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.

graduates of Eco-Grip certification at UMI

Elevating Standards with Eco-Grip Certified Training

Posted by Universal Metro on

Raising the Standard: Universal Metro Invests in Elite Eco-Grip Certification

Eco-Grip is rapidly gaining recognition as a top-tier commercial flooring solution, particularly within the food service, healthcare, and health & wellness sectors. Built to withstand demanding environments, the product combines performance, safety, and sustainability, making it a compelling choice for clients seeking reliable, long-term value. As more organizations look for flooring options that align with sustainability goals, Eco-Grip stands out—crafted from 98% recycled materials, it supports green building practices without sacrificing durability or ease of maintenance.

At Universal Metro, we recognize that great materials are only as good as the people installing them. That’s why we’ve prioritized the education and certification of our labor force—especially with specialty products like Eco-Grip, where proper installation is critical to performance. While it is a seamless flooring system known for its clean aesthetic and watertight surface, the installation process requires specific technical knowledge and precision. Mistakes in preparation or bonding can lead to long-term issues, which is why manufacturer-approved training is essential.

This year, Universal Metro proudly hosted two hands-on training events, each designed to equip our field installers with the skills and certification needed to meet manufacturer standards. These sessions included:

  • Substrate prep and moisture control techniques specific to the product’s adhesive and bonding process

  • Heat welding and seam detailing for a seamless, hygienic finish

  • Best practices for floor layout, wall integration, and perimeter termination

  • Safety training specific to occupied spaces like kitchens and healthcare environments

  • Troubleshooting common site issues and understanding warranty conditions

Led by certified Eco-Grip trainers and supported by our own experienced supervisors, nearly two dozen UMI installers have now earned their qualifications, expanding our ability to serve clients across Southern California and beyond with confidence and speed.

Whether you’re planning a hospitality kitchen renovation, upgrading a rehab facility, or building out a fitness studio, our team is now fully equipped to deliver on the performance promise of Eco-Grip.

To learn more about this innovative product—or to schedule a site consultation

—contact Universal Metro at (562) 906-8484.

Eco Grip Training and Education 5

Eco Grip Training and Education 4

Eco Grip Training and Education 3

Eco Grip Training and Education 2

Eco Grip Training and Education 1 1 rotated

Blastrac BMG 2200 machine

Unstoppable Performance: Why We Use the Blastrac BMG-2200 for Large-Scale Projects

Posted by Universal Metro on

Power Meets Precision: Blastrac BMG-2200 is our Go-To for Large-Scale Projects

When you’re tackling surface prep and polishing on projects over 10,000 square feet, efficiency, consistency, and quality aren’t just preferences—they’re requirements. That’s why Universal Metro Inc. relies on the Blastrac BMG-2200, a ride-on, planetary grinder built specifically for high-output performance.

What Is the Blastrac BMG-2200?

The BMG-2200 is a powerful, self-propelled grinding and polishing machine equipped with a dual-drive planetary system. Unlike walk-behind grinders, this ride-on unit is designed to tackle large surfaces faster, with more consistent results and less operator fatigue. It’s ideal for expansive commercial environments like:

  • Warehouses

  • Shopping centers

  • Transportation hubs

  • Manufacturing facilities

  • Higher education campuses

Key Features & Capabilities

2705 Built for Speed and Scale

The BMG-2200 is designed to handle large square footage in a fraction of the time. With multiple grinding heads and a ride-on configuration, it boosts productivity without compromising quality.

âś… Consistent, High-Quality Finishes

The planetary motion delivers even abrasion and polishing across the entire surface, ensuring a uniform sheen from wall to wall.

âś… Cleaner, Safer Worksites

An integrated dust collection system supports clean, compliant jobsites, making it ideal for environments with strict air quality or cleanliness requirements.

âś… Ergonomics That Matter

Ride-on operation reduces operator fatigue, allowing our crews to work longer shifts while maintaining precision.

Best Practices We Follow

At Universal Metro, equipment is only as effective as the crew behind it. That’s why we pair the BMG-2200 with expert training and proven protocols, including:

  • Surface Moisture Testing: Ensuring optimal conditions before grinding

  • Correct Grit Progression: To achieve the desired gloss level without over-polishing

  • Edge Integration: Managing edges and transitions for a seamless final result

  • Dust Control: Using HEPA-grade vacuums to contain silica dust

Is It Right for Your Project?

If you’re working on a high-traffic, large-format facility that demands durable, aesthetically pleasing polished concrete or a prepared substrate for additional finishes, the BMG-2200 can save time and money while delivering superior results.

Ready to Discuss Your Next Project?

Let’s talk. Our team can walk you through capabilities, timelines, and how this investment in equipment translates into long-term value for your facility.

👉 Contact Us to learn more about how the Blastrac BMG-2200 fits into our suite of advanced flooring solutions.

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” →

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

(more…)
img 1152 3

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” →

Floor Trends UMI January 2017

Universal Metro: Growth and Success by Meeting Clients’ Needs

Posted by Alexis Triepke on with 1 Comment
January 6, 2017 Written by David Triepke on behalf of Floor Trends Magazine It’s never an easy decision to begin scaling your business for growth. When balancing the risks of new opportunities with the uncertainty of a stagnant national economy, the decision for any business owner to invest in growth is rooted in one key question: is this sustainable? By understanding our journey and our purpose, we at Universal Metro believe we can do so effectively, without compromising our service and value, by answering the call of our clients to serve as trusted advisors for all of their flooring covering needs.
(more…)