DALTON, GA -- The floor covering and restoration industry has lost one of its most enduring, influential and beloved figures with the passing of Dennis Blake, CFE, founder of Better Floors & Restorations, former chairman of the Western Floor Covering Association, and one of the industry leaders who played a key role in the formation of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). Blake passed away on June 5, 2026.

For more than five decades, Blake built a business, shaped a national trade organization, mentored a generation of flooring professionals and left a legacy rooted in integrity, craftsmanship and an unshakable commitment to his industry.

"Dennis represented the very best of our industry,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of the WFCA. “He was respected for his integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Throughout his career, he generously shared his knowledge, mentored fellow professionals and built relationships that strengthened our industry. His impact will be felt for generations. His legacy can be seen not only in the organizations he helped shape, but in the people he encouraged and inspired throughout his career."

Blake entered the flooring industry in 1972 when he joined the Placentia, CA-based company that would later become Better Floors & Restorations. In 1974, he purchased the business and spent the next five decades building it into one of Southern California's most respected flooring and restoration firms.

Through decades of hands-on experience, Blake developed expertise in flooring installation, restoration and inspection, making him a trusted resource for insurance companies, attorneys and industry professionals throughout Southern California.

Known for his hands-on expertise and unwavering commitment to quality, Blake specialized in flooring installation, restoration services, water and fire damage recovery, environmental remediation and flooring inspections. Better Floors & Restorations served clients throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

His influence extended beyond his own business. Through his involvement with Disaster Kleenup International (DKI), Blake served as chairman and president of the organization's western division, helping elevate professional restoration standards, strengthen industry partnerships and support restoration professionals throughout the region.

Widely respected in both the flooring and restoration sectors, Blake built a reputation for expertise, accountability and service that extended far beyond his own business, touching countless lives throughout the industry.

Blake's tenure as chairman of the Western Floor Covering Association from 1993 to 1994 coincided with one of the most consequential periods in the industry's history. During his term, formal merger discussions began between the Western Floor Covering Association and the American Floor Covering Association, culminating in the creation of the World Floor Covering Association in 1995.

As chairman, Blake was among the core leaders who helped lay the groundwork for a unified national trade organization. Guiding the Western association through such a transformative period reflected the trust and confidence his peers placed in his leadership, judgment and vision for the industry's future.

Blake's commitment to the association continued long after the merger. He later served on the WFCA Executive Committee as vice chairman during the 2011-12 fiscal year, representing Better Floors & Restorations and helping guide the association's strategic direction.

Blake also held the Certified Flooring Executive (CFE) designation, a distinguished credential recognizing professional achievement and leadership within the flooring industry and remained a respected voice within the flooring community throughout his career.

In 2008, Blake passed leadership of Better Floors & Restorations to his daughter, Corinne Lindquist, who continues to lead the company as president. Even after the transition, he remained actively involved in the business as founder and vice president, continuing to share his expertise and guidance with employees, industry colleagues and the next generation of flooring professionals.

Blake courageously battled ALS for more than four and a half years. Throughout that journey, he was supported by his wife, Kay, whose devotion and care provided strength and comfort during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF.org) in Dennis's honor. Funeral services will be held on June 20th in Orange, CA, which would have been Blake's birthday. Those seeking additional information are encouraged to contact the family.

His legacy lives on through the family business he built, the trade association he helped shape and the countless flooring professionals whose careers were influenced by his example, mentorship and commitment to the industry.