September 11, 2009—Thomas Holland, owner of Corporate Floors and Texas Carpet Recycling, talks with Kemp Harr about his recent success in growing his carpet recycling business. Listen to the interview to hear about his recent STAR award, his alliance with CARE and Starnet, and more about his two businesses.
September 10, 2009—Consumer behavior expert Jim Dion and Kemp Harr debate the consumer's attitude and willingness to spend as the U.S. economy shows signs of recovery. Listen to the interview to hear how this psychologist and expert on buying trends predicts the impact this recession will have on American consumers. (9 min)
September 9, 2009—Mohawk is now accepting applications for its Annual GreenWorks Dealer of the Year Award. Listen to the interview to hear Jenny Cross explain how the contest has changed in its second year and what criteria the judges are looking for as they seek a winner. This award will be given to the retailer who excels in profitability, impact on the local community, and sustainability.
September 8, 2009—Elise Demboski, Executive Director of Wools of New Zealand, discusses why wool has seen a recent increase in popularity and how her organization has changed in the last year. Listen to the interview to hear more.
September 4, 2009—Jack Mishkin, renowned carpet designer, and Kemp Harr discuss the current landscape of the upscale residential carpet market. Listen to the interview to hear Jack talk about affluent budgets, the recent increase in wool sales, and new products for J-Mish and Prince Street House and Home.
September 2, 2009—Maryanne Adams, President and CEO of Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, explains how this 13 store chain is able to maintain historic consumer traffic levels even during these tough economic times. Listen to the interview to hear more about Avalon and their recipe for success.
September 1, 2009—David Duncan, VP of Residential Marketing, and Bart Rich, Brand Manager of Soft Surfaces, discuss how Mohawk's SmartStrand carpet performed after 14 days in the Rhino habitat of the Birmingham Zoo. Listen to the interview to hear more about the results and how Mohawk plans to tie this in with dealers and consumers.
August 28, 2009—Don Finkell, President of Anderson Hardwood, and Kemp Harr discuss some of the issues facing the hardwood market. Most of the discussion is around what the market might look like as the economy starts to recover and some of the changes that Anderson is making to be ready for an uptick in the market.
August 27, 2009—Patricia Flavin, head of marketing at Beaulieu of America, tells Kemp Harr about her company's emphasis and success marketing to women, especially through its Bliss brand, as well as details about her company's Million Mile Challenge, in which employees will walk at least a million miles this year to improve their health.
August 25, 2009—Jim Walker, CEO of the Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the CFI's annual conference held last week in Kansas City, Missouri. Listen to the interview to hear about the attendance, the highlights of the show and how the recession is affecting the nation's installer base.