Hero Flooring: Innovating with Nike Grind

Reade Palmer, the visionary behind Hero Flooring and a former world champion rower, has always had an eye for innovation. Founding Hero Flooring in 2014, Palmer identified a glaring gap in the commercial floor covering industry: a lack of focus on client experience. Drawing from his extensive background spanning over two decades, Palmer felt compelled to shake things up. He thought, ‘There must be more to this industry.’ Thus, Hero Flooring was born, with a mission to revolutionize client satisfaction in an industry accustomed to one-size-fits-all solutions. Their crowning achievement? Official partnership status with Nike Grind.

The journey to becoming a Nike Grind partner was no easy feat. Palmer recounts reaching out to Nike in early 2020, passionately pitching his vision for a comprehensive product line crafted from Nike Grind material. His persistence paid off, leading to the development of five distinct collections: Original, Razzo, 3Force, Sole Cycle, and Dunk. These collections not only offer ergonomic and acoustic benefits but also prioritize safety and ease of maintenance.

Nike Grind, a program with a legacy of over three decades, embodies a commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. By leveraging materials like recycled rubber from athletic shoes, Hero Flooring contributes to a cleaner future. Unlike traditional recycled tire products, Hero Flooring eliminates the unpleasant odors associated with crumb rubber, setting themselves apart in the market.

Palmer personally oversees the development of each collection, collaborating with industry veterans to ensure every product meets the highest standards. With a focus on scale, recycled content volumes, and unique visuals, Hero Flooring continues to push boundaries.

While Hero Flooring’s Hero Rubber + Nike Grind is primarily tailored for fitness and athletic spaces, its versatility extends to unexpected applications, such as outdoor concert venues. Beyond flooring, Hero Flooring is committed to social responsibility, exemplified by their partnership with Foster Love. Palmer’s personal connection to foster care drives the brand’s efforts to provide essential items to children in need.

As the only LGBTBE brand certified by the NGLCC in the commercial flooring industry, Hero Flooring champions diversity and inclusion. Palmer’s journey from apprehension to authenticity reflects a broader shift within the industry towards acceptance and progress.

Hero Flooring’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and social impact. With their sights set on the future, the possibilities are endless.