Gary Bittner, Guild Peer Reviewed floor Inspector

Summary of Work Experience 

1977: Graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with B.S. degrees in both Wood Science and Forestry 

1977 – 1989: International Paper Co. , various supervisory roles in Lumber, Plywood and OSB Manufacturing operations 

1984 -1989: Technical Manager and claims resolution manager for both Plywood and OSB operations. 

American Plywood Association (APA) Certified Inspector 

1989- 1991: Fiberboard Technologies - Plant Superintendent and Technical Director – Engineered Lumber 

1992- 2011: Georgia Pacific Corp. Particle Board & Engineered Wood  - Various management roles including: Technical Director (and claims resolution manager), 

Environmental Manager, Plant Superintendent, Plant Manager 

Active member of the American Plywood Association Engineered Wood Systems (APA-EWS) Technical Advisory Committee 

2011 – 2019 (retired): Mohawk Industries – Sourced Products Quality Manager: 

• Responsible for the Quality Management of all Sourced Wood Products 
• Trouble shooting and providing solution for installation issues 
• Provide technical advice to all customers in installation, repair of hardwood flooring and decision maker in claims resolution 
• Technical resource to Mohawk Industries hardwood flooring manufacturing facilities 
• Technical trainer to corporate claims management group for product knowledge and performance 
• New product development 

Continuing Education 2011 - present 

• National Wood Flooring Association Certified Professionals Inspector Certification Program (NWFA-CP) 
• Current on all required NWFA continuing education credit requirements 
• NWFA classroom and on the job training for the installation and repair of hardwood and bamboo flooring. 
• Virginia Tech classroom (Flooring Guild) and hands on continuing education annually since 2011 in regard to understanding the properties of wood and wood products including: 
• Solid Wood Science 
• Wood/Water relationships 
• Understanding and managing hardwood flooring defects 
• Managing Hardwood flooring installations to eliminate problems 
• Hardwood Dry Kiln operations 

NC State classroom and hands on training for hardwood dry kiln operations 

2019 committee member / National Wood Flooring Association’s “Problems, Causes, & Cures” Task Force  

Active Flooring Inspector utilized by corporate and individuals alike  to where they are.

The Guild is proud Mr. Bittner is one of our Peer Reviewed FLoor Inspectors, a lifetime of wood experience for you.