September 19, 2013—Dave Snedecker, Division Merchandise Manager with Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Kemp Harr,discuss the success of the company's flooring sales in the Midwest. Listen to the interview to hear that carpet sales are better than expected and how that segment is contributing to double-digit growth this year. In addition, Dave talks about the company's fourth store under construction in Dallas.
September 18, 2013—Thomas Trissl, Owner of TMT America, discusses his new company and its recent decision to acquire HPS America. Watch the video to see Thomas talk about his success with Centiva, his continued passion for the floorcovering business and more details about the Schönox brand.
September 17, 2013—Phil Koufidakis, president of the National Floorcovering Alliance and principal of Baker Brothers, and Kemp Harr, discuss changes at the association and how more members are involved in specific tasks. Listen to the interview to hear how the organization helps its members market themselves through various brand programs. This interview was recorded at the organization's fall meeting in Boston.
September 16, 2013—Jon Pierce, General Manager of Pierce Flooring in Montana, and Kemp Harr, talk about the business and how it has been affected by fracking activity in the area. Listen to the interview to find out what's selling in his area, how Pierce develops store traffic and creates awareness through unique events, and Pierce's aggressive approach to consumer financing. This interview was recorded at the National Floorcovering Alliance fall meeting in Boston.
September 13, 2013—Charles Monroe, CEO of Card-Monroe, the producer of colorPoint tufting machines, and Kemp Harr, discuss the firm's latest technology and how it will influence carpet styling, especially for the residential market. Listen to the interview, recorded at the FloorTek show in Dalton, to learn more about the company's strategy and how it sees current business conditions.
September 12, 2013—Scott Humphrey, CEO with the WFCA, discusses his first 5 months as the head of the WFCA. Listen to the interview to hear Scott talk about what he's been working on and what he hopes to accomplish as the WFCA's new leader.
September 11, 2013—Randy Gillespie, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Expanko, and Kemp Harr, discuss the purchase of the company by RPM International, a $4 billion public company that owns more than 200 brands like Rustoleum. Listen to the interview to learn about the history of Expanko and how the company will operate and grow under new ownership. The company had over $12 million in sales last year.
September 10, 2013—Amie Gilmore, Associate Show Director of Hanley Wood, and Kemp Harr, discuss the news that Hanley Wood, owner of the Surfaces trade show, is planning two new shows dedicated to flooring. One, TileExpo, will run alongside the current Surfaces show and put more focus on ceramic and porcelain tile. The second, the International Surfaces Event east, will be held next fall in Miami.
September 5, 2013—Stan Bouckaert, Director of Hard Surface at Beaulieu, and Kemp Harr, discuss Beaulieu's recent announcement that the company is launching a line of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) products for the retail market. Listen to the interview to hear more about the strategy around this decision, about the products themselves, and how this new category will fit within the company's existing carpet business.
September 4, 2013—Buddy Jones, Owner of E. Jones and Associates, and Kemp Harr, discuss the seminar he is giving next week at the FloorTek Expo in Dalton, Georgia. The topic of his talk is "Hiring the right talent" and will be held from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 11 at the Northwest Georgia Convention Center. Listen to the interview to hear more about Buddy's area of expertise and what you will learn at this brief seminar. FloorTek starts next week on Tuesday and runs through Thursday. Details on this even and other classes can be found at www.floor-tek.com.