December 6, 2017—Amie Gilmore, Show Director for Surfaces, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights and energy building toward next year's Surfaces expo, scheduled from January 30 to February 1, 2018 in Las Vegas. Listen to the interview to hear about exhibitor bookings, Designer day, Emerging Professionals, the Ignite Education program and more. Also note that the early discount rate for exhibitors ends on December 15.
December 4, 2017—Robert Murray, Chief Economist for Dodge Data and Analytics, and Kemp Harr discuss his 2018 Construction Outlook published in mid October. Listen to the interview to get a sense of the lag between starts and flooring installations and to also hear more about his prediction that single family housing starts will jump 9% next year.
November 30, 2017—Jeff Levin, council with Levin Trade Law, and Kemp Harr discuss the recent decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission to keep the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on Chinese imports of engineered hardwood flooring in place for another five years. Listen to the interview for clarity on what products are involved, who pays the duty and what companies are exempt.
November 29, 2017—Michael Jenkins, Director of Bostik's Construction and Consumer Business, and Kemp Harr discuss the plan behind Bostik's decision to buy the assets of XL Brands. Listen to the interview to hear more about this acquisition as well as a brief overview of Bostik and it's new adhesive for gauged porcelain slabs.
November 28, 2017—Erik Christensen, President and CEO with Swiss Krono USA, and Kemp Harr discuss Erik's new role as president, the firm's continued investment in Barnwell, South Carolina and their future plans to expand into the hardwood flooring sector. Listen to the interview for more details.
November 27, 2017—Dave Powell, the rising president of the NAFCD (North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors), and Kemp Harr, discuss the membership's challenges and strategic focus for 2018.
November 22, 2017—Jeff Hamar, President of Galleher, and Kemp Harr discuss Galleher's new partnership with Quad-C and how they plan to grow the company together. Listen to the interview to hear more about the NAFCD, Galleher's product mix, and the firm's rapid growth in the hardwood business.
November 21, 2017—Jim Harley, President of Bentley Mills, discusses the leadership changes at Bentley Mills and the firm's continued growth plans. Listen to the interview to hear more about Bentley's leadership team and their fit in the specified commercial flooring market.
November 20, 2017—David Duncan and Elizabeth Bonner, SVP of Sales and Director of Hospitality Design, respectively, for Mohawk's Durkan brand, and Kemp Harr discuss Durkan's focus on the hospitality market, and the products that were being featured at this year's BDNY show last week in New York City.
November 17, 2017—John Crews, design manager with Shaw's Lifestyle Studio, and Kemp Harr discuss Shaw's new Canvas printed carpet technology, the firm's new Lifestyle approach to commercial design and other news items from this week's BDNY show in New York city. Listen to the interview for more details.