On March, 19, 2020, Universal Metro’s Leadership addressed the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, and Universal Metro’s commitment to Health and Safety, Technology, Customer Service and Project Management.
Everyday Essentials Collection Offers Flooring Finishes in 10 Days or Less
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/.
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Universal Metro’s Unique Installation of Carpet Tile Creates Fully Immersive 360 Experience at The Outer Realm Art Exhibit
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.
Evolution of Commercial Flooring Contractors: Interview with Grant Petruzzelli
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 →
Universal Metro Wins Silver at Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards for Unique Installation Challenge
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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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High RH levels
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Seismic cracks
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Wide cold joints
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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:
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Negative air containment with HEPA filters was used to maintain infection control while work continued in adjacent occupied spaces.
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Crews operated in extremely tight conditions, often working just feet from active medical procedures.
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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:
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Advanced solutions for healthcare flooring challenges
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Expertise in OSHPD-regulated construction
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Proven ability to manage multi-phase projects in occupied facilities
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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 at Universal Metro: Hands-On Learning with ARDEX and Silica Sand Compliance
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:
Moisture Resistant Patch (MRP)
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
Universal Metro Wins Gold for Healthcare Flooring Design at Starnet People’s Choice Awards 2018
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:
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Enhanced healing environments: Color and pattern create a calming, uplifting atmosphere for patients and families.
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Performance under pressure: Durable finishes withstand the heavy traffic of staff, equipment, and visitors.
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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
Four Crew Leads Achieve Armstrong’s Level III Certification
“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.
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Celebrating Flooring Industry Young Professionals: Grant Petruzzelli Recognized in 2017
At Universal Metro, leadership is about more than titles — it’s about passion, innovation, and commitment to driving the industry forward. In 2017, that commitment was recognized when Grant Petruzzelli, then Director of Sales and Marketing at Universal Metro, was honored as one of the flooring industry young professionals under 40 making an impact.
Recognizing Future Leaders
The award, announced by Floor Focus Magazine, shines a spotlight on leaders under 40 who are helping to shape the future of flooring. Winners are nominated by their peers and judged by a panel of industry veterans. In 2017, judges included Ralph Boe, president of ArrowStar and past president of Beaulieu Group, and Paul Friederichsen, a respected flooring industry marketing strategist.
This recognition underscores the importance of supporting the next generation of talent — professionals who bring fresh ideas, a willingness to innovate, and the determination to lead in a rapidly changing industry.
Universal Metro’s Grant Petruzzelli Named Among Winners
Grant Petruzzelli stood alongside an impressive group of peers from across the nation. The winners of the flooring industry young professionals award in 2017 included retail leaders, designers, and contractors representing the very best of the next generation.
As Universal Metro’s Director of Sales and Marketing at the time, Petruzzelli was recognized for his role in expanding the company’s reach, building strong client relationships, and helping establish Universal Metro as a trusted leader in commercial flooring. His focus on both operational excellence and customer service reflected the values that continue to drive the company today.
Honoring the 2017 Class of Young Professionals
The award ceremony was held in Las Vegas during Surfaces, one of the flooring industry’s largest events. A cocktail reception brought together nominees, winners, and industry leaders to celebrate the announcement.
The 2017 honorees included:
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Justin Atcheson, President of Builders Floor Covering and Tile
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Steavie Cain, Managing Principal of Quality Service Floor Covering
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David DeGol Jr., Division Manager of DeGol Carpet
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Michelle Gibson, Store Manager of Lima Carpet Corporation
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Katie Krause, Senior Interior Designer at H.J. Martin and Son
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Garrett Ulfig of Mastercraft Flooring
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Sage Parrish of Quality Floor Coverings
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Grant Petruzzelli, Director of Sales and Marketing at Universal Metro
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Jared Satler, Owner of Dick’s Carpet One & Auburn Carpet One
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David Webb, Store Manager at Dalton Carpet One
Each winner brought a unique perspective and skill set to the table, proving that the flooring industry young professionals community is filled with innovators eager to make a lasting difference.
Why Recognition Matters
Industry awards like this are more than just accolades. They highlight the individuals and companies who are moving the industry forward. For Universal Metro, Petruzzelli’s recognition affirmed our culture of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
It also reinforced a larger truth: investing in people is just as important as investing in products. By cultivating leaders and giving them opportunities to grow, the flooring industry ensures its continued evolution and long-term success.
Conclusion
Universal Metro is proud of Grant Petruzzelli’s recognition in the 2017 Young Professional Award program. His leadership and commitment to excellence reflect the values that guide our work every day. As the flooring industry continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to empowering our team members to lead with vision and integrity.
Read the original article in Floor Focus Magazine: Winners of 2017 Young Professional Award Announced.
Universal Metro: Growth and Success by Meeting Clients’ Needs
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.