Success has followed Roland in his quest for excellence, but as the saying goes, “behind every successful man…” Only in this case, it’s a side-by-side partnership. Robin has been a guiding force and companion as Roland’s wife for over 34 years (as of this writing). The Thompson team has brought 5 wonderful children into the world and they have been rewarded with 8 grandchildren. Family is the highest priority in their lives. Roland and Robin have managed to mix parenthood, faith and a love for sports and recreation with a devotion to sharing their experience and strength with other floorcovering pros.

Roland has been an asset in the success of Kehne’s Carpet One of Frederick, Maryland since 1995. His drive, attention to detail and ability to deal with multiple tasks has helped create a smooth operation that brings satisfaction to customers and fellow employees day after day. Even in a management position, he has a rapport with his subordinates that instills pride and encourages honesty and openness.

It is obvious to anyone who has spent time with Mr. Thompson, that he gets much joy and satisfaction in improving the lot and status of installers. Not just at Kehne’s, but in taking educational opportunities to flooring professionals wherever he can. His position as President of the Delmarva Chapter of CFI, Maryland/Northern VA Floorcovering Association President, past duties in education and organization and a member of the National Board of Directors for CFI are testaments to his dedication and hard work in making the floor covering industry a better place to work.

And it doesn’t stop there. Roland still manages to take the time to bring information, ideas and a strong sense of professionalism to members of the flooring industry around the world. He does this by participating and contributing to discussions on flooring oriented websites and message boards like FloorBiz.com, FCI Magazine and The Floor Pro Community, among others.

To honor Roland’s commitment to education, professionalism and excellence, he has been bestowed many honors and awards. Probably his most cherished are Person of the Year Award, from the Maryland – Northern VA Floorcovering Association, The Charlie Gress Award for CFI and the first Spirit Award given out by Carpet One Floor and Home. There have been others and he has worked hard for the recognition of his CFI chapter and other associations.

If you would like more detailed information about Roland’s experience and training, please follow this link to a PDF version of his resume. There is contact information included, but you can visit the contact page here at DelmarvaCFI.org to make a quick connect to him.

Pat Fell, CFI Master-II #4304

Pat Fell had the foresight to begin preparation for organizing the local chapters several years ago. He believed that in order to “grow” the chapter concept, it must be done in an orderly manner.

Pat led by example with the formation of the Baltimore, Maryland Chapter, which today encompasses three states: Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. It is now known as the Delmarva Chapter of CFI. There is no way to measure the amount of time, thought and energy that have gone into preparing the resource guide to assist the CFI members in establishing and maintaining a local chapter.

It is through the selfless efforts of dedicated individuals, like Pat Fell, that the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, Inc. continues to grow and maintain the spirit of the CFI Family worldwide. CFI is deeply indebted to the memory of Patrick Fell, for his willingness to take on such a monumental task and he deserves much credit for its success.

Pat Fell was stricken with cancer and, after a 2 year struggle, died on Janurary 21, 2005. He has left an indelible impression on CFI and the floor covering industry. His work and his memory is alive and well wherever you find dedicated flooring professionals at a CFI Chapter. The Delmarva Chapter embraces his spirit and revels in the gifts of professionalism and enthusiasm for education and the mission of Certified Floorcovering Installers everywhere.