Flooring Podcast

Neil Poland Discusses Mullican's Expansion in Johnson City Tennessee

November 3, 2011—Neil Poland, President of Mullican Flooring, and Kemp Harr discuss Mullican's news this week that they are moving their entire Johnson City operation and headquarters to a new facility and expanded its footprint to include a new engineered flooring line. Listen to the interview to hear more details about this decision and also hear Neil talk about the current and future outlook for hardwood flooring in the U.S.

Steve Roan Discusses Karastan's Participation at Last Week's High Point Furniture Market

October 31, 2011—Steve Roan, VP of Sales with Karastan, and Kemp Harr discuss last week's furniture show in High Point, North Carolina. Listen to the interview to hear how this show compares to the other rug markets and where the consumer buys rugs today versus a few years ago.

Phil Koufidakis Discusses Baker Brothers' Recent Growth and Web Marketing Strategy

October 28, 2011—Phil Koufidakis, Owner of Baker Brothers, a seven-store retail chain in Phoenix, Arizona, and Kemp Harr discuss Baker Brothers' 10% growth, web marketing strategy and product mix. Listen to the interview to hear how this NFA member has grown in the past year.

Jim Mudd Discusses the Highlights of the NFA Meeting in Napa Valley

October 27, 2011—Jim Mudd, President of the NFA, and Kemp Harr discuss highlights of the National Floorcovering Alliance's Fall meeting in Napa Valley, California. Listen to the interview to hear Jim talk about the overall health of this buying group's memebership and about his own business, Sam Kinnaird's Flooring, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Gary Cissell Discusses Nebraska Furniture Mart's Sales Growth at NFA Meeting

October 26, 2011—Gary Cissell, Director of Floors at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Kemp Harr discuss retail flooring volume at NFM's three midwest stores. Listen to the interview to hear Gary talk about recent success he had with a "private sale," his sales mix of hard surface versus carpet, Stainmaster's new TruSoft Fiber and the membership tone at the Fall National Floorcovering Alliance meeting in Napa Valley, California.

Kelly Taylor Discusses Ambassador's Decision to Join the NFA

October 25, 2011—Kelly Taylor, Owner of Ambassador Floor Company in St. Louis, and Kemp Harr discuss his recent decision to join the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA). Listen to the interview to hear more about this retailer's business and business conditions in St. Louis.

Ralph Boe Discusses Beaulieu's Refinancing News

October 24, 2011—Ralph Boe, CEO of Beaulieu of America, and Kemp Harr discuss Beaulieu's recent success at refinancing its $230 million credit facility and the current state of the carpet market. Listen to the interview to hear Ralph talk about market conditions and demand versus supply from a total carpet industry standpoint.

Dave Gheesling and Jay Smith Discuss the Highlights of FloorExpo's Annual Meeting

October 21, 2011—Dave Gheesling and Jay Smith, CEO and President of FloorExpo, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of FloorExpo's annual meeting held last week in Palm Springs, California. FloorExpo is the largest membership group of flooring contractors who focus on the single and multi-family residential builder market. Listen to the interview to hear how positive attitudes can effect business growth.

Nia Evans Discusses Building Retail Store Traffic Using GE's Private Label Financing

October 20, 2011—Nia Evans, vice president of sales (flooring industry) for GE Capital, and Kemp Harr talk about private label financing for flooring retailers and how it can lead to greater sales. Listen to the interview to find out how private label financing can lead to higher average ticket sales and help increase close rates, among many other benefits. Also listen to find out why GE Capital has been able to increase its footprint in the flooring industry in recent years.

Erin Dempsey Discusses Centiva's Sustainability Message at Greenbuild 2011

October 19, 2011—Erin Dempsey, Environmental Manager for Centiva, and Kemp Harr discuss Centiva's rapid growth and personality that has positioned them as one of the leading commercial LVT suppliers in the U.S. Listen to the interview to hear Erin talk about Centiva's key sustainability initiatives.