May 10, 2013—Jack Thomasson, Professional Home Planner with HGTV, and Kemp Harr, discuss the recently completed HGTV Smart Home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Listen to the interview to hear what makes it a "smart" home and hear more details about the Shaw Flooring that is used throughout the house.
May 9, 2013—Karin Fendrich, Show Manager for the Coverings Expo, and Kemp Harr, discuss the show's performance in Atlanta. This interview was recorded last week at the show and Karin gives an overview of the show's size, scope and who that target from an attendance standpoint.
May 8, 2013—Tom Smith, President of Imola North America, and Kemp Harr, discuss the company's growth strategy and progress since the company started focusing on growing its North American business. Recorded from the Coverings Expo in the booth that ultimately ended up winning the best of show award, Tom gives an update on Imola's brand strategy and market sector focus.
May 7, 2013—James Lesslie, Assistant to the Chairman at Engineered Floors, and Kemp Harr, discuss Engineered Floor's recent announcement that they plan to invest $450 million over the next five years in new carpet manufacturing and distribution facilities in Northwest Georgia. Listen to the interview to hear details about where this investment will be focused.
May 6, 2013—Hector Narvaez, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Marazzi USA, and Kemp Harr, discuss the early stages of integration, now that the Marazzi Group is part of Mohawk Industries. Listen to the interview, which was recorded last week at Coverings 2013 in Atlanta, to hear more about what Marazzi has to offer for 2013.
May 3, 2013—Lindsey Ann Waldrep, VP of Marketing for Crossville; Noah Chitty, Director of Technical Services at Crossville; and Kemp Harr, talk about Crossville's new upscale retail program complete with training and three display options. Recorded at Coverings 2013 in Atlanta, GA, they also discuss Crossville's Hydrotect antimicrobial tile treatment technology they are rolling out in partnership with TOTO.
May 2, 2013—Enzo Mularoni, President of Del Conca, and Kemp Harr, discuss Del Conca's new porcelain tile plant which is under construction in Loudon County outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. Listen to the interview which was recorded on the expo floor of Coverings to hear more about this Italian based company, its core business and its new products.
May 1, 2013—Recorded at Coverings 2013 in Atlanta, GA, Donato Grosser, Consultant to the Italian Ceramics Association, and Kemp Harr, talk about the housing market recovery and its affect on the consumption of ceramic tile. Listen to the interview to hear Donato's predictions for the future of the tile industry, how and where tile is being used in today's market and his thoughts on the recent acquisition of Italian tile producer Marazzi by Mohawk Industries.
April 30, 2013—Dr. Bob Peoples, executive director of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), and Kemp Harr, discuss last week's annual CARE meeting at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa. Listen to hear about some of the highlights of the meeting, who was in attendance and statistical numbers around CARE's goal to reduce the amount of carpet that ends up in our nation's landfills. Specifically, Bob talks about CARE's Annual Report, issues around polyester carpet recycling and progress on California's AB2398 (the CA fund created to minimize the carpet going to CA landfills).
April 29, 2013—Jeanne Matson, President and CEO of Starnet Worldwide (the largest group of commercial flooring contractors in the U.S.), and Kemp Harr, talk about the Spring Meeting and what Starnet members have been doing to remain successful during the economic downturn. Recorded in Pal Desert, CA, Jeanne and Kemp discuss some of the highlights of the meeting and some key initiatives for the group in 2013.