December 16, 2009—Ray Caraway, U.S. representative for Callidus, and Kemp Harr discuss how using commercial estimating software can make a company more efficient. Listen to the interview to hear how it was developed and how commerial flooring contractors can benefit from technology.
December 15, 2009—Frank Hurd, VP and COO with the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss a milestone we haven't seen in three years. The November demand for carpet backing for 2009 surpassed the demand for November of 2008. Listen to the interview to hear more about this and other indicators that point toward recovery in the overall flooring market.
December 14, 2009—Mark Ammen, CEO with Universal Fibers, and Kemp Harr discuss the news about the $13 million expansion and 84 new jobs for their domestic plant in Bristol, Virginia. Listen to the interview to hear more about this, their ability to recycle Nylon 6,6 and their successful marketshare gain.
December 10, 2009—Manny Llerena, Mohawk's VP of Retail Programs, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of Mohawk's aligned dealer program for 2010. Listen to the interview to hear Manny summarize the new product introductions and support programs for Mohawk's retail partners.
December 9, 2009—Josh Eichner, VP with Framerica, a leading producer of flooring transitions for the laminate flooring business, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's 40 year history, its channel strategy, its focus on quality and its environmental achievements. Listen to the interview to hear more about this key supplier to the industry.
December 8, 2009—David Duncan, VP of Marketing with Mohawk, and Kemp Harr converse at Mohawk's aligned dealer convention about the new marketing programs tailored to fit the needs of today's retailer. Listen to the interview to hear more details around retailers' specific needs and the programs Mohawk has developed to answer those needs. Specifics include strategic planning and budgeting tools, Internet marketing and year long training programs.
December 7, 2009—Tom Lape, President of Mohawk Residential, and Kemp Harr discuss the strategic focus of Mohawk's aligned meeting last week in San Antonio, Texas. Listen to the interview to hear more about Mohawk's investment in product and training and its "Turn the Page" focus for 2010.
December 4, 2009—Attorney Randy Pollack, Government Affairs Liaison for the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss pending legislation in California that could regulate as many as 10,000 chemicals that are routinely used in consumer products like carpet. Listen as Pollack discusses the Green Chemistry Alliance and its role in trying to get California to adopt a practical regulatory process that won't cause extraordinary hardship on manufacturers.
December 3, 2009—Bethany Richmond, Communications Manager with the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss the effectiveness of CRI's blog and the mission behind this effort. Listen to the interview to hear Bethany talk about what she hopes to achieve with this blog and also what's important to consider before starting a blog of your own.
December 1, 2009—Ron Greitzer, President of LA Fibers and Reliance Carpet Cushion, and Kemp Harr discuss the new Stainmaster Ecosoft fiber carpet cushion that is made from post consumer recycled nylon 6,6 carpet fiber. Listen to the interview to hear Ron, who is well known as one of the largest recyclers of PCR carpet, talk about the benefits of this new carpet cushion and how it not only provides an outlet for used nylon 6,6 fiber but also provides the industry with a value priced high performance pad.