FLOOR Trends & Installation cover, Sept, 2025

UMI Featured in FLOOR Trends & Installation

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on

At Universal Metro, we are proud to see our work recognized not only by the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, but also by one of the flooring industry’s most trusted voices: FLOOR Trends & Installation. Their recent coverage highlighted our award-winning contribution at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, where our team earned the Grand Prize as well as Gold Awards in the Hospitality and Public Spaces categories.

Recognition Beyond Awards

Being mentioned in FLOOR Trends & Installation is an honor we don’t take lightly. As a leading publication in the commercial flooring industry, FLOOR has long set the tone for industry standards, emerging trends, and contractor excellence. To have Universal Metro highlighted in their coverage affirms the impact of our work and the craftsmanship that defines every project we take on.

Why It Matters

Industry recognition does more than celebrate one project—it reinforces our mission to deliver exceptional commercial flooring installation that combines durability, technical precision, and design excellence. The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort project was about more than just revitalizing a historic space. It showcased what’s possible when skilled installers, visionary architects, and innovative manufacturers collaborate toward a shared vision.

Thank You to FLOOR and Our Community

We are grateful to FLOOR Trends & Installation for including Universal Metro in their publication. We are equally thankful to our clients, partners, and talented team members who made this recognition possible. Every successful installation is a team effort, and this feature is a reflection of the dedication behind the scenes.

See the Full Feature

For the full story on the 2025 Starnet Design Awards and to see how Universal Metro’s work was recognized among the best in the industry, we invite you to read the complete write-up.

👉 Click here to read the full article on FLOOR Trends & Installation

👉 Click here to see more of our award winning work

Murrieta Hot Springs Lobby
Universal Metro recognized in LA Business Journal's Best Places to Work 2025

Honored Again: Universal Metro Recognized as L.A. Top Workplaces in 2025

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on

Universal Metro recognized once again as one of Los Angeles’ Best Places to Work for 2025 by the Los Angeles Business Journal. 

Understanding the Award

The Los Angeles Business Journal, in partnership with Workforce Research Group, compiles its “Best Places to Work” list through a rigorous evaluation process. This includes a comprehensive company assessment focusing on policies, benefits, and overall workplace culture, complemented by an anonymous employee survey that gauges team members’ real-life experiences and satisfaction across various categories such as leadership, communication, and engagement. The combination of these evaluations ensures a holistic understanding of each company’s work environment.

What This Means to Universal Metro

For UMI, this accolade is more than just an award; it’s a testament to the company’s dedication to its employees and the values that drive its success. CEO Dave Triepke emphasizes that leadership at UMI is not merely a title but a responsibility. This mindset, coupled with a commitment to values like humility, curiosity, and accountability, propels the company forward. 

“Universal Metro recognized as one of LA’s Best Places to Work for 2025 is a huge honor for us,” said Triepke. “It validates the hard work and dedication our team brings every day. Our employees are the backbone of our success, and we are proud to be a company that offers a workplace where they can thrive.”

Leadership’s Commitment to Employee Engagement

Sheila Kennedy, who serves as President of UMI, reflects on the significance of this recognition:

“We are extremely honored to share a workspace with like-minded individuals who are ‘ideal team players.’ The nomination begins with an anonymous survey of our employees’ experience — and we are grateful they feel we’re creating something worth celebrating.”  

Core Values That Shape Universal Metro’s Culture

At Universal Metro, the company’s values play a significant role in creating a positive workplace culture. The company’s core values—Humble, Hungry, and Smart—serve as guiding principles for employees in every department. By fostering an environment where these values are consistently upheld, Universal Metro ensures that employees are empowered to collaborate, innovate, and push boundaries.

Humility drives the company’s approach to teamwork, encouraging employees to work together, support one another, and always remain open to feedback. The “Hungry” value emphasizes a desire for continuous learning and improvement, while “Smart” focuses on making strategic, well-informed decisions that contribute to the company’s long-term success. These core values form the foundation of the culture at Universal Metro, where employees feel not just like workers, but vital members of a larger mission.

