Platform Performance Flooring Systems assembles industry ‘dream team’ to redefine support, solutions, and service

Platform Performance Flooring Systems, the new identity for FloorPrep by Dependable, LLC, is proud to announce the formation of its new sales and business development “dream team.” Bringing together well over a century of combined hands-on experience, the newly assembled leadership team is shifting the industry paradigm by prioritizing boots-on-the-ground technical support, customized problem-solving, and a solutions-first philosophy.

Leading the charge are industry veterans Robert Williams (Director of Sales), John Trent (Business Development Manager, Compotite), and Craig Hacker (Business Development Manager, Platform). By intentionally recruiting leaders who began their careers as installers, contractors, and field representatives, Platform is bridging the gap between product manufacturing and real-world job site execution.

“We are a nimble, family-owned business competing in an industry that has become heavily consolidated by massive conglomerates and private equity,” Williams said. “Our competitive advantage isn’t just our high-quality product line; it’s our people. When our customers have a problem, they don’t get lost in an automated phone tree. We have the agility to have an expert on their jobsite immediately, providing troubleshooting and technical expertise that the big box brands simply cannot match.”

The “dream team”

Robert Williams, Director of Sales: With over 40 years in the industry—from his early days in a family remodeling business to serving as the youngest plant manager in Laticrete’s history to national leadership roles at Bostik—Williams is a certified FCITS flooring inspector who is building a culture rooted in relationship-driven sales. His vision is to combine the best practices from across the industry to build a rock-solid, service-first foundation for Platform’s future.

John Trent, Business Development Manager and Certified Tile Installer: Drawing on over three decades of experience as a former tile contractor, Trent understands the physical and logistical demands of the trade and specializes in breaking down the communication silos between architects, designers, and installers. Deeply involved with NTCA and CTEF, he champions Platform’s installer-first approach.

“We sell solutions, not just create transactions,” he said. “To me, that’s kind of a powerful thing.” It is an ethos reflected directly in policies like the company’s open warranty, which honors the use of any ANSI-approved product within its systems.

Craig Hacker, Business Development Manager: Bringing nearly 40 years of experience, including 25 years as a commercial floorcovering business owner, Hacker is a pioneer in the trade, holding the historic credential of CFI Installer #21. Specializing in heavy floor prep and high-stakes commercial environments, Hacker acts as a business consultant for his clients. He is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of installers and leads Platform’s hands-on surface prep training initiatives.

Investing in the future: the Cleveland Training Center

To facilitate this commitment to education, Platform has recently completed a state-of-the-art training facility in Cleveland, Ohio. Recognizing that hands-on experience is the most effective way to understand product performance, the facility will serve as an educational hub.

“We don’t want to just sell a product; we want to teach our partners how to maximize their efficiency, meet tight specifications, and avoid liabilities,” said Hacker.

The team plans to host regular, highly tailored training sessions for contractors, distributors, and architects, with long-term goals to take this hands-on education on the road to major cities nationwide.

Editor’s note: For more on Platform Performance Flooring Systems’ evolution, check out the July issue of TileLetter.

About Platform Performance Flooring Systems

Platform Performance Flooring Systems (formerly FloorPrep, a Dependable, LLC company) is a Midwest-based manufacturer with over 70 years of expertise in high-quality floor preparation, including patches, self-levelers, and moisture mitigation. Launched publicly at Coverings 2026, this new identity reflects an expanded product portfolio and a systems-focused philosophy engineered for professional installers. The rebrand aligns the company’s heritage of innovation with the successful Platform product family, offering clearer brand organization and easier specification. While the name has evolved to better represent its performance-driven manufacturing approach, customers will continue to receive the same trusted product performance, ordering processes, and exceptional support they have relied on for decades.