2026 Emerging Leaders: Meet the rising professionals whose leadership is shaping the future of the flooring industry – Feb 2026

This year’s Emerging Leaders class reflects the evolving face of the flooring industry-one defined by operational rigor, cross-functional expertise and the ability to adapt in a changing market. Representing independent dealers, commercial contractors, distributors and national organizations, these honorees span a wide range of roles, from presidents and vice presidents to project executives and sales leaders. What connects them is a proven record of driving growth, strengthening systems and leading teams through periods of transition.

Collectively, this group illustrates how the next generation of flooring leadership is being built. Many advanced through hands-on roles in installation, warehousing, estimating and jobsite execution, while others entered the industry from construction, logistics or service sectors and quickly made an impact. Across the class, measurable performance is matched by a commitment to people-mentoring employees, investing in training and supporting community organizations.

Judging the field of nominations again this year were marketing consultant Paul Friederichsen and Jeanne Matson, consultant with the National Cooperative Business Association and former Starnet CEO.

EDMUND CALL, 39

McSwain Carpets & Floors, Vice President of Compliance and Asset Management

Transitioned into flooring after a ten-year career with the United States Army, where he developed strengths in logistics, training and operational discipline
Oversees core operational functions at McSwain, delivering recurring cost savings through contract renegotiation and process refinement
Completed leadership development through the World Floor Covering Association’s SEAL pilot program
Supports veterans and family-focused outreach through church leadership and A Child’s Hope International

TYLER BURNS, 29

Jack Laurie Group, Business Unit Leader-Builder Division

Entered the industry in the field at Jack Laurie Group, gaining firsthand installation and jobsite experience before moving into account management and operations leadership
Named the youngest business unit leader in company history, assuming full P&L responsibility for the company’s builder division
Delivered more than 30% growth in bookings while improving profitability through tighter financial controls and operational consistency
Serves as area co-chair for Clinton County Ducks Unlimited, supporting conservation efforts and youth-focused fundraising initiatives

LANE BROOKS, 31

Superior Floors, President

Began his career in the flooring industry in installation, demolition, carpet cleaning and warehouse roles, building hands-on experience
Since purchasing the company in 2022, grew annual revenue from $2.8 million to $4.67 million while improving margins and operational discipline
Expanded Superior Floors’ footprint with new divisions, including concrete coatings, painting, demolition and home services
Supports local schools and youth athletics through company sponsorships and community giving in the Moscow, Idaho area

TIM CAUDLE, 39

WC Carpenter, Project Manager

Entered flooring after nearly two decades in construction and renovation, applying general contracting and restoration experience to complex commercial interiors work
Has been instrumental in WC Carpenter’s repositioning as an interior solutions provider, expanding capabilities beyond flooring
Handles estimating and pricing for multi-scope interior projects that integrate finishes, ceilings, framing and selective buildouts
Supports fundraising and awareness efforts for Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and participates in Starnet meetings

DAKOTA FLICK, 33

The Floor Store, Director of Integrations

Raised in a family-owned flooring business, he developed early, hands-on familiarity with showroom, warehouse and installation operations
Oversees three installation departments while working cross-functionally across leadership, purchasing and financial functions
Completed a 1.5-year rotation in retail sales, gaining direct experience in estimating, merchandising, showroom design and customer engagement
Streamlined inventory and installation processes, improving efficiency and communication across departments

MATTHEW HARPER, 35

Real Floors, General Manager-Raleigh

After graduating from Herkimer College in New York, entered leadership through food service management, opening a new restaurant in Macon, Georgia
Joined Real Floors in 2020 as general manager of the Macon branch with no flooring background and quickly mastered the business
Guided an eight-person team through the pandemic, nearly doubling annual branch sales from $5.5 million to $9.7 million
Relocated to North Carolina in 2023 to lead a larger operation, overseeing 20 employees and nearly $15 million in revenue

BRADY HOFFNAGLE, 35

Professional Diversified Flooring, Project Executive

Built a 16-year career at Professional Diversified Flooring, progressing from warehouse operations through logistics, estimating and project management
Leads a team overseeing approximately 200 active projects, balancing construction operations, sales management and portfolio profitability
Achieved 25% year-over-year revenue growth while maintaining a 100% customer retention rate
Supports community healthcare access through involvement with Camino Health Center

KELSEY JANZER, 35

James Floor Covering, Vice President

Joined James Floor Covering 13 years ago in an administrative role and progressed to the executive team
Directs estimating, field execution, project management and logistics while maintaining safety, quality and budget control
Improved operational efficiency by reducing overtime, optimizing labor deployment and streamlining workflows without compromising standards
Supports nonprofit and charitable organizations, including Simon Youth Foundation, Rock Ministries of Philadelphia, Cristo Rey High School initiatives and Voices of the Martyrs

MIKE THOM, 36

Lippert Flooring & Tile, Executive Account Manager

Joined Lippert in 2018 from outside the flooring industry and rapidly became one of the company’s top-performing sales leaders
Built a highly profitable book of business, closing the third-highest annual sales total in Lippert’s 76-year history
Serves on the company’s leadership team, helping guide succession planning and culture development
Represents Lippert through Starnet Worldwide, including its Next Generation initiative and Vendor Partnership Committee
Actively supports Homes For Our Troops

TAYLOR NEWMAN, 35

InteriorWorx, Director of Sales

A second-generation flooring professional with 18 years in the industry, shaped early by hands-on jobsite experience under family mentorship
Joined InteriorWorx in 2025 and unified account managers from three firms into a single 11-person sales team
Led a successful ERP transition while personally managing a $3 million book of business
Recently completed a two-year term as fundraising director for Network of Executive Women in Hospitality-Arizona/New Mexico, supporting hospitality scholarships

MAC RICHMOND, 36

Garmon & Company, Project Manager

Brings 12 years of flooring experience across manufacturing, distribution and commercial project execution
Began his career in Shaw Industries’ hard surface training program, later managing East Georgia before moving into commercial distribution with Fishman Flooring Solutions
Joined Garmon & Company in 2022, exceeding goals by combining material specification knowledge with project management
Supports Roof Above, a Charlotte-based nonprofit providing housing, employment support and essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness

COLLIN KEATING, 29

Spartan Surfaces, Director of Multifamily for the Southeast and South-Central

Built an eight-year career at Spartan Surfaces, progressing from junior market rep to director, becoming the youngest director in company history
Serves as primary multifamily contact for national developers including Greystar, Mill Creek, Middle Street Partners and JLB Partners
Closed national supply agreements with multiple top 20 U.S. developers
Ranked Spartan’s top Southeast sales performer for three consecutive years and led companywide sales in 2025

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