Looking Toward the Future

As Universal Metro continues to grow and expand its reach, the company remains committed to fostering a work environment where its employees can succeed and thrive. Universal Metro recognized as one of LA’s Best Places to Work in 2025 is a testament to the company’s commitment to its people and its unwavering belief that a positive workplace culture is essential to long-term success.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but this award is just one step in our journey,” said Triepke. “We’ll continue to prioritize our employees’ well-being and work to build a company that supports their professional and personal growth.”

A Bright Future for Universal Metro

Universal Metro recognized as one of LA’s Best Places to Work for 2025 further solidifies its position as a leader in the commercial flooring industry. The company’s ability to attract and retain top talent, while maintaining a high level of employee satisfaction, ensures that it will continue to thrive in the years ahead. Whether through its commitment to teamwork, its core values, or its transparent leadership, Universal Metro has proven that investing in its people is the key to its success.

Universal Metro  Where leaders grow. Clients win. And integrity isn’t optional—it’s who we are.

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Group shot of the Universal Metro team Feb 2025
Team UMI 2025
UMI team showcases Donation to Santa Fe Springs Back to School Backpack Program

Universal Metro’s 2025 Donation to Santa Fe Springs Back to School Backpack Program: Supporting Local Students & Families

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on

At Universal Metro, giving back to our community, particularly Santa Fe Springs,  is at the heart of everything we do. While we are best known for providing high-performance flooring solutions across commercial spaces, we believe in making a difference beyond the job site. For years, we’ve been proud to partner with the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center in Santa Fe Springs to support their Back to School Backpack Program—a cause that helps empower local students, families, and job seekers with the tools they need to succeed.

Universal Metro’s Commitment to Santa Fe Springs Community

As a leading flooring company, Universal Metro is deeply committed to helping our community thrive. Through our ongoing partnership with the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center, we are actively involved in programs that support both education and workforce readiness. Every year, we contribute to initiatives that equip students with essential school supplies and help adults gain the resources they need to re-enter the workforce with dignity and confidence.

How Universal Metro Supports Education and Workforce Readiness

The Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center’s programs have a significant impact on the Santa Fe Springs community by providing access to much-needed resources for students and job seekers. These initiatives, including the annual Back to School Backpack Program, directly help local students prepare for the school year and empower adults to rejoin the workforce. At Universal Metro, we understand that providing these essentials is a crucial step in fostering a better future for everyone involved.

A Team Effort: The Power of Giving Back at Universal Metro

Giving back is not just about donations—it’s about people coming together to make a meaningful impact. At Universal Metro, our team fully embraces this mission. Each year, our employees rally together to collect and deliver school supplies, clothing, and hygiene kits, ensuring that the families and students of Santa Fe Springs have what they need for a successful school year and beyond.

More Than Flooring: Building Strong Foundations for Our Community

Universal Metro is more than just a flooring company—we are a team that values integrity, responsibility, and community involvement. Our commitment to social responsibility sets us apart in the commercial construction industry, reflecting who we are both in the office and out in the community. We believe in building not only high-end commercial spaces but also lasting relationships that improve the lives of our neighbors in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Gratitude for the Opportunity to Give Back

We are thankful to the City of Santa Fe Springs and the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center for providing a platform that allows businesses like ours to give back in a meaningful way. Their dedication to supporting local families and students is truly inspiring, and we are honored to play a part in it.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Universal Metro is committed to continuing this tradition of giving back and finding new ways to support our neighbors. We encourage you to get involved and learn more about the Gus Velasco Center’s programs. Visit Santa Fe Springs Community Services to discover how you can contribute to supporting local students and families in need.

The Back to School Backpack Program provides essential school supplies to students in Santa Fe Springs, ensuring they have what they need to succeed in the classroom. Every year, Universal Metro’s team donates backpacks filled with supplies like notebooks, pencils, and other classroom essentials. This program helps local students start the school year on the right foot, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Additionally, the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center provides more than just school supplies. They offer workforce readiness programs that equip job seekers with the tools to re-enter the job market, such as professional attire, hygiene kits, and job search assistance. By supporting these programs, Universal Metro is helping create a stronger, more resilient community where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.



City of Santa Fe Springs logo
2025 Starnet grand prize winning project

Universal Metro Takes Home Grand Prize at 2025 Starnet Design Awards

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on

April 25, 2025 — Santa Fe Springs, CA

We’re thrilled to share that Universal Metro, Inc. was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2025 Starnet Design Awards for our work on the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort project. This incredible honor was announced at the Starnet Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, CA, where top flooring contractors from across the country came together to celebrate the year’s best in commercial flooring design and installation.

Winning the top award is a proud moment for our team—but more than anything, it’s a reflection of the strong collaboration, thoughtful design, and attention to detail that went into bringing this beautiful resort project to life.

“We’re humbled and grateful to receive the Grand Prize this year,” said Dave Triepke, CEO of Universal Metro. “This recognition speaks volumes about the teamwork behind the scenes—from our installation crews to our project partners. We’re honored to contribute to such a meaningful transformation at Murrieta Hot Springs.”

 The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort grand prize winning project was a unique opportunity to blend historical preservation with modern wellness-focused design. Our flooring installation played a key role in achieving that balance, helping create a welcoming, tranquil environment that honors the site’s storied past while supporting its future as a top-tier destination.

Now in its 27th year, the Starnet Design Awards celebrate excellence in commercial flooring across a variety of industries. Projects are judged on creativity, technical skill, and overall impact—and competition is always strong.

We’re honored to have our work recognized among such inspiring projects, and we want to thank the entire team who helped bring this vision to life. From our client and design partners to our hardworking staff on the ground, this grand prize award belongs to all of you.

2025 Starnet Grand Prize project: Murrieta Hot Springs entry with reclining wooden slat chairs and brown floor tile
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Starnet 2025 Grand Prize winning project: Cafe Azuli order counter, decorated with beige and pink modern Spanish tile on the floor, counter front and walls. beverage centers on and behind the counter
Cafe Azuli, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort shower room
Shower Room at Murrieta Hot Springs
Dave Triepke Avatar

Inside Universal Metro’s Bold Pivot: Dave Triepke Talks Growth, Specialization, and Project Excellence

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on
 Original broadcast August 16, 2022—Dave Triepke, shares insight into Universal Metro’s bold pivot and evolving business strategy to sharpen focus within the competitive and fast-changing Los Angeles market.

The conversation illuminated a deliberate shift away from residential and smaller-scale flooring installations, moving instead toward a more strategic alignment with high-impact commercial projects—particularly within healthcare, education, and public infrastructure sectors.

Triepke emphasize this bold pivot is both a response to industry trends and a proactive strategy rooted in Universal Metro’s core strengths. “Our value is in our ability to handle complexity,” he stated. “From infection control protocols in active hospitals to coordinating around accelerated school construction timelines, these projects demand a level of expertise and accountability that our team is built to deliver.”

As Los Angeles continues to invest in capital improvements—whether through public works, healthcare facility expansions, or LEED-certified educational spaces—Universal Metro is positioning itself not just as an installer, but as a collaborative partner in the design-build ecosystem. Triepke noted that the company is increasingly brought in during pre-construction phases to help identify product solutions, assess logistics, and deliver technical recommendations that reduce risk and increase value for the client.

“Our goal is to be more than a subcontractor,” Triepke explained. “We aim to be a trusted advisor to general contractors, architects, and designers who are navigating tight budgets, complex specs, and aggressive schedules.”

The interview also touches on workforce development, sustainability in materials, and the importance of technology integration for jobsite transparency and efficiency. With Los Angeles as one of the most dynamic and demanding commercial markets in the country, Universal Metro’s bold move reflects not just an internal pivot, but a deeper commitment to advancing quality, innovation, and collaboration across the construction landscape.

To listen to the full interview on Universal Metro’s bold pivot, visit FloorDaily.net and search for “Dave Triepke – Universal Metro.