WFCA Names Melissa Murphy Recipient of '25 Tom Jennings Award

Dalton, GA, January 20, 2026-The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has named Melissa Murphy of Johnston Paint & Decorating as the recipient of the 2025 Tom Jennings Champion Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to customer service, independent retail excellence, and long-standing leadership within the flooring industry.

The Tom Jennings Champion Award is one of WFCA’s most meaningful honors, presented annually to an individual who embodies the values and philosophy of Tom Jennings-a lifelong champion of the flooring industry whose mantra was that true excellence is built by doing “a hundred things 1% better.” The award celebrates those who elevate the industry through integrity, consistency, and a deep commitment to serving customers, teams, and the independent retail community.

Murphy, a partner and design center leader at Johnston Paint & Decorating in Columbia, Missouri, has built her career around exactly those principles. Known for creating a customer-first retail experience grounded in trust, design expertise, and thoughtful service, she has helped grow one of the region’s most respected independent flooring and home décor businesses. Her leadership blends strong business performance with a hands-on approach to mentoring teams, supporting clients, and raising standards across every part of the showroom experience.

Beyond her own business, Murphy has been a devoted advocate for the broader industry. She previously served on the WFCA Board of Directors as well as on a major manufacturer’s dealer advisory board.