Flooring Podcast

Karen Mendelsohn Discusses Mohawk's Residential Product and Support Program for Retailers in 2018

January 4, 2018—Karen Mendelsohn, SVP of Marketing with Mohawk, and Kemp Harr discuss Mohawk's key product and service initiatives for retailers in 2018. Recorded at the first regional market in Atlanta, Karen takes us through the firm's four hero product initiatives—one of which includes the launch of RevWood and RevWood plus. Listen to the interview to hear Karen explain Mohawk's repositioning of laminate flooring as hardwood flooring.

Carrie Edwards and Katie Ford Discuss the Launch of Shaw's Anderson-Tuftex Brand

January 2, 2018—Carrie Edwards Isaac and Katie Ford, VP of Anderson-Tuftex and Director of Brand Strategy (respectively) with Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss the strategy behind the Anderson-Tuftex brand which kicks off this week. Listen to the interview to hear more details about their target consumer and the research that went into this launch.

John Godwin Discusses the Highlights of his Career at Shaw Industries

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.

Michael Callaghan Discusses His Role as the New President of CTS Flooring

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.

Jay Gould Discusses Interface's $55 Million Plant Expansion in Troup County

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.

Seth Arnold Discusses Mohawk's Consumer Message for Airo

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.

Al Boulogne Discusses Mannington Commercial's Resilient Business

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.

Amie Gilmore Discusses Highlights for Surfaces 2018 in Las Vegas

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.

Robert Murray Discusses The Construction Starts Forecasted in 2018 Dodge Construction Outlook

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.

Jeff Levin Discusses USITC's Decision to Keep Duties on Chinese Engineered Wood Flooring

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.