Flooring Podcast

Invista Discusses $20 Million Expansion in Commercial Carpet Fiber Capacity

October 23, 2012—Dan Haycook and Ralph Grogan, EVP of Surfaces and VP of Antron Business Development respectively, and Kemp Harr discuss last week's news of a $20 million expansion at Invista's Camden, South Carolina facility. Most of this investment will go toward enhancements to Invista's Antron commercial carpet capacity. Listen to the interview to hear more details about this investment plus their outlook for business in 2014.

Allison Rea Discusses the Marketing Tools She Develops for FloorExpo Members

October 19, 2012—Allison Rea, Director of Marketing for FloorExpo (FEI Group), and Kemp Harr, discuss the strategy behind the Internet, mobile and tablet tools that Allison is developing for the FloorExpo members. Listen to the interview for more details.

Dave Gheesling Discusses the FEI Group Annual Meeting and the Housing Market

October 18, 2012—Dave Gheesling, CEO of the FEI Group, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of their annual meeting and a few details around the early stages of the housing recovery. Listen to the interview to hear Dave talk about the group's optimism and the group's focus at their annual meeting.

John Stephens Discusses NeoCon East

October 17, 2012—John Stephens, Vice President of Marketing for Shaw Contract Group, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of the NeoCon East show in Baltimore, which opens today. Listen to the interview to hear more about the focus of this show and the reason the show continues to grow in popularity.

Jeanne Matson Discusses the Highlights of Last Week's Starnet Meeting

October 15, 2012—Jeanne Matson, President and CEO of Starnet Worldwide, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of last week's fall membership meeting held in Austin, Texas. Listen to the interview to hear details about the tone of the membership, their success in shifting business toward their vendor partners, and their challenges for 2013.

Kermit Baker Gives His View on the Current State of the Construction Economy

October 10, 2012—Kermit Baker, Economist for the American Institute of Architects and a Harvard Fellow with the Joint Center for Housing Studies, and Kemp Harr, discuss the August AIA Billing Index, which was back up over 50, and Kermit's outlook for the residential housing market. Listen to the interview to hear his positive outlook for a sustained recovery and what effect the presidential election is having on the economy.

Carey Mitchell Provides an Update on the New S600 Carpet Installation Standard

October 8, 2012—Carey Mitchell, Director of Technical with Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss the status of the new S600 carpet installation standard that is in the final stage of development. Listen to the interview to hear why the IICRC is involved, how this standard differs from the previous standards written by the CRI, and what a knee kicker is used for.

Phil Koufidakis Discusses Baker Brothers and the NFA

October 4, 2012—Phil Koufidakis, Owner of Baker Brothers in Phoenix and the newly elected President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr, discuss Phil's background and the experience he brings as the new leader of the NFA. Listen to the interview to hear Phil talk about Baker Brothers' business and what he hopes to achieve during his term as president of the NFA.

Jim Mudd Discusses Highlights from the Fall NFA Meeting

October 3, 2012—Jim Mudd, Co-Owner of Sam Kinnaird's in Louisville, Kentucky and President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr, discuss a few of the highlights of this week's Fall NFA meeting held at the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. Listen to the interview to hear about the membership's optimistic tone and to hear more about Jim's business in Louisville.

Invista Discusses the Decision To Launch a Stainmaster Polyester Carpet Collection

October 2, 2012—Invista's Jeff Honkonen, Sales Director of Residential Business, and Steve Griffith, Chief Marketing Officer, and Kemp Harr, discuss Invista's new Stainmaster Essentials line, which includes its first polyester product. Listen to the interview to hear the strategy behind the new value offering and which companies will have the first products on the market.