Together with his team, Dr. Beakler aims to provide his global portfolio of clients with a significant competitive edge through strategic product innovation, development, and execution. BCS also specializes in inspecting, assessing, and evaluating nearly all wood and wood-based products used in various aspects of construction, engineering, and design. Dr. Beakler’s previous experience includes serving as Senior Manager of Research & Development at Armstrong Flooring, Inc., where he oversaw a diverse R&D department focused on innovating resilient and wood flooring products for both commercial and residential markets. During his time there, he managed and expanded the Armstrong Certified Installer Program across North America, in addition to overseeing the testing and analytical functions within R&D. In 2013, Dr. Beakler received the prestigious Armstrong CEO Award for acquiring and developing a technology that creates distressed hardwood flooring, successfully replicating the appearance of time-worn wood floors that date back centuries. He also made significant advancements in coatings, materials, and installation processes during his tenure at Armstrong, contributing to over $2 billion in new product sales. Dr. Beakler has been an active member of the Industrial Research Institute. In 2016, he completed the Shaping Innovation Leaders Executive Management Program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Earlier in his career, Dr. Beakler served as a Wood Scientist for Matthews International’s York Casket Division for three years, focusing on lumber drying, process improvements, and problem-solving, which led to enhanced material yields each year. He earned his Ph.D. in Wood Products from the School of Forest Resources at Pennsylvania State University. His research and teaching at Penn State emphasized wood anatomy, kiln drying of hardwood lumber, and quantifying organic emissions from kiln drying processes. His work is acknowledged as the foundational science for hardwood emissions in the State of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beakler’s leadership skills, coupled with his innovative mindset, have positioned him in various service roles within major industry trade associations, including serving as Chairman of the Board for the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (now the Decorative Hardwoods Association). He has held board appointments with the Decorative Hardwoods Association, Hardwood Forestry Fund, Keystone Kiln Drying Association, and served on the Advisory Board for Penn State University’s School of Bio Renewable Systems. Additionally, he was a member of the Markwardt Award Committee for three years, tasked with recognizing the best peer- reviewed articles published by the Forest Products Society. Dr. Beakler has spoken at the annual conventions of the National Wood Flooring Association, Certified Flooring Installers, and the Keystone Kiln Drying Association. He holds multiple patents and has several peer and non-peer-reviewed publications to his name. Currently, Dr. Beakler serves as President of the Floor Covering Institute, the leading global consultancy covering all aspects of the floor covering industry.