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

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Headshot of Dave Triepke

Interview with Floor Daily’s Kemp Harr Highlights UMI’s Strategic Evolution

Inside Universal Metro’s Bold Pivot: Dave Triepke Talks Growth, Specialization, and Project Excellence 2

August 16, 2022—Dave Triepke, CEO of Universal Metro, Inc., shared insight into the company’s evolving business strategy and sharpened 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 emphasized that the move 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 touched 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 evolution 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, visit FloorDaily.net and search for “Dave Triepke – Universal Metro.