Flooring Podcast

David Polley Discusses Liftetime Stain Warranties on Nylon Carpet

May 13, 2010—David Polley and Kemp Harr are starting a new series of interviews where they address some of the topics that are top of mind in the industry. As many of you know, David has held leadership positions in the carpet industry for most of his career and he has a solid understanding of the industry and is good at verbalizing his thoughts. In this interview, we discuss the topic of lifetime warranties on nylon carpet. We hope you enjoy this interview and the series that David and Kemp will try to entertain you with in the future. Stay tuned next week for an interview on how independent flooring retailers should view the home centers in the overall retail mix.

Randy Weis Gives an Overview of RD Weis and the Annual Starnet Meeting

May 12, 2010—Randy Weis, a New York based flooring contractor and Chairman of the Board for Starnet, provides an overview of his R.D. Weis business and what Starnet has been doing to help its membership during these trying economic times. Listen to the interview to hear how Randy's business is doing and his outlook for the future.

Jay Smith Gives an Update on the Builder Sector and Some of the FEI Group's New Members

May 11, 2010—Jay Smith, president of the FEI Group, and Kemp Harr, discuss the emerging signs of the start of a turnaround in the builder business this year. Some major builders are projecting a profit this year, and others have started buying land again as they are flush with cash. Also, listen as Smith decribes how FEI's membership is growing, including eight new flooring-related members this year.

Massimo Ballucchi Discussed Vitromex USA's New Message and Products from Coverings 2010

May 10, 2010—Massimo Ballucchi, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Vitromex, and Kemp Harr discuss their Covering's booth theme and their market position as the leading Mexican supplier to the U.S. for ceramic and porcelain tile. Listen to the interview to hear more about Vitromex and their new products for 2010.

Jeff Hamar Discusses Why He Bought Galleher Back and Role of Distributor in Flooring Business

May 7, 2010—Jeff Hamar, co-owner of Galleher Corporation, and Kemp Harr discuss Jeff's decision to buy back the west coast distribution company that he and his brother sold to Itochu in 2007. Listen to the interview to hear Jeff give his view on the evolving role of distributors in the flooring industry.

Michael Johnson on His Hospitality Design at Coverings & His View of the World's Greatest Architects

May 6, 2010—Michael Johnson, an architect and professor at Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and Kemp Harr discuss his design of the hospitality pavilion for the Italian Ceramic Trade Association and his view of some of the world's most talented architects.

Svend Hovmand On Opening a Porcelain Plant in Crossville, TN in 1985 & Being an Industry Advocate

May 5, 2010—Dr. Svend Hovmand, former President of Crossvile Tile and this year's Tile Person of the Year, talks with Kemp Harr about his vision 25 years ago to open a porcelain tile plant in rural Tennessee. Listen to the interview to hear more about Svend's background and both the challenges the tile industry faces and the accomplishments it has achieved.

Massimo Barbari Discusses Florida Tile's New Company Image and New Products For 2010

May 4, 2010—Massimo Barbari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Florida Tile, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's new re-imaging efforts, recent manufacturing investments and new products introduced at Coverings 2010. Listen to the interview to hear more details and to hear what Florida Tile's distributors think about the business outlook for 2010.

Hector Narvaez Discusses Marazzi's New 3D Technology

May 3, 2010—Hector Narvaez, VP of Sales and Marketing for Marazzi USA, and Kemp Harr discuss Marazzi's recent investments in ink-jet technology and other enhancements in its Florence, Alabama plant. Listen to the interview to hear more about Marazzi's latest news from Coverings 210 in Orlando.

Tony Nixon Provides a Flooring Contractors Perspective on Polished Concrete Floors

April 30, 2010—Tony Nixon, Legacy Floors, and Kemp Harr discuss this Ohio based flooring contractor's rapid growth in the polished concrete business. Listen to the interview to hear how Legacy Floors (a Starnet Worldwide Flooring member), got into the polished concrete business and expanded it with national retail accounts like West Marine and The Limited.