Interview With Big Bob at Annual Meeting
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.
Flooring Podcast
Beaulieu leadership team discusses Bliss for 2009 and Surfaces
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.
Kermit Baker on January Architectural Index, Stimulus Package and Surfaces Seminar
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.
Unilin on Recent on CARB Standard Compliance
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.
Noel Irizarry on Dow's new Flooring Business
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.
Rita Dommermuth and Monica Arnold Discuss Highlights of Domotex 2009
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.
Frank Hurd on Furnishings Economic Stimulus Coalition
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.
Aaron Pirner on St. Louis Floor Trader Expansion and Tips for Retail Flooring Success
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.
Rock Hardin at PadTech Enters Outdoor Rug Market
January 15, 2009—Rock Hardin, co-owner of PadTech, and Kemp Harr discuss a new outdoor rug product that PadTech has developed called Patio Artistic Designs. PadTech is a Dalton based company that has traditionally made underlay products for carpet, laminate and engineered hardwood. Listen to the interview to hear more about this new product.
Scott Humphrey Discusses Shaw Flooring Alliance Conference Held This Week in Orlando
January 14, 2009—Scott Humphrey, Shaw's Manager for their Aligned Dealer Program, and Kemp Harr discuss this week's meeting in Orlando. Held, every other year, this family oriented gathering allows Shaw to nurture their relationship with the retailers that have chosen to join this network. Listen to the interview to hear the highlights of the meeting including Warren Buffet's comments on the U.S. economy.