Recent Interviews

In a discussion with Kemp Harr, Hector Narvaez announces a new Marazzi brand called Level for a new line of products made in the USA but sold through a group of distributors that historically have only sold imported tile.  Watch the interview to hear more about Marazzi's new products, their marketing strategy, and the design trends that are selling well here in the U.S.

Jeanne Nichols talks about their impressive growth in the commercial market here in the U.S. Watch the interview to hear more about the markets they focus on and the new products they are introducing for 2008. Jeanne also talks about current design trends for ceramic tiles.

Donato Grosser and Kemp Harr discuss the long standing leadership of the Italians in the worldwide tile market. Listen to the interview to hear more about the shifts in the U.S. import market and what the Italians are doing to maintain leadership.

Kemp Harr interviews Laurie Lyza in front of the Crossville booth at Coverings 2008. Laurie talks about EcoCycle which is independently certified to contain post industrial content. This qualifies it for LEED points. Listen to the interview to hear about Plan, their new outdoor collection.

Scott Carothers and Kemp Harr discuss the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and their new Certified Ceramic Tile Installer program which is making its debut at Coverings 08 in Florida.

Jeanne Matson and Kemp Harr have a discussion at the annual Starnet Meeting in Orlando, Florida about recent changes at Starnet and the highlights of their annual meeting.

Daniel Hendrix and Kemp Harr discuss Interface's year end and First Quarter results and the outlook for the commercial market in the months to come.

Jim Dion is scheduled as a keynote speaker at Coverings 2008 on Wednesday, April 30 in Orlando, Florida. Jim and Kemp Harr discuss the topics that Jim will cover in each of his presentations.

Ron Lee and Kemp Harr discuss highlights of the annual ReSource Commercial Flooring Network meetiing in Savannah, Georgia. Ron also gives an overview of the size, scope and mission of their organization.

Melissa Murphy and Kemp Harr discuss the value of the Shaw Design Center retreat from a retailer's perspective. Listen to the interview to hear her key take-aways and what she found valuable by attending the SDC meeting.

Kemp Harr interviews Scott Humphrey at the Shaw Design Center conference in Palm Coast Florida. Listen to the interview to hear the changes they're making for this elite group of retail partners. Specifics include showroom changes, benchmarking studies, protected territories, program growth plans and economic highlights.

Mike Leary, LaShon McGinnis and Kemp Harr talk about the 40 year history of the Anso brand and the details around their 40th Birthday. Listen to the interview to hear more specifics about their consumer advertising and retailer promotion.

Bentley Park, Bill Goodman and kemp Harr discuss Universal Fiber's post consumber nylon 6,6 fiber which is being sold under the Refresh Fibers brand name. Announced last year at Neocon by Universal and Interface, this fiber provides a cradle to cradle sustainability solution for Nylon 6,6. Listen to the interview to hear more about Universal and their Earth Smart Technology sustainability initiatives.

Werner Braun and Kemp Harr discuss carpet's continued loss of share in the U.S. and action that CRI is taking to reverse that trend. Werner also summarizes why carpet continues to be the leading choice for floorcovering here in the U.S. Listen to the interview to hear more details about CRI's Seal of Approval program and the research the CRI uses to drive their activity.

Glenn Feder and Kemp Harr discuss this month's Coverings show scheduled in Orlando for April 29th to May 2nd. According to Glenn, pre-registration is up 30%. Listen to the interview to hear about their keynote speakers and other changes that will prove to make this a trade show worth attending.

David Duncan and Kemp Harr discuss Mohawk's consumer advertising plans for 2008. Despite the current economic slowdown, Mohawk has made the bold decision to nearly double their advertising investment to increase store traffic and to raise the mindshare of the Mohawk brand name for flooring. Listen to this interview for more information about their consumer research, their media mix and their message.

Steve Silverman and Kemp Harr discuss Abbey's 50th anniversary and the roll out of their new website which is designed to generate store traffic for their members. Steve also discusses the benefits of membership, their 2008 consumer ad campaign and how their members are doing in this current economic dip.

Santo Torcivia and Kemp Harr discuss the current trends and market shifts within the hardwood flooring business. Highlights include shifts in the import/export business, continued consolidation, and specific product changes. Santo also provides his outlook for the future of this business.

Ed Korczak and Kemp Harr discuss the National Wood Flooring Association's 2008 Convention being held this week in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Ed gives a preview of the major events scheduled for this week's show.

Jeff Meadows and Kemp Harr discuss the results of Beaulieu's regional meeting held in Atlanta last week. Jeff also explains their strategy behind the Bliss name and talks about the new Beaulieu products that dealers have found most interesting.

Bob Peoples discusses his recent announcement to resign his post for a position with the Green Chemistry Institute of the American Chemical Society. In the interview, he talks about CARE's recent progress, and the future plans for selecting a new leader. Bob will continue to serve on CARE's Board of Directors.