December 20, 2017—John Godwin, Executive VP over residential sales at Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of John's career as he prepares to retire at the end of this week. Listen to the interview to hear more about John, his 39-year Shaw career and his plans for the future.
December 19, 2017—Michael Callaghan, president of CTS Flooring, and Kemp Harr discuss Michael's new role with CTS, what the company is focused on for growth and his outlook for business in 2018. Michael has a long history with Milliken. CTS is a commercial flooring maintenance and installation company owned by RD Weis.
December 18, 2017—Jay Gould, CEO with Interface, and Kemp Harr discuss the Interface's 2-year, $55 million, Kyle 2 plant expansion in LaGrange, Georgia. Listen to the interview to hear more details on the efficiency payback on this investment. Jay also discusses the firm's business performance and outlook for 2018.
December 12, 2017—Seth Arnold, VP of residential marketing for Mohawk, and Kemp Harr discuss the 2018 consumer message for Mohawk's Airo product which was introduced a year ago. Listen to the interview to hear more details about research that Mohawk has conducted regarding how the consumer reacts when they are told the product is hypoallergenic.
December 7, 2017—Al Boulogne, VP of Mannington Commercial Resilient Business, and Kemp Harr discuss the rapid growth of the resilient category and Mannington's new Quantum Guard elite wear surface. Listen to the interview for more details about the business and this new product enhancement.
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.