January 8, 2009—Jim McIntosh, VP/GM of Tuftex of California, and Kemp Harr discuss the launch of their new Disney Carpet Collection. Listen to the interview to find out why this may be one of the most visionary carpet collections introduced this year. For those dealers that pick it up, it offers differentiation that if properly promoted will increase store traffic.
January 7, 2009—Eric Demaree, President of Carpet One Floor & Home, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of their winter convention held this week in Dallas, Texas. Listen to the interview to hear more about the convention and what it takes to be successful at retail in the current economy.
December 23, 2008—Kermit Baker, chief economist with AIA and a senior research fellow at Harvard University, discusses the economy with Kemp Harr. Listen to the interview to hear more about the commercial construction market, government bailouts and what needs to happen in early 2009.
December 22, 2008—Ed Korczak, CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the recent consolidation of the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association. Listen to the interview to hear details about this and also some recent statistics about the hardwood flooring market.
December 19, 2008—Dave Gheesling, CEO of FloorExpo, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights from FloorExpo's recent annual meeting in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Listen to the interview to hear how this organization of flooring contractors is doing and what their focus is for 2009.
December 12, 2008—Bentley Park and Bill Goodman with Universal Fibers talk about their progress in being able to recycle post consumer nylon 6,6 back into new carpet yarn in a process they call EarthSmart Technologies. Listen to the interview with Kemp Harr to hear about Universal's Chinese yarn plant expansion and what effect the recent decline in the price of crude oil has on the price of nylon.
December 11, 2008—Jeff Carrier, Director of Sustainability for the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss the new NSF-140 carpet standard and CRI's new comprehensive Sustainability Report.
December 10, 2008—Al Penny and Kemp Harr discuss Al's future plans for Montecello International and his personal background in the flooring industry prior to the acquisition. Listen to the interview to hear more about Al's international experience and his plans for merging this new acquisition into his existing business.
December 9, 2008—Manny Llerena, VP of Retail Marketing at Mohawk, and Kemp Harr discuss the 10th anniversary celebration at this year's Floorscapes convention. Listen to the interview to hear more about Jeff Lorberbaum's opening remarks on the economy, this year's Solutions theme, the unveiling of the Customweave brand and their other guest speakers.
December 8, 2008—Taniya Nayak, from HGTV's Designed To Sell, and Kemp Harr discuss her role as spokesperson for Mohawk's new CustomWeave collection. Listen to the interview to hear about Mohawk's target audience and more details about the collection.