April 1, 2010—Don Finkell, CEO of Shaw's Hardwood Business, and Kemp Harr discuss the tone and optimism at last week's annual NWFA Convention. Listen to the interview to hear about Don's achievements as president of the NWFA last year.
March 29, 2010—Mark Arbogast, Healthcare Specialist with Mondo Floors, and Kemp Harr discuss the reasons why rubber flooring is growing in the Contract Commercial sector. Listen to the interview to hear where rubber flooring is being used and why.
March 26, 2010—Jim McIntosh, General Manager of Tuftex, and Kemp Harr discuss Jim's decision to retire at the end of March. Listen to the interview to hear the highlights of Jim's career in the carpet business, his advice to the rising leaders in the business and what his plans are post retirement.
March 25, 2010—Jeff Macco, President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights and tone of last week's membership meeting in Banff, Canada. Listen to the interview to hear about their progress on a non-Stainmaster roll purchase and changes they've made to the membership bilaws.
March 24, 2010—Gary Cissell, Director of Flooring at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Kemp Harr discuss the Mart's flooring sales in the first 3 months of 2010. Listen to the interview to hear more about trend shifts at retail and Gary's view of Invista's decision to sell Stainmaster exclusively at Lowe's in the home center channel.
March 23, 2010—Ron Lee, Executive Director of the Resource Commercial Flooring Network, and Kemp Harr, discuss the highlights of the group's meeting last week in Florida. Listen to the interview to hear about the mood of the members and the signs of increasing commercial activity, a new "vendor speed dating" program, how many members are focused on the maintenance and replacement business, and how the group wants to increase its visibility with the architecture and design community.
March 22, 2010—Dan Frierson, Chairman of The Dixie Group, and Kemp Harr catch up on a quick summary of the changes Dixie has made to be competitive in this current market. Listen to the interview to hear Dan talk about current demand levels, management changes at Dixie and also Invista's decision to pull the Stainmaster brand from Home Depot and Menards.
March 19, 2010—Mark Clayton, Business Manager for Milliken Residential, and Kemp Harr discuss Milliken's renewed focus in the residential market and the product collection and business strategy for 2010. Listen to the interview to hear more about their product styling, retail displays and timing.
March 16, 2010—Ed Korczak, Managing Director of the National Wood Flooring Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the specific highlights of next week's NWFA meeting in D.C. Listen to the interview to hear more about the seminars and the schedule. Ed also talks about the wood flooring outlook for 2010.
March 11, 2010—Bethany Richmond, Communications Manager with CRI, and Kemp Harr discuss the Carpet and Rug Institute's efforts to educate asthma and allergy doctors about the myths surrounding the impact carpet has on patients who suffer with Asthma and allergy symptoms. Listen to the interview to hear about Bethany's reception at a recent doctor's conference.