November 3, 2009—John Baugh, Managing Director with Stifel Nicolaus, and Kemp Harr discuss the 3Q performance of Mohawk, Armstrong and Interface. Listen to the interview to hear more on these companies and John's view of current economic conditions and how it will affect these companies' performance.
October 29, 2009—John Stephens, Vice President of Marketing for Shaw Contract, and Kemp Harr discuss the attendance and tone at this week's NeoCon East show in Baltimore, Maryland. Listen to the interview to hear what type of projects the architects and designers are working on, the continued increase and awareness around sustainability and John's optimistic outlook on economic recovery.
October 26, 2009—Kermit Baker, Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects, and Kemp Harr discuss the September billings index released last week, which remains below 50. Listen to the interview to get an historical perspective on this economic situation and to hear what has to happen before we can see a recovery.
October 23, 2009—Giulio Bonazzi, President and CEO of Aquafil, and Kemp Harr discuss Aquafil USA's 10th anniversary celebration. The interview provides an overview of the entire company and the sustainability challenges it faces. Listen to the interview to hear more about this company that started making raincoats in 1956 and now has 11 manufacturing sites on three continents with 1800 employees and over $600 million in annual global sales.
October 21, 2009—Allison Rea, Director of Marketing for FEI Group (formerly FloorExpo), and Kemp Harr discuss some of the myths of social media as a viable promotion vehicle for flooring companies. Listen to the interview to hear Allison's view of how flooring contractors should use the Internet to promote their business.
October 19, 2009—Rick McConnell, President of Hanley Wood Expositions, and Kemp Harr discuss his recent appointment to head up all of Hanley Wood's trade shows which includes Surfaces. Listen to the interview to hear more about Hanley Wood and plans for Surfaces in 2010.
October 16, 2009—Sam Roberts, owner of Roberts' Carpet and Fine Floors (and an NFA member), and Kemp Harr, discuss his strategy for maintaining sales even in this depressed economy. Listen to the interview to hear more about his newest store and his advertising strategy.
October 15, 2009—Gary Cissell, Director of Flooring at Nebraska Furniture Mart, tells Kemp Harr about the major remodeling of the firm's Omaha store, including the installation of a huge two-tier floorcovering feature wall to grab the consumer's attention. He also discusses how the strategy of selling floorcovering, furniture, and appliances all in one store leads to higher flooring sales.
October 14, 2009—Jeff Macco, President of the National Floorcovering Alliance, and Kemp Harr discuss the current tone of the membership, its outlook for 2010, and its latest new member. Listen to the interview to hear more about the group, its meeting, and its newest member--Levi for Floors.
October 13, 2009—Chris Davis, President and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, tells Kemp Harr a little about the organization's history and its early roots as a labor negotiator for installers, along with details about this year's induction of new members into the organization's Hall of Fame. He also talks about his member's cautious optimism about the economy.