advanced solutions for healthcare flooring challenges

  • Expertise in OSHPD-regulated construction

  • Proven ability to manage multi-phase projects in occupied facilities

  • Long-term partnerships with leading product manufacturers like ARDEX

Conclusion

Receiving the Starnet Silver Award at the commercial flooring design awards is more than just an industry honor for Universal Metro—it’s a reflection of the passion, dedication, and care our entire team brings to every project. This recognition celebrates not only our commitment to commercial flooring excellence, but also the spirit of collaboration with our trusted vendor partners and the thoughtful vision of c|a Architects. Together, we turned challenges into opportunities, creating a space that serves patients, families, and staff with comfort and dignity. We are truly humbled and grateful to be recognized for work that makes a meaningful difference.

Training Day - ARDEX

Training Day at Universal Metro: Hands-On Learning with ARDEX and Silica Sand Compliance

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

Training Day: Building Skills and Strengthening Our Team

At Universal Metro, continuous learning is part of our DNA. Our latest Training Day brought staff and crew members together for an immersive, hands-on experience designed to strengthen skills, improve safety, and highlight the newest flooring innovations from ARDEX.

On Friday, our team participated in a series of ARDEX product demonstrations alongside a focused seminar on Silica Sand Compliance Training. These sessions gave our #LevelMasterElite Installers the chance to build on their expertise with direct, real-world applications while engaging in group discussions and Q&A opportunities.

ARDEX Product Demonstrations

The highlight of our Training Day was the opportunity to work directly with ARDEX’s latest product innovations, including:

These hands-on demos allowed our crews to experience the application process, understand product performance, and gain deeper insights into the durability and efficiency of these cutting-edge solutions.

Silica Sand Compliance Training

Following the demos, our team participated in an extensive seminar on Silica Sand Best Practices. This included a comprehensive review of compliance standards, safe handling procedures, and effective risk management strategies. A round table discussion gave our installers the chance to share experiences, ask questions, and collaborate on best practices that will carry over into the field.

Why Training Day Matters

Our investment in Training Day events demonstrates Universal Metro’s ongoing commitment to growth, safety, and quality. By empowering our team with up-to-date product knowledge and compliance training, we ensure that every project we deliver is backed by expertise, precision, and innovation.

We’re grateful to ARDEX for their partnership and to our dedicated staff for embracing every opportunity to learn and lead in the commercial flooring industry.

👉 See highlights from our Training Day here: Watch the video on Facebook

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CHOC Hospital

Universal Metro Wins Gold for Healthcare Flooring Design at Starnet People’s Choice Awards 2018

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When it comes to creating healing environments, flooring plays a vital role in shaping both aesthetics and function. Universal Metro is proud to announce that our work on the revitalized Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) NICU Wing earned the Gold Award in the People’s Choice category at the prestigious Starnet Design Awards.

The recognition highlights our commitment to innovation in healthcare flooring design, delivering spaces that are imaginative, resilient, and centered around patient care.

A Standout Project in Healthcare Flooring Design

The CHOC NICU Wing project was a bold reimagining of what pediatric healthcare spaces could look like. Working with architect FKP (CannonDesign) in association with Haynes + Oakley, Architects, our team helped bring a vision to life that combined playful creativity with clinical performance.

From the intricate lizards and leaves pattern in the elevator lobby to the warm, residential-inspired luxury vinyl tile in patient rooms, the flooring design captures both whimsy and comfort. Judge Paul Lewandowski described the project as “a real standout,” praising how the vivid colors and thoughtful details contributed to an uplifting environment for young patients and their families.

Collaboration that Drives Innovation

The success of this project reflects the power of partnerships. Universal Metro worked closely with Starnet Preferred Vendors, including ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring, Daltile, Tarkett, Mannington Commercial, and Tandus Centiva, to ensure the right materials and solutions were specified for long-term performance.

The 20th Annual Starnet Design Awards ceremony, held in Orlando, Florida, celebrated the industry’s most outstanding achievements. As Jeanne Matson, president and CEO of Starnet Worldwide, emphasized, “The true value of Starnet is not only the finished work, but new and strengthened relationships that are driving our industry forward.”

This project is a perfect example: collaboration among architects, vendors, and installers produced a result that blends creativity with durability — the hallmarks of effective healthcare flooring design.

Recognition from Industry Peers

What makes the People’s Choice Award so meaningful is its source. Unlike other categories judged by a select panel, this award is voted on by the entire Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership — a network of the best flooring contractors in the industry.

For Universal Metro, this is the second Gold Award in the People’s Choice category, following our 2014 win. President Grant Petruzzelli reflected, “While it’s humbling to win a design award in any category, it takes on a special meaning when your team’s commitment to excellence is validated by the vote of your peers.”

In addition to the Gold People’s Choice Award, the CHOC NICU Wing was also recognized with a Silver Award in the Healthcare market segment, reinforcing its impact as a benchmark for innovative hospital design.

Why Healthcare Flooring Design Matters

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are some of the most complex environments for flooring contractors. Materials must meet strict safety and infection control standards while also supporting comfort and emotional well-being.

The CHOC NICU Wing project demonstrates how thoughtful healthcare flooring design can transform a space:

  • Enhanced healing environments: Color and pattern create a calming, uplifting atmosphere for patients and families.

  • Performance under pressure: Durable finishes withstand the heavy traffic of staff, equipment, and visitors.

  • Seamless integration: Every design element works within hospital safety and compliance requirements.

Universal Metro continues to lead in this space, combining technical expertise with design-forward thinking to help healthcare clients achieve environments that are as functional as they are inspiring.

Conclusion

Winning the Gold Award in the People’s Choice category at the Starnet Design Awards is an honor we share with our partners, architects, and vendors. More importantly, it underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare flooring design to deliver environments that support healing, safety, and comfort.

👉 View more of our award winning work here: Projects

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Four Crew Leads Achieve Armstrong’s Level III Certification

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

“Building Leaders” and “Strategic Partnerships” are both core values at Universal Metro. These four crew leads exemplified both, as they all earned a Level III Certification with Armstrong Commercial Floors today: Armstrong’s highest level of distinction for craftsmanship and skill.

Continue reading “Four Crew Leads Achieve Armstrong’s Level III Certification” →