Flooring Podcast

Patti Fasan Discusses Ceramic Tile Design Trends and Product Innovations at Coverings 2009

April 23, 2009—Patti Fasan, an international design consultant for the industry and Tile of Spain's Ceramic Tile Consultant, and Kemp Harr discuss the latest design trends in ceramic tile. Patti talks about the differences in per capita use of ceramic tile in Europe compared to the U.S., along with the latest innovations in texture and printing techniques. Listen to the interview to hear more about what's new in the world of ceramic tile.

Donato Grosser at Coverings 2009 Discusses Italian Tile Marketshare

April 22, 2009—Donato Grosser of D. Grosser & Associates (a consultant for Ceramic Tiles of Italy), and Kemp Harr discuss the most recent statistics for Italian tile imports and the North American construction market. Listen to the interview to get more details about a recent article that Donato wrote about the North American construction market.

Ohio Retailer Gary Frankhouse, Jr. Discusses Benefit of Benchmarking

April 21, 2009—Gary Frankhouse, Jr., a full line flooring retailer in Galion, Ohio, and Kemp Harr discuss the benefits of conducting a benchmarking analysis whereby a retailer can compare his results with other similar retailers across the country. Listen to the interview to hear more details on this process.

Alan Beaulieu, Economist with ITR, Provides Insight on Economic Situation

April 20, 2009—Alan Beaulieu, economist with the Institute for Trend Research, and Kemp Harr discuss the current state of the economy and the indicators to watch for more insight on when the economy will recover. Listen to the interview to hear Alan's thoughts on the strength of the U.S. economy and the differences between Ronald Reagan's and President Barack Obama's economic strategies.

Tony Sturrus Discusses Clarion Laminates and His New Role as President

April 14, 2009—Tony Sturrus, President of Clarion Industries, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's marketing approach for its laminate and coreboard (panel) products. Listen to the interview to hear more about Clarion and Tony's new role. Before joining Clarion Tony was President and CEO of Pergo. Prior to Pergo Tony was President of Baldwin Hardware. (approx. 7 minutes)

Bill Griese at TCNA Discusses Environmental Initiatives

April 13, 2009—Bill Griese, Green Initiatives Manager for the Tile Council of North America, and Kemp Harr discuss the environmental advantages of using ceramic tile as a floorcovering. Listen to the interview to hear about the new environmental section in the 2009 Handbook and the efforts that are being made to include tile in the LEED standards with USGBC and similar green standards within the NAHB.

Scott Carothers on CTEF Certification for Tile Installers

April 10, 2009—Recorded earlier this week at the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, Executive Director Scott Carothers and Kemp Harr discuss recent changes and momentum in the foundation's installer certification program.  Listen to the interview to hear more about this, the foundation's source of funding and the overall mission of the organization.

Eric Astrachan of the Tile Council of North America Discusses Market Trends

April 9, 2009—Recorded at the Tile Council of North America's headquarters in Clemson, S.C., Executive Director Eric Astrachan and Kemp Harr discuss the latest trends in the North American tile market.  Listen to the interview to hear how tile is doing versus other flooring surfaces and how the distribution channels and price points are changing.

Don Finkell on Delays of Implementation of the Lacey Act

April 8, 2009—Don Finkell of Anderson Floors tells Kemp Harr about the phased in enforcement schedule of the new amendment to the Lacey Act, which is designed to keep illegally harvested hardwood from entering the U.S. market. Listen to the interview to find out just how much imported wood is entering the country and how the enforcement of the act could help level the playing field for domestic producers.

Glenn Feder Discusses Highlights of This Month's Coverings Show in Chicago

April 6, 2009—Glenn Feder, president of National Trade Productions (host of Coverings), and Kemp Harr discuss the 2009 Coverings show scheduled for April 21-24 in Chicago. Listen to the interview to hear Glenn talk about the diverse mix of keynote speakers and other helpful information for attendees of this annual tile and stone show.