Flooring Podcast

Werner Braun Discusses the Reorganization of the Carpet and Rug Institute

August 18, 2011—Werner Braun, President of the CRI, and Kemp Harr discuss the recent decision to reorganize the Carpet and Rug Institute. Listen to the interview to hear Werner discuss the elimination of the ten committees and issue teams which will be replaced by one leadership council and three panels. Through this decision, the CRI hopes to streamline its ability to be effective in achieving its goal of removing the barriers that hinder the growth and profitability of its membership.

Dean Thompson Provides an Update on the NSF 332 Environmental Standard for Resilient Products

August 18, 2011—Dean Thompson, President of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss the status of the NSF 332 environmental standard for resilient products. Listen to the interview to hear what products this standard covers, what attributes it evaluates, how many levels of compliance there are and what individual producers are doing to get certified.

Jenny Cross Discusses the Highlights of Mohawk's Second Sustainability Report

August 15, 2011—Jenny Cross, Mohawk's Director of Sustainability, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of Mohawk's second annual Sustainability Report. Listen to the interview to hear more details about Mohawk's third party validation with this report.

DuPont Economist Robert Fry Discusses His Latest View of the Economy

August 12, 2011—Robert Fry, an economist with DuPont, and Kemp Harr discuss the current state of the economy based on the latest events in Europe and the recent volatility of the U.S. stock market. Listen to the interview to hear Robert say that the odds are in favor of us seeing steady but slow growth for the next several years.

Tim White with Wells Fargo Gives a Financial Planner's Perspective on the Volatility in the Market

August 11, 2011—Tim White, a financial planner with Wells Fargo, and Kemp Harr discuss some of the reasons for the current volatility in the stock market. Listen to the interview to hear Tim talk about the fundamentals and how we should react in this situation.

Dan Hendrix Discusses Ray Anderson's Legacy as the Founder of Interface

August 9, 2011—Dan Hendrix, President and CEO of Interface, and Kemp Harr discuss Ray Anderson's entrepreneurial style and drive that enabled him to not only create Interface as the leader in the modular carpet business but also empowered him to change the way industrial companies should view the environment. Listen to this short interview to hear more details about Dan talk about Ray.

Dan Frierson Discusses How Dixie Outperformed the Market in its 2nd Quarter

August 5, 2011—Dan Frierson, Chairman of the Dixie Group, and Kemp Harr discuss Dixie's 2nd Quarter performance and outlook for the coming months. Listen to the interview to hear how Dixie has been outpacing the industry in carpet sales in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Sam Roberts Discusses His Success Selling Better-End Flooring at Retail in Houston

August 4, 2011—Sam Roberts, owner of nine retail stores in Houston, and Kemp Harr talk about what it takes to be successful selling better-end flooring products in this current economy. Listen to the interview to hear Sam, who is an NFA member, talk about his focus on credibility and quality.

Scott Perron Discusses Vinnie Virga's Decision to Open 17 Big Bob's Stores

August 3, 2011—Scott Perron, President of Big Bob's Flooring Outlet, and Kemp Harr discuss Vinnie Virga's decision to open a minimum of 17 Big Bob's stores in New England and upstate New York. Listen to the interview to hear more details about Virga becoming Big Bob's newest and largest franchisee.

Tracy Hammond Discusses His Perspective on the U.S. Debt Accord

August 2, 2011—Tracy Hammond, VP with Dutco Worldwide, and Kemp Harr discuss details around the new U.S. debt agreement that should be signed into law today. Tracy has an enlightened perspective as a Washington insider who also serves as the lobbyist for the Carpet and Rug Institute. Listen to the interview to hear details about the compromises that were made on both sides of the isle.