August 12, 2009—Dan Frierson, chairman and CEO of Dixie Group, provides details about the company's decision to cut an additional $8 to $10 million worth of operating costs. Listen to the interview to hear more about Dixie's changes in personnel and streamlining of support functions (primarily on the residential side of the business). Approx 10 minutes
August 10, 2009—If you're curious to know what the leading market analyst has to say about the Flooring Industry's publicly traded manufacturers, this is a good interview to listen to. In this interview, John Baugh, managing director with Stifel Nicolaus, takes us through the 2nd quarter results for Mohawk, Armstrong, Interface and briefly, Dixie, telling us concisely what the performance and outlook is for each company. Listen to the interview to hear where John thinks the market is by segment.
August 7, 2009—Neil Poland, President of Mullican Hardwood, and Kemp Harr discuss the potential shortage of lumber that could affect hardwood flooring prices as early as January. Listen to the interview and learn that U.S hardwood harvests have declined 50% in the last 10 years resulting in a decline in the number of logging companies and sawmills that produce domestic hardwood. In the interview we also provide a quick overview of how Mullican's business has changed while Neil has been at the helm.
August 6, 2009—Sean Cilano, Director of Marketing at Florida Tile, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's recent decision to move its headquarters from Lakeland, Florida to Lexington Kentucky. Listen to the interview to hear more about this strategic decision and the company's recent investments in digital printing technology. Florida Tile was started as a family business in the mid-50's in Lakeland and is now owned by the Panaria Group and operates an ultra-modern porcelain plant in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
August 4, 2009—Al Smith, an independent flooring retailer in Fairfield, Ohio (north of Cincinnati), has been camping out on the roof of his store for 9 days and counting. He is protesting the loss of a business loan that was approved. In the interview he talks about his invitation for President Obama to come have a beer with him on his rooftop campsite and says he won't come down until he has made it easier for small business owners to survive this economic recession.
August 3, 2009—Eric Nelson, Vice President of Interface's ReEntry Program, and Kemp Harr discuss Interface's new high-tech cutting equipment and its ability to reduce 310 tons of carpet trim waste annually. Listen to the interview to hear more about this new process and the goal of Interface's ReEntry program.
July 31, 2009—Universal Fibers CEO Marc Ammen and Kemp Harr discuss how the firm continues to prosper in a down market. Ammen describes his firm's competitive advantages and how Universal Fibers is beginning to make a push into the residential sector. Ammen also talks about his company's sustainability work with Interface.
July 30, 2009—Dick Miller, President of Davis and Davis, and Kemp Harr discuss the recent acquisition of Glen Eden Mills and the synergies and benefits to both brands. Listen to the interview to hear more about their brand focus, product positioning, and channels to market.
July 29, 2009—Werner Braun, President of the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss the need for a new carpet installation standard and how the ANSI process differs from what has been done in the past with the CRI 104 and 105 standards. Listen to the interview to hear why the IICRC was tapped to lead this process and more about how this came about.
July 27, 2009—Jay Smith, President of FEI Group, and Kemp Harr discuss the motivation behind changing the name from FloorExpo to FEI Group, the organization's upcoming Fall meeting and recent business feedback from its membership in light of this economy.