Power Hour Recap: Building Stronger Teams with the Women of Advanced Flooring Solutions
On July 25, 2025, the Women in the Floor Covering Industry (WIFI) community came together for an informative and insightful Power Hour, titled “Talent and Teamwork: Leveraging Women’s Voices.” This virtual event spotlighted inclusive leadership in action, featuring the dynamic duo behind Advanced Flooring Solutions, a women-owned, Colorado-based, full-service commercial flooring subcontractor where women make up the majority of the team.
Moderated by WIFI board member Brenda Knowles, senior vice president of commercial customer experience at Shaw Industries, the conversation featured:
Michelle Meyer, chief executive officer, Advanced Flooring Solutions
Yaicha Schuneman, chief operating officer, Advanced Flooring Solutions
Together, Meyer and Schuneman shared practical leadership lessons, hiring strategies, and their philosophy on culture and growth—offering attendees a blueprint for building resilient, high-performing teams in the construction and flooring space.
Segment 1: From Coffee and Furniture to Flooring
Meyer and Schuneman’s journeys to leadership didn’t begin in flooring. Meyer transitioned into the industry after a successful career in commercial furniture, eventually buying into AFS and growing her stake into full ownership. Schuneman, meanwhile, was recruited from Starbucks, where she managed one of Denver’s busiest stores while finishing her degree in accounting.
Though their backgrounds were unconventional, their career stories underscored a powerful point: skills are transferable, and talent thrives with the right culture and opportunity.
Segment 2: Hiring for Culture, Not Just Credentials
AFS stands out not only for its women-led leadership but also for how it builds its team. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to hiring based on attitude, adaptability, and culture fit—often welcoming professionals from industries outside of flooring.
“Most of our team came from outside the industry,” Meyer shared. “It takes longer to get going, but it strengthens our company.”
Schuneman echoed this approach, stressing the value of soft skills like attention to detail, strong work ethic, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Their commitment to onboarding and training includes structured one-on-ones, lunch-and-learns, and setting realistic expectations for ramp-up time.
Segment 3: Investing in Growth and Celebrating Wins
Ongoing development is a hallmark of AFS’s culture. Employees are encouraged to seek out training, ask questions, and take initiative in ways that stretch their comfort zones.
Meyer and Schuneman also shared how they create an environment of encouragement and visibility. AFS celebrates wins big and small—literally, with a bell in the office.
“Even if you sell one box of carpet tile, you get to ring the bell!” said Meyer. “We’re all in this together. We’re a team.”
Segment 4: Spotting Potential & Leading with Confidence
When asked how they spot talent, both leaders pointed to initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to go beyond what’s expected. Team members who ask great questions, attend events unprompted, or support colleagues signal readiness for more responsibility.
“The only way to grow is to try something new,” Schuneman explained. “Even if you're not the best at it right away, that’s where the learning happens.”
Confidence was another key theme—especially in making women’s voices heard on job sites and in leadership spaces. Both Meyer and Schuneman agreed that confidence, consistency, and results are what command respect.
Real-World Advice for Professionals
Both leaders closed with words of encouragement for women working to build something meaningful:
“Do 1% better every day,” Schuneman said. “The big accomplishments are just the result of small, consistent steps.”
“Focus on what you can control,” Meyer added. “Work hard when others are worried—and you’ll find the opportunity.”
WIFI Updates & Opportunities
📚 Mentorship Program: The fourth cohort is currently active with 55 participants! The next cohort will open in 2026.
🎓 Scholarships: WIFI awards $1,000–$5,000 annually for continuing education. The latest round of winners has just been announced—stay tuned for future opportunities!
🙋♀️ Get Involved: Join Friends of WIFI to help support programming, mentorship, and scholarships. Individual donations start at $15/month, with corporate levels beginning at $1,500/year.
Want to Support WIFI?
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About Women In the Floorcovering Industry
Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit that attracts, educates, and empowers women in the flooring industry. WIFI offers scholarships for post-secondary and continuing education and presents educational trainings, professional development, and mentoring programs. To learn more about WIFI, visit womeninflooring.org.