Powell Flooring MA Takes on a Research Vessel for UC San Diego
Benny Powell of Powell Flooring MA almost didn’t pick up when a call came in from a San Diego phone number. The caller asked a question that usually results in a quick "nope": “Do you install flooring that you didn’t sell?” But what followed was anything but a usual flooring request. This job was on the bridge of a research vessel!
Benny’s schedule was packed. The situation sounded sketchy. But hey, how often does a research ship call asking for help?
So, he asked for the details, listened carefully, and replied with his famous catch phrase: “Yea, we can floor that!”
Despite being booked six weeks out, the originality of the request grabbed Benny’s attention. And when he saw the photos and specs for the bridge area, he knew this wasn’t a basic 850-square-foot rectangle. The job would require intricate angle cuts, navigation around fixtures, and a ton of problem-solving. He accepted the challenge.
All Aboard the Roger Revelle
From registering Powell Flooring MA as a UCSD vendor to the back-and-forth of invoicing and procurement, the logistics alone were intense. When Benny arrived at the ship, he encountered strict security, a flurry of dock activity, and five flights of stairs to reach the bridge workspace.
“The crew was an absolute pleasure to meet and work with,” noted Benny. “They helped accommodate and move the materials and supplies and welcomed us in the mess hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Next, he learned another contractor had already worked on the subfloor prep but couldn't complete the job. Unfortunately, the prep work was subpar. Re-leveling the area wasn’t an option due to the vessel’s departure timeline. Benny and his team would need to make the best of what was there.
Ready to Adapt
Day one involved sanding and sealing the subfloor with a two-part epoxy, which required the use of Tyvek suits and respirators. The adhesive situation was also complicated. Powell reached out to several manufacturer reps looking for marine-grade adhesives and sealants. However, time constraints meant using what was already on board.
Initially estimating a two-day job, Benny worked three 12–14 hour days and another half day to get the job done right. The job scope expanded to include baseboard installation and additional finish work. Each challenge was met with creative solutions and the kind of grit Powell Flooring MA has become known for.
“One of the Most Technical Installs We've Ever Done”
Benny Powell doesn’t make a habit of going over someone else’s subfloor prep—or installing materials he didn’t supply. But in this rare case, he made an exception. And while the final floor had a few imperfections due to circumstances beyond his control, he and his crew took pride in the effort, execution, and care that went into the work.
“This was one of the most technically demanding projects we've ever done,” Benny said. “But it was also one of the most memorable. You don’t get opportunities like this every day.”
Team Effort from Start to Finish
Team Work
It truly was a team effort for all involved on this unique flooring project.
While Benny led the project on the ship, his team held down operations at home. Tony managed Powell Flooring’s regular sand-and-finish schedule. An additional installer, Daniel, supported installation tasks and rubber base work. Manufacturers, reps, fellow installers, and especially Benny’s wife all played a role in making this job possible.
To show their appreciation, Powell Flooring MA even left a custom-built wooden star on board—a small token to sail the world with the crew.
A Sailing Star
To show their appreciation, Powell Flooring MA even left a custom-built wooden star on board—a small token to sail the world with the crew.
Life Lessons from the Bridge
Benny walked away from the project with two quotes to live by:
Life is like a ship! Everyone on board has a role; everyone’s heading to a different destination, but we have to work together to keep it moving. That’s how life works.
Don’t ever agree to go over somebody else’s floor prep with a glue-down vinyl plank.
Got a flooring project that you're ready to solve? Reach out to Powell Flooring MA.
They just might say: “Yea, we can floor that.”