March 29, 2017—Robert Stuckey, Director of Hospitality and Retail at Shaw Contract, and Kemp Harr discuss the size and tone of the Global Shop show this week in Las Vegas. Listen to the interview to hear Robert tell the listener that the tone this year is more upbeat than last year and that there are several seminars that are addressing retail topics like internet versus brick and mortar.
March 27, 2017—Jim Dion, a published expert on consumer engagement at retail, and Kemp Harr discuss how the brick and mortar retail environment has changed and the solutions Jim will provide at his two Coverings seminars scheduled for April 7th in Orlando. Listen to the interview for more information on his scheduled talks on the las day of the Coverings Expo.
March 24, 2017—John Baugh, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus, and Kemp Harr discuss the Q4 and year-end results of Mohawk, Armstrong, and Interface as well as a few of his observations of the market trends. Listen to the interview for more information as well as John's take on the optimism that exists in the stock market today.
March 22, 2017—Jennifer Hoff, President of Taffy Event Strategies, and Kemp Har discuss the upcoming Coverings show being held April 4 to 7 in Orlando. Listen to the interview to hear more about the anticipated crowd, the new exhibit hall tours, tiny houses, and a few of the education events. Coverings is the largest tile and stone show held on an annual basis here in the U.S.
March 20,2017—Santo Torcivia, an economist with Market Insights, and Kemp Harr discuss the recently published quarterly Market Monitor report which gives floorcovering professionals both an historic and forwarding looking view of all the market sectors that consume flooring. Listen to the interview to hear Santo's read on the factors affecting growth, including policies in Washington.
March 17, 2017—Glen Morrison, President and CEO of Tarkett North America, and Kemp Harr discuss the firm's recent celebration of its 2016 top and bottom line results at a consolidated sales meeting held in Palm Springs. Listen to the interview to hear more about what drove those results and Tarkett's branding and innovation strategy moving forward.
March 16, 2017—David Jolly, President of J&J Flooring Group, and Kemp Harr discuss the firm's 60th anniversary and their product and market focus versus 60 years ago. Listen to the interview to hear more about the acquisition by Engineered Floors 11 months ago and J&J's new $50 million modular tile plant which is under construction.
March 15, 2017—Scott Sandlin, VP of Marketing and Product Design with Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss Shaw's 50th anniversary event for employees held recently at the Dalton Convention Center. Listen to the interview for more details on this event as well as Scott's new role at the company and his outlook for 2017.
March 14, 2017—Kermit Baker, a Harvard economist that tracks the commercial and residential building design and renovation markets, and Kemp Harr discuss the outlook for growth in both these sectors for the remainder of 2017. Listen to the interview to hear more details about the AIA billing index and the Joint Center for Housing Studies remodeling index.
March 13, 2017—Maggie Bidlingmaier, VP of the Stainmaster brand with Invista, and Kemp Harr discuss the launch of Stainmaster Livewell carpet which the firm claims reduces the level of allergens in rooms where this carpet is installed. Listen to the interview to hear more about the product and its overall fit within the other Stainmaster products. This product will be advertised on cable as part of its launch in May 2017.