Women in Focus: These trailblazers have shaped the flooring industry’s past, present and future – March 2026
Leadership in flooring takes many forms-shaped by different paths, perspectives and moments that ignite the passion to seek and achieve success. In recognition of these women who have altered the path of the floorcovering business, Floor Focus asked this group of industry trailblazers a series of questions about the decisions, challenges and advice that shaped their journeys.
This special feature highlights a cross-section of voices helping move the industry forward, from global brand leaders and designers to entrepreneurs and standout commercial and residential dealers. Rather than defining a single narrative about women in flooring, their responses reflect a range of experiences and leadership styles, each bringing a unique lens to the work of designing, manufacturing, selling and installing the surfaces that shape how people live and work. Together, their insights offer a snapshot of where the industry has been-and the energy and vision driving it forward.
CHERYL ACIERNO
Owner and founder of Acierno & Company
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
Trust that you’re ready, because you have done the homework. Go head-to-head sooner and go after the bigger opportunities-especially in rooms where you feel outmatched and especially in a male-dominated industry. Building a business from the ground up is scary at times, but that doesn’t mean you’re not prepared. You already have product knowledge and people skills, now have the confidence to use them. … And I’d remind myself to relax a little, have some fun along the way, and learn to ask for help.
MARYANNE ADAMS
President at Avalon Flooring
Women have risen to senior leadership positions in all areas of the flooring industry. What are the biggest reasons for this?
We are living in a new era-one that celebrates and rewards diverse perspectives and attributes. As the world around us has evolved, so has the industry. Companies that have embraced this shift are seeing a diverse pool of people naturally rise into leadership roles.
ALLIE FINKELL BRUSKI
Vice president of marketing and design for Milliken Flooring
Women have risen to senior leadership positions in all areas of the flooring industry. What are the biggest reasons for this?
Women are often great listeners, moderators, communicators and multi-taskers, which are key ingredients to leadership. Women also make up a large population of flooring customers and the people who influence the sale-customers, salespeople and specifiers. It is logical to assume that women would design, manufacture and market products that resonate with their own demographic.
KATHLEEN CLOUD
President and co-owner of M. Frank Higgins & Co.
Was there a mentor who played a meaningful role in your growth? What did that person help you see or do differently?
A year after I came into the flooring business, we joined Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership. This organization, as a whole, with Jeanne Matson at the helm, gave me an outlet to help grow my knowledge and confidence in the commercial flooring field. I met Cheryl Acierno at our first Starnet meeting, and she was a huge role model for me. This incredibly smart, beautiful leader in flooring was so kind. Cheryl shared her experiences of hard work, tears and overcoming obstacles that truly inspired me to be a more passionate leader in my business...and [reassured me] that I could rock it!
DEB DeGRAAF
Co-owner of DeGraaf Interiors
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
It is just flooring. I say this because, when I was younger, I would let the things clients said hurt me or derail me when, in the end, it was simply another challenge on another day to have to work through. Focus on resolving the issue at hand and then reflect afterward to see whether anything can be learned for the future.
JACKIE DETTMAR
Vice president of marketing, design and product development of Mohawk Group
At the onset of your career, what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome-and how did you navigate it?
I was the first female management trainee hired into manufacturing at Fieldcrest Cannon–Karastan. I had a textile science degree from N.C. State and went to work at Eden Rug Mill in plant supervision. At the time, there were no female supervisors in the plant. I learned early on how to manage tough situations and get work done. Treating everyone with respect, being humble, learning every day, being firm when needed, and greeting people with a smile went a long way.
REESIE DUNCAN
Vice president of global design of Shaw Contract
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
As a young designer, it’s easy to take things personally. Design brings strong opinions, and remembering it’s a discipline for solving problems helps keep the focus on the “why.” Working within real constraints and letting feedback shape the work-not you-is essential. Learning to stay grounded and listen openly has been a big part of growing as a leader.
BONNIE MODLING FENWICK
President of Best Buy Floors
As you began your career, what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome-and how did you navigate it?
The earliest challenge I faced was earning credibility in a male-dominated leadership environment while also being the founder’s daughter. People assumed that opportunity came before experience. I navigated that by committing to work and holding myself to the same standards as everyone else and oftentimes even expecting more from myself than I did others.
EMILY MORROW FINKELL
CEO of products and interior design of EF Floors & Design
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
That it’s okay to grow into your confidence. Early in my career, I did not have all the answers to be taken seriously. Over time, I learned that curiosity, listening and strong instincts are just as powerful as certainty. Luckily, when my career in floorcovering began at Patcraft, I was surrounded by some of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, and it was a time when I was going through some major life changes.
THERESA FISHER
Senior vice president of merchandising and brand of CCA Global
What was one decision you made that fundamentally changed your career in flooring?
The decision that truly changed the course of my career in flooring was saying “yes” to an opportunity that scared me. I didn’t feel completely ready, but something in me knew I had to take the leap. Stepping into that role pushed me to grow faster than I expected and helped me discover strengths I might never have tapped into otherwise. It connected me with people who shaped me-not just professionally, but personally-and it’s the moment I look back on as the turning point where I stopped doubting myself and started really owning my path.
LAUREL HURD
CEO of Interface
Was there a mentor who played a meaningful role in your growth? What did that person help you see or do differently?
I’ve had several mentors who helped shape how I lead. One of the most important lessons came from my first boss, who told me, “There’s not a single decision you can make that will put this company out of business. Make decisions. That’s why you’re here.” That advice helped me move forward with confidence. It reminded me that leadership is about committing, learning and doing right by people.
BRENDA KNOWLES
Senior vice president of customer experience of Shaw Commercial
At the onset of your career, what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome-and how did you navigate it?
Our industry, like many others, has evolved significantly to remove barriers and foster environments of inclusion, respect, and empowerment, opening doors that did not exist when I began my career. In those early days, I had to actively seek out coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship. Through that support, I built confidence and stepped into opportunities-both those that came my way and those I intentionally pursued to grow beyond the barriers and prove what was possible. Today, I see more open doors, more visible role models, and more structured support than ever before-and that gives me confidence in where we’re headed.
WHITNEY LeGATE
Senior vice president of commercial product at Mannington Commercial
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
Trust yourself sooner. Early in your career, it’s easy to look around the room and assume everyone else knows more. Experience is valuable, but perspective is too. Your instincts, curiosity and work ethic matter. It’s easy to defer to the loudest or most experienced voice in the room. But perspective and instinct are powerful. Trusting yourself-while staying curious and coachable-accelerates growth. I would also encourage people to intentionally build relationships with connectors-individuals who bridge teams, ideas and opportunities. Those relationships accelerate learning, broaden visibility and create momentum in ways that technical skill alone cannot.
JEANNE MATSON
President and CEO of Starnet (2007-2019)
Women have risen to leadership positions in all areas of flooring. What are the biggest reasons for this?
I think the door finally opened to women in the flooring business in the mid-2000s. There was never a lack of talent or experience, but it took too long for women to be recognized for their leadership, intelligence and commitment to our industry. Finally, they have arrived. I have confidence that women will continue to impact this industry for years to come.
MICHELLE MEYER
CEO and owner of Advanced Flooring Solutions
What was one decision that fundamentally changed your career in flooring?
I made a conscious decision to focus on relationships rather than transactions-building trust, responsiveness and consistency. By prioritizing long-term partnerships over short-term wins, I created a network that continues to open doors decades later. That mindset not only changed the trajectory of my career but also shaped the way I lead today.
FEDERICA MINOZZI
CEO of Iris Ceramica Group
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
I would suggest to see challenges as opportunities and limits as thresholds to overcome. I would have liked to be told to challenge myself constantly. Eventually, leadership is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and listening deeply. Building trust, empowering others, and embracing diverse perspectives are far more powerful than trying to control every outcome. Leadership is not about proving strength-it is about creating space for others to grow.
ABBY REINHARD
President and CEO of GP Flooring Solutions
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
My predecessor, George Hage, once told me, “Things are never as bad as they seem and never as good as they seem either.” I keep this at the forefront of my mind to maintain an even keel.
JENNIFER ZIMMERMAN
Chief commercial officer of AHF Products
Was there a mentor who played a meaningful role in your growth?
I’ve had many mentors, and what’s interesting is that some of them probably never realized they were mentors to me. I’ve always been someone who watches the people ahead of me-how they lead, how they make decisions, how they treat people-and I pick and choose the qualities that resonate. And just as importantly, I notice the behaviors I don’t want to emulate. Both are equally instructive. But none of it matters if you don’t put yourself in the fray. I’ve always been the person who pokes my head into a meeting room just to see what’s going on. And more often than not, someone waves you in. That’s how you learn. That’s how you grow.