Interview Archives

October 10, 2012—Kermit Baker, Economist for the American Institute of Architects and a Harvard Fellow with the Joint Center for Housing Studies, and Kemp Harr, discuss the August AIA Billing Index, which was back up over 50, and Kermit's outlook for the residential housing market. Listen to the interview to hear his positive outlook for a sustained recovery and what effect the presidential election is having on the economy.

October 8, 2012—Carey Mitchell, Director of Technical with Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss the status of the new S600 carpet installation standard that is in the final stage of development. Listen to the interview to hear why the IICRC is involved, how this standard differs from the previous standards written by the CRI, and what a knee kicker is used for.

October 4, 2012—Phil Koufidakis, Owner of Baker Brothers in Phoenix and the newly elected President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr, discuss Phil's background and the experience he brings as the new leader of the NFA. Listen to the interview to hear Phil talk about Baker Brothers' business and what he hopes to achieve during his term as president of the NFA.

October 3, 2012—Jim Mudd, Co-Owner of Sam Kinnaird's in Louisville, Kentucky and President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr, discuss a few of the highlights of this week's Fall NFA meeting held at the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. Listen to the interview to hear about the membership's optimistic tone and to hear more about Jim's business in Louisville.

October 2, 2012—Invista's Jeff Honkonen, Sales Director of Residential Business, and Steve Griffith, Chief Marketing Officer, and Kemp Harr, discuss Invista's new Stainmaster Essentials line, which includes its first polyester product. Listen to the interview to hear the strategy behind the new value offering and which companies will have the first products on the market.

October 1, 2012—Tom Vecchione, Design Director at Gensler NY, and Kemp Harr, discuss last week's Campaign for Wool event in New York City. Listen to the interview to find out why the event was designed to appeal to the A&D community, as well as interesting facts about how much wool is used in flooring, and how much of that is used in commercial projects.

September 28, 2012—Jeff Buttitta, President of Tarkett North America; Glen Hussmann, President and CEO of Tandus; and Kemp Harr, discuss the strategy behind the decision for Tarkett to buy Tandus. Listen to the interview to hear more details about how Tarkett plans to integrate Tandus into its commercial flooring business.

September 27, 2012—Melissa Murphy, Design Center Manager for Johnston Paint and Decorating in Columbia, Missouri, and Kemp Harr discuss how Melissa and her staff use their intimate knowledge of interior design to provide superior service and help minimize concerns about the cost of flooring. Listen as she describes how this strategy has helped drive sales for her company.

September 26, 2012—Bridgette Kelly, Interiors Director for the Campaign for Wool, and Kemp Harr discuss this week's big event in Bryant Park this Thursday in New York City. Listen to the interview to hear the details of this event and Prince Charles' objective to get more Americans using wool since they are seen as trend setters in the global fashion market.

September 24, 2012—Jeff Macco, Co-owner of Macco's Floorcovering, a six store retail floorcovering chain based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Kemp Harr discuss Macco's expansion into Ft. Myers, Florida. Listen to the interview to hear Jeff talk about his motivation behind this strategy and the new partnership with Tom Hadinger in Florida.