December 9, 2013—John Baugh, Managing Director with Stifel Nicolaus (a Wall Street analyst that focuses on the interior furnishings markets), and Kemp Harr discuss John's perspective on where the floorcovering market stands today from an investment perspective. Listen to the interview to hear John talk about the stock market overall and his outlook for 2014.
December 6, 2013—Catherine Minervini, owner of Green Owl Studio, and Kemp Harr, discuss all of the activities surrounding the Interior Design Hall of Fame inductions and the Best of Year (BOY) awards held this week in New York. Listen to the interview to hear the highlights of both events.
December 3, 2013—Jay Flynn, VP of Sales and Marketing with Bridgeway Interactive, and Kemp Harr, discuss how this technology provider has adapted to develop new tools for its customers in the single family builder market. Bridgeway held its 13th annual meeting in the wine country of California in November. In attendance were flooring manufacturers, contractors and builders who focus on the builder market.
November 27, 2013—Bob Thompson, formerly of J.J. Haines, and Kemp Harr, talk about Bob's Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors. Listen to the interview to find out details about Bob's background in the flooring industry and how he achieved success in the distribution business.
November 26, 2013—Pierre Thabet, President of Boa-Franc, and Kemp Harr, discuss Mirage's 30th anniversary and the brand's reputation for quality. Pierre was recognized at the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) meeting with a Lifetime Achievement award which he attributes to the company's reputation for quality.
November 25, 2013—George Bandy, VP of Sustainability for Interface, and Kemp Harr, discuss Interface's sustainability message at Greenbuild and George's focus as he takes the role as chairman of the USGBC. Listen to the interview for more details.
November 22, 2013—Wanda Dunaway, Market Segment Director with Shaw Contract, and Kemp Harr, discuss the recent changes in the LEED certification with the roll out of V4 which went into effect at Greenbuild this week. Listen to the interview to hear Wanda (who has LEED AP accreditation) tell our listeners how these changes will impact floorcovering companies.
November 21, 2013—Diane Martel, VP of Environmental Planning and Strategy with Tarkett NA, and Kemp Harr,discuss the company's new program called Environmental Health Statements. Listen to the interview to find out how the program follows the Cradle to Cradle model but is different than Environmental Product Statements. Also, find out how the program takes Tarkett's sustainability program to a new level.
November 20, 2013—Kevin Biederman, Senior Vice President of Residential Flooring at Armstrong World Industries, and Kemp Harr, discuss Armstrong's new $41 million LVT plan project in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Listen to the interview to find out when the plant will be up and running and reach full capacity, and why Armstrong decided to build the plant in the U.S. Also learn how Kevin sees near-term business conditions in the overall residential market.
November 19, 2013—Randy Merritt, President of Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr, discuss Shaw's flooring installation at Grand Central Station in New York City. Listen to the interview to find out why Shaw chose the rail station to test residential carpet and several flooring types during the station's holiday fair. Also find out how Randy sees market conditions and his assessment of business in 2013.