April 27, 2011—Anthony Minite, President of Bentley Prince Street and Kemp Harr discuss the latest developments with this upscale commercial carpet brand. Listen to the interview to hear where they are focusing their energy in 2011 to take advantage of the recovery we are seeing in the commercial market. Specifics include new tufting equipment, Ipad sales force tool, and employee developent.
April 21, 2011—Doug Giles, Director of Marketing with Universal Textile Technologies, and Kemp Harr discuss UTT's new recycling partnership with Yellowstone National Park. Listen to the interview to hear details around how UTT recycles Yellowstone's plastic bottles into high performance backing products for the residential, commercial and synthetic turf markets.
April 20, 2011—Ann Derr, Principal with JPC Architects, and Kemp Harr discuss JPC's grand prize winning entry for this year's Vision Design Awards. Listen to the interview to hear Ann talk about this project, where the firm specializes and how its business has been affected by the recession. The Vision Design Awards are sponsored by Bentley Prince Street, Centiva, Crossville and Johnsonite and it was created to reward interior design that effectively integrates flooring design with the overall design of the space.
April 19, 2011—Jeff Meadows, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Beaulieu of America, and Kemp Harr discuss the global market conditions that are resulting in higher carpet prices. Listen to the interview to hear Jeff explain why nylon, polyester and Polypropylene prices are at an all time high and what effect that has on the carpet industry.
April 18, 2011—Richard Friedman, President of DFS Flooring, and Kemp Harr discuss the strategy that has resulted in this Southern California commercial flooring contractor's 25% growth in the last two years. Listen to the interview to hear more about DFS' balance of maintenance to PI (product and installation) business. Also listen to Richard briefly talk about the highlights of this year's Starnet meeting in Phoenix.
April 15, 2011—Jeanne Matson, President of Starnet, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of Starnet's annual meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona this week. Listen to the interview to hear how the largest co-op of commercial flooring contractors is doing as the economy starts to show signs of life in the commercial flooring sector. Also hear more details about Starnet's annual design contest.
April 14, 2011—Clint Hubbard, CEO with Home Legend, and Kemp Harr discuss the recent acquisition of Baker's Creek hardwood flooring in Edwards, Mississippi. Listen to the interview to hear more details around the strategy behind this acquisition, including U.S.-based manufacturing, expanded product offering, and export opportunities.
April 11, 2011—Michael Martin, who has been hired to replace Ed Korzack as the head of the National Wood Flooring Association at the end of the year, and Kemp Harr discuss his background and the role of the association. Listen to the interview to hear where his focus will be as he takes the helm of this association.
April 7, 2011—Norm Voss, President and CEO of Kronotex USA, and Kemp Harr discuss the changes in the laminate market in the last year. Listen to the interview to hear Norm talk about the Kronotex's expansion, new technologies and future pricing.
April 5, 2011—Steve Roan, VP of Karastan Rugs, and Kemp Harr discuss the traffic at this week's High Point Home Furnishings Show in North Carolina. Listen to the interview to hear Steve talk about their decision to exhibit at this show after a 6-year absence.