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
Sheila Kennedy - president UMI

Promotions: Universal Metro Names Sheila Kennedy as President and Scott Arendt as Vice President.

Posted by Universal Metro on with 1 Comment

Santa Fe Springs, CA, October 12, 2023 – Promotion News: CEO Dave Triepke has named Sheila Kennedy President of Universal Metro, Inc. (UMI) and Scott Arendt Vice President. “The promotions will help UMI focus on bigger target initiatives and goals”, according to Triepke.

Sheila Kennedy’s promotion to President is a move that marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and evolution. Since joining UMI in January 2016 as a Project Engineer, and later serving as Director of Operations beginning in 2018, Sheila has been instrumental in transforming operational processes, improving efficiency, and scaling the company’s capabilities to meet increasing demand. Her leadership has helped lay the foundation for UMI’s sustained success.

With a unique blend of field experience and executive insight, Sheila brings a deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of the business. Her previous tenure at Zickel Flooring in Missouri—where she gained experience across Accounting, Estimating, and Project Management—has given her a well-rounded perspective that continues to benefit UMI. As President, Sheila will focus on aligning the company’s long-term vision with day-to-day execution, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and enhancing the culture of accountability and innovation. Her promotion is a testament to her leadership and a promising step forward for Universal Metro’s future. 

Arendt arrived at UMI in November 2016 as the Director of Sales and Business Development. Since joining, he’s established himself as a trusted partner for vendors and sophisticated buyers and has built a robust network that provides business development opportunities on both regional and national levels.

Arndt’s promotion to Vice President will further strengthen UMI’s strategic direction, leveraging his proven leadership and deep industry relationships to drive growth and enhance client partnerships. His vision and experience will play a critical role in expanding UMI’s presence and reinforcing its reputation for excellence.

Prior to UMI, Scott worked as a Senior Executive in Sales and Marketing for Mr. David’s Flooring International (now Diverzify) in Illinois for over 12 years.

Image S. Kennedy

 

Sheila Kennedy

Image S. Arendt

 

Scott Arendt

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.

Victoria Turkich

Universal Metro’s Estimation Lead, Victoria Turkich, Receives Award for Young Professionals Making a Difference in Flooring

Posted by Universal Metro on

 

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.

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Grant Petruzzelli

Celebrating Flooring Industry Young Professionals: Grant Petruzzelli Recognized in 2017

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

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:

  • Justin Atcheson, President of Builders Floor Covering and Tile

  • Steavie Cain, Managing Principal of Quality Service Floor Covering

  • David DeGol Jr., Division Manager of DeGol Carpet

  • Michelle Gibson, Store Manager of Lima Carpet Corporation

  • Katie Krause, Senior Interior Designer at H.J. Martin and Son

  • Garrett Ulfig of Mastercraft Flooring

  • Sage Parrish of Quality Floor Coverings

  • Grant Petruzzelli, Director of Sales and Marketing at Universal Metro

  • Jared Satler, Owner of Dick’s Carpet One & Auburn Carpet One

  • 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.

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.
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