February 9, 2009—In an interview conducted at Surfaces 2009, Tom Lape, President of Mohawk's Residential business, and Kemp Harr discuss the details and strategies behind Mohawk's acquisition of the Wear-Dated brand from Solutia.
February 6, 2009—Recorded last week, Scott Wheeler, co-founder of Wheeler Distributing (a division of JJ Haines) discusses his retirement announcement.
February 5, 2009—Recorded last weekend at his annual meeting, David Elyachar, founder of Big Bob's, discusses the strategic changes the members are making to grow their business in this current economy.
February 2, 2009—Recorded on Friday, Ralph Boe, CEO; Patricia Flavin, VP Marketing; and Jeff Meadows, VP Sales discuss Beaulieu's sucess with Bliss over the last six months and the changes they're making to this program for 2009. Listen to the interview to hear about Patricia's seminar at Surfaces and more details about Bliss. Bliss by Beaulieu was launched at Surfaces 2008 after the company researched what women look for when purchasing carpet.
January 30, 2009—Kermit Baker, chief economist with the American Institute of Architects, and Kemp Harr discuss the AIA Billings Index for January, which edged up slightly, the healthcare and education sectors of the market, the new Obama stimulus package, and Baker's seminar at the Surfaces expo in Las Vegas next week.
January 29, 2009—Mohawk, Columbia Flooring and Century Flooring have all earned Phase 2 certification from the California Air Resources Board, the first wood brands to achieve both levels of certification. Listen as Kemp Harr talks with Dewevai Buchanan, vice president of hardwood flooring for Unilin, and Karen Shoemaker about this unique achievement.
January 28, 2009—Noel Irizarry, Dow's Flooring Business Director, talks to Kemp Harr about their new market facing business strategy for the Flooring Industry. Listen to the interview to hear more about Dow's products and the strategic decisions they are making to mean more to their customers.
January 22, 2009—Rita and Monica discuss the traffic and highlights of this year's Domotex show in Hannover Germany - the largest flooring trade show in the world. Listen to the interview to hear more about the U.S. companies that exhibited, the new acoustic forum and the Contract World annual awards.
January 21, 2009—Frank Hurd, VP at the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss a new coalition of trade associations that represent the interior furnishings market sector here in the U.S. Listen to the interview to hear their proposal to offer consumer and commercial tax incentives as part of President Obama's new stimulus package. At this stage of the process, the group is asking industry leaders to contact their Representatives and communicate their support for this stimulus initiative.
January 19, 2009—Aaron Pirner, owner of Cap Carpets (based in Wichita but with stores in 5 other markets) discusses his expansion in St. Louis. Listen to his interview with Kemp Harr where he talks about what it takes to be success at retail in this economy.