Al Maghes, President of NAFCD, From Annual Conference
October 30, 2008—Al Maghes and Kemp Harr discuss the state of the distribution sector and proved highlights from this year's annual meeting.
Flooring Podcast
David Wilkerson, Shaw's Director of Sustainability, Discusses Selling Green to Consumers
October 28, 2008—Now in his new role as Director of Sustainability, David Wilkerson talks to Kemp Harr about when and how to position green products to consumers. Listen to the interview to hear more about selling green and whether lower oil prices will have an effect on green initiatives at Shaw.
Kermit Baker, Chief Economist with AIA, Discusses Economic Trends in Commercial Sector
October 27, 2008—Kermit Baker and Kemp Harr discuss how today's Architecture Index relates to historic economic cycles. Listen to the interview to hear more details about why this current dip should be modest in comparison to the commercial construction dip in the early part of this decade.
Don Finkle on How Revisions to the U.S. Lacey Act Will Benefit This Industry
October 24, 2008—Don Finkle, President of Anderson Hardwