January 16, 2012—Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Sr VP with Deutsche Messe, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of the Domotex Expo in Hannover, Germany. Domotex continues to be the largest international flooring show in the world, and it traditionally attracts over 40,000 attendees. Listen to the interview to hear how the show continues to evolve to attract more participation.
January 11, 2012—Scott Sandlin, VP of Shaw's Hard Surface Business, and Kemp Harr discuss the Canadian import laws which prohibit the import of products that have been produced using prison labor--even if it is voluntary. Listen to the interview to hear Scott talk about how Shaw and Anderson are reacting to the discovery of these import restrictions.
January 10, 2012—Steve Sierachi, VP of Residential Marketing with Shaw Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss Shaw's six winter market events which kick off this evening in Chicago. Listen to the interview to hear Steve talk about their anticipated increase in attendance, their show schedule and some of the product highlights for 2012.
January 6, 2012—Ron Lee, Executive Director with ReSource Commercial Flooring Network, Michel Vermette, senior vice president for commercial and international business with Mohawk, and Kemp Harr discuss the motivation behind the decision for ReSource and Mohawk to form an alliance. Listen to the interview to hear more details about this alliance and hear Ron and Michel talk about their outlook for 2012.
January 5, 2012—Steve Griffith and Gary Johnston, CMO and Director of Stainmaster Marketing (respectively) with Invista, and Kemp Harr discuss the latest ultra-soft fiber from Stainmaster that will be introduced at Surfaces this year. Listen to the interview to hear more details about its durability and the consumer promotion planned for this new carpet innovation.
January 4, 2012—Jan. 4, 2012 -- Kermit Baker, chief economist with the American Institute of Architects, and Kemp Harr discuss what may lie ahead this year for commercial and residential construction and remodeling. Listen to the interview to hear Baker talk about the slow upward trajectory of the economy and how he expects continued volatility this year.
January 2, 2012—Tom Davis, retiring President and CEO of Mannington Mills, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of his career in the flooring industry. Listen to the interview to hear Tom talk about the past and the future from his perspective as an industry leader.
December 27, 2011—Terry Gray, senior vice president of marketing with NRF Distributing, and Kemp Harr discuss NRF's decision to expand their distribution partnership with Johnsonite and Tarkett. Listen to the interview to hear more about NRF and details about this decision.
December 21, 2011—Michael Martin, CEO with the National Wood Flooring Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the new standard for factory finished solid wood flooring. Listen to the interview for more details.
December 16, 2011—Keith Campbell, Chairman of Mannington Mills, and Kemp Harr talk about Mannington's solid growth in the last year, and its continuing prospects for growth next year, even in this down economy. Listen as Campbell talks about the various product categories and how he's optimistic that pent up demand will help drive sales next year. He also talks about the pending change at CEO.