Mohawk: Training & Education Key at ColorCenters

Nashville, TN, February 9--You could see how much his point had hit home. You could hear it too, with the soft murmurs filling the packed room. Sam Allman, Dean of Mohawk University, was discussing how to transition a family business from one generation to the next. He had just demonstrated the importance of good management systems by telling his audience, "if you can’t walk away from your store for the day and feel that things will keep working, you don’t have a business—you have a job." Allman then went through a number of steps that are necessary for a business owner to successfully hand over the reins. A couple of dealers in the front rows of the room stood up and verified what Sam was telling was true — they had just done them for themselves. Allman’s lecture was captivating — and free. It was part of a series of free education programs at the Mohawk ColorCenter Convention. And it’s a key part of the Mohawk ColorCenter experience. "You don’t realize how valuable some of this information can be to dealers until you see their eyes light up," notes Manny Llerena, Vice President of Retail Programs for Mohawk. "Here are problems they’ve been struggling and struggling with, and suddenly, there’s the answer. It happens all the time." Pressure on today’s floor covering dealers make the education aspect of the Mohawk ColorCenter program an even bigger asset. "Picture the small store that had been in the same location for years, who suddenly finds itself competing with a 'big box' retailer who goes up across the street. It’s frightening," Llerena said. "But imagine what happens when that retailer finds that consumers are walking out of the national chain and into his store because they get better, more knowledgeable service. We have Mohawk ColorCenter dealers who are doing this, because our education programs have helped prepare them and their people to handle such situations." At this year’s convention, more than a dozen continuing education programs are being offered, plus hand-on workshops for installation of carpet, hardwood, ceramic, laminate, tile and vinyl. To learn more about Mohawk ColorCenter programs, retailers can call 1-800-241-4900 and speak to Mark Olson (East Coast) at extension 24959 or Rodney Mauter (West Coast) at extension 24956.