Flooring Podcast

Floor Productions and Floor Focus Announce Winner of Retail Display Contest

November 6, 2009—Jon Hiland, VP of Sales and marketing at Floor Productions, and Kemp Harr announce the winner of Floor Focus' annual retail display contest. When you listen to the interview you will hear that Mount Vernon Carpet One won first place. In the interview Jon talks about what's important when you develop point of sale material. For more details on the contest, see page 46 of the current issue of Floor Focus Magazine.

Retiring VP Joyce LaValle Discusses the Industry's Evolution

November 5, 2009—Joyce LaValle, retiring Senior Vice President of Marketing at Interface, and Kemp Harr discuss the industry's evolution during her career. Listen to the interview to hear about product changes, the growth of sustainability and the growing role women play in the flooring industry.

Anthony Minite Discusses California's Environmental Manufacturing Regs, Economy & New PCR Backing

November 4, 2009—Anthony Minite, President of Bentley Prince Street, and Kemp Harr discuss the compliance issues associated with manufacturing in California, BPS' new PCR backing system for modular and broadloom carpet and how BPS is dealing with the current economic challenges.

John Baugh Discusses the Q3 Results for the Publicly Traded Flooring Companies

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.

John Stephens With Shaw Contract Talks about Neocon East

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.

Economist Kermit Baker on September AIA Billings Index

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.

Giulio Bonazzi Discusses Aquafil USA's 10th Anniversary

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.

Allison Rea with FloorExpo Discusses Social Media and Internet Promotion

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.

Rick McConnell Discusses His Leadership Position at Hanley Wood and the Surfaces Expo

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.

Houston Retailer Discusses His Success in This Economy

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.