Richard Long, NICF Carpet Fitter of the Year 2024, discusses his career in flooring, working with Bostik, and the difference between a good carpet fitter and a great one
I started my flooring career in 1989 when I was 15 years old. It was an easy decision as my father was a carpet fitter and I wanted to work with him.
I first entered the Carpet Fitter of the Year competition in 2017. I didn’t make it to the final, but it showed me I was going in the right direction. The experience started me on my path with the NICF, which led to me to doing their intermediate carpet course and then their Master Fitter assessment.
The courses I took were super-useful. The main thing I learned was to work smarter, not harder. The methods I use now are much quicker and I’m using tools I didn’t even know existed before!
The task for the 2024 Carpet Fitter of the Year final was a real challenge. We had to fit a patterned, woven carpet to a hallway with a join and a main staircase up to a landing, plus a runner on the back section of a staircase. Thankfully, I felt more relaxed than in the previous two finals I’ve been involved in and really enjoyed it.
I used Bostik’s carpet tile tackifier, FIX A320 TACK, in the final, and was so impressed with it. I’m also a big fan of the 25mm version of BOSTIK ROLL which is my go-to when fitting custom made carpets and runners on stairs.
Winning the competition was the most rewarding moment of my career. I can’t put a price on how it felt when I heard my name called. To anyone thinking of entering next year, I would strongly urge you to do so – you won’t regret it!
Hard graft is the best way to improve your skills. Nothing beats setting your alarm for 6.30am and fitting carpets every day. That said, social media is also a good hub for learning new things, with manufacturers like Bostik offering lots of handy technical advice these days.
What separates a great fitter from a good fitter is attitude and taking pride in your work. For example, I’ve worked with some amazing fitters who refused to hoover up and would always leave a pile of rubbish in the corner! It didn’t matter how great they were – the customers thought they were cowboys because they didn’t tidy up!
I have the same enthusiasm for flooring today as I did when I was 15. I just want to stay fit and healthy, and fit carpets and flooring for as long as I can.
