April 7, 2010—Patti Fasan, an international design consultant specializing in the ceramic tile market, and Kemp Harr discuss color and design trends that will be prominent at this year's Coverings show in Orlando. Listen to the interview to hear more about how the tile market has faired during the recession and where producers have focused their new product design energy.
April 6, 2010—Bethany Richmond, Communications Manager at the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss a recent Lumber Liquidators print ad that quotes a customer who said she removed her carpet to allieviate her allergy symptoms. Listen to the interview to hear CRI reiterate that flooring products should be sold on their merits and not based on an unproven myth.
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.