Flooring Podcast

Al Smith, Ohio Retailer, Protests Loss of Business Loan by Camping on Store Rooftop

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.

Eric Nelson Discusses New Modular Tile Cutting Process that Eliminates Waste

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.

 

Marc Ammen, New CEO at Universal Fibers, Discusses the Challenges He Faces

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.

Dick Miller Discusses Davis and Davis Acquisition of Glen Eden Carpet

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.

Werner Braun Discusses Recent News of Development of New Carpet Installation Standard

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.

Jay Smith Discusses Changes at FloorExpo and Upcoming Meeting

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.

Jeff West and Kemp Harr Discuss Whether Broadloom Carpet is Greener than Modular

July 24, 2009—Due to a recent article in Buildings Magazine that questioned whether modular carpet was a truly sustainable product, Jeff West, Director of Sustainability with Shaw, and Kemp Harr discuss this topic.  Listen to the interview to hear some of the inaccuracies of this article and the green benefits of modular versus broadloom (approx 8 min)

David Knight Discusses What FloorScore Certification Means to Teragren's Bamboo Flooring Business

July 23, 2009—David Knight, President and CEO of Teragren, and Kemp Harr discuss how their new FloorScore certification sets them apart from the other bamboo flooring suppliers. Listen to the interview to hear more about Teragren, their focus on bamboo building materials and how FloorScore certification helps their clients qualify for indoor air quality LEED points.

Charles Monroe Discusses CMC's New ColorPoint Tufting Technology

July 22, 2009—Charles Monroe, President of Card Monroe, and Kemp Harr discuss CMC's newest tufting innovation called ColorPoint, which allows carpet mills to create woven looks with the speed and flexibility of tufting.  Listen to the interview to hear about the three new models and the hospitality focused mills that have recently purchased this new type of tufting equipment

Franco Rossi Discusses Aquafil's PCR Fiber and Expanded Color Line

July 21, 2009—Franco Rossi, General Manager for Aquafil USA, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's two new nylon 6 carpet fibers with recycled content. Listen to the interview to hear more about Aquafil's eco-nyl yarn, its expanded color line and its expanded relationship with Monticello.