H & T Flooring

Mihai Mironov: A Floor of Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

Originally from Eastern Europe, Mihai Mironov came to the United States seeking an opportunity for a better life. As it turned out, he didn’t have to look far—in fact, it was right beneath his feet. “I came to the U.S. in 2013 and originally settled in Asheville, North Carolina,” he recounts. “I started looking for work and found an apprenticeship doing hardwood floor installation. I liked it right away and decided to stick with it.”

Four years later, Mihai moved west to California, opting to settle in the Marin County area. “I’ve always wanted to live in California. There’s a lot more work here for someone in my trade. At first, it was a little difficult because of all the laws—unlike North Carolina, California requires a state license to install flooring. Fortunately, I was able to pass all the tests and requirements I needed to get my license, and I’ve been going strong ever since.”

Today, as owner of H & T Flooring, Mihai says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “I really enjoy talking to clients and helping them make good choices about their flooring projects. It’s very rewarding to see them happy with the final product.”

A resident of Millbrae (where he lives with his wife, Miriana), Mihai spends his time outside of work enjoying all that the Bay Area has to offer. “My wife and I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking on local trails and going to the beach. We also like eating out at different restaurants and going to the movies.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Mihai believes it’s ideal for passion and profession to go hand in hand. “Loving what you do is an important part of success,” he explains. “If you don’t like your job, it’s unlikely that you’re going to excel at it. I consider myself lucky because flooring was the first job I had here in the States, and I ended up liking it and making a career out of it.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Mihai says he’d see the world. “I’m too young to retire, but if I did, I would travel. I’ve already traveled quite a bit—I’ve been to almost every state in the U.S.—but there are still plenty of places I have yet to see.”

ASK ME ANYTHING!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: A Chubby Noodle in San Francisco.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and watch a movie.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect Lego sets and PlayStation games.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy.