At an early age , Mario Wagner , owner of Royal Floors , Inc . and RF Contractors , Inc ., started learning the flooring trade from his father and uncle , who operated a Moraga-based family business installing flooring for multi-family affordable housing complexes throughout the Bay Area . “ Growing up , I had the opportunity to work with my dad , uncle , brothers , and cousins . I ’ m third generation in the construction industry . My grandfather was a professional painter ,” remarks Mario .
Mario founded his own business , Royal Floors , Inc , in 2006 and eventually gained enough knowledge , momentum and clientele to obtain a Class C-15 ( Flooring and Floor Covering ) contractor license in 2010 . He began to branch out from there , discovering an innate passion for general construction while working on several renovation and remodeling projects . When clients began requesting general construction services , Mario started his second company , RF Contractors , Inc . in 2015 . His flooring company installs a variety of flooring , including carpet , linoleum , hardwood , and vinyl plank . His general construction company initially started renovating small apartment complexes but now handles larger remodeling and general construction projects .
Although the experience he gained from growing up in the trades gave him a leg up in terms of his handson skills , there were many areas of knowledge that Mario needed to develop in order to take his business to the next level . “ One of the biggest challenges was that I didn ’ t know all that I know now and even now , I still have more to learn . I first leaned on all my family connections coupled with doing my own research to head in the right direction . I discovered that to grow my business , there was another ‘ language ’ that I needed to learn .”
Mario points to not having ready access to vital information , lacking professional connections
Mario Wagner , owner of Royal Floors , Inc .
and not being familiar with the larger business environment and requirements as contributing factors of larger systemic issues that make it more difficult for small and minority contractors to succeed . However , he encourages others to be proactive in taking responsibility for seeking out available programs and resources and learning the skills needed to navigate around obstacles . “ Obstacles can be overcome ,” he says , “ but you need to have endurance . I don ’ t mind some obstacles because learning how to get around them has helped me grow personally and professionally .” He notes the importance of sharing information peer-to-peer , particularly among small and minority contractors . “ Those of us who can need to commit to helping other small and minority contractors by sharing what we know in real time . I ’ m always willing to pick up the phone to help another small business if I can .”
Left : NOVA Oakland , a 57-unit affordable housing development - all flooring by Royal Floors , Inc .
SUMMER 2021 CONTRACTOR REPORT - 15