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February 2021 — In an industry built on precision, innovation, and long-lasting impact, true leadership often emerges in unexpected ways. At just 26 years old, Victoria Turkich, Estimation Lead at Universal Metro, has already made her mark in the commercial flooring industry. Her recognition as one of Floor Focus Magazine’s Emerging Leaders for 2021 is a testament not only to her exceptional talent but also to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion for her craft.
This honor places her among the most dynamic young professionals under 40 making a measurable difference in flooring today. For Universal Metro, it also marks the second time in four years that one of its leaders has been recognized, following President Grant Petruzzelli’s win in 2017. The achievement underscores the company’s culture of excellence and its ability to cultivate leaders who set new standards in the industry. In fact, this milestone has been widely celebrated under the headline: Universal Metro’s Estimation Lead, Victoria Turkich, receives award for young professionals making a difference in flooring.
Rising to the Challenge
The year 2020 tested industries everywhere, and flooring was no exception. From keeping construction projects on schedule amid pandemic restrictions to ensuring safety for teams and clients, leadership mattered more than ever. Victoria’s contributions during this time stood out. She not only supported major bidding efforts that represented tens of millions of dollars in projects but also introduced new standard operating procedures that brought consistency, organization, and transparency to her department.
Her initiatives included:
Establishing a communal bid calendar to keep teams aligned.
Creating a project backlog data entry system that improved efficiency.
Standardizing estimation resources to ensure accuracy and repeatable success.
These improvements continue to shape the way Universal Metro approaches complex projects, ensuring that every bid reflects both strategic insight and operational excellence.
A Career Rooted in Dedication
What makes Victoria’s story particularly inspiring is the length and depth of her journey at such a young age. She began her career at Universal Metro while still in high school, working as an executive assistant. Over nearly 12 years, she steadily grew within the organization, embracing challenges and taking on new responsibilities along the way.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in construction management from California Baptist University, she applied her academic knowledge directly to real-world projects. This combination of formal training and hands-on experience gave her an edge in balancing the technical and strategic aspects of flooring estimation. Today, as Estimation Lead, she not only delivers results but also mentors her peers, proving that leadership is not defined by age but by action.
Recognition Among Industry Leaders
The Emerging Leaders Award is no small achievement. Judged by flooring veterans Ralph Boe and Paul Friederichsen, the program celebrates professionals under 40 who are shaping the future of the industry. The 2021 pool of nominees was the largest in its history, making Victoria’s selection even more noteworthy.
The list of winners includes company presidents, vice presidents, and directors—individuals with decades of experience and leadership roles at some of the largest flooring contractors in the nation. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with this group, Victoria demonstrates that excellence has no age requirement. Her win is more than personal recognition; it positions Universal Metro among the companies driving innovation in the industry.
Driving Innovation at Universal Metro
Victoria’s role extends beyond estimation. She actively supports business development and specification efforts, collaborating with vendor partners to design customized solutions that meet client needs. Her ability to balance data, relationships, and strategy makes her a vital part of Universal Metro’s success.
Her work has touched projects across healthcare, education, retail, corporate, and government sectors, each requiring unique approaches and tailored solutions. By focusing on quality, accuracy, and creativity, she embodies Universal Metro’s core values of integrity, respect, reliability, and results.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Victoria’s recognition also shines a light on the opportunities available to young professionals in the flooring industry. Her journey from high school assistant to award-winning leader highlights how mentorship, perseverance, and curiosity can accelerate a career. For women in construction and flooring, her story is especially significant, serving as proof that leadership and technical excellence are accessible at every stage of life.
Her achievement continues to be shared as an example within the industry, with the story often referenced under its full title: Universal Metro’s Estimation Lead, Victoria Turkich, receives award for young professionals making a difference in flooring.
Looking Ahead
As Universal Metro continues to expand its presence in California, Nevada, and Arizona, leaders like Victoria ensure that the company’s reputation for excellence only grows stronger. Her recognition as an Emerging Leader not only honors her personal achievements but also represents a collective win for Universal Metro’s culture of fostering talent and empowering future leaders.
In her own way, Victoria is paving the floors—and the future—for an industry that thrives on precision, collaboration, and innovation. Her story proves that greatness doesn’t wait until later in life. Sometimes, it begins with ambition, perseverance, and a willingness to lead long before the age of 30.
Conclusion
The story of Universal Metro’s Estimation Lead, Victoria Turkich, receiving the award for young professionals making a difference in flooring is more than just recognition of her talent. It’s a reminder that the flooring industry is alive with fresh perspectives and new energy. For Universal Metro, it’s yet another moment of pride in building a company where leaders rise, teams excel, and innovation drives success.
At just 26 years old, Victoria has already proven that she belongs among the brightest minds in the field—and her journey is only just beginning.
Read the full article in Floor Focus Magazine: 
“Once a year, Floor Focus Magazine recognizes the best of the up-and-coming talent through its Future Focus awards. Those eligible for the awards must be under 40 years old and employed in the floorcovering dealer segment, including retailers, distributors and commercial contractors. Congratulations to the eight Starnet Members for achieving this distinguished honor.”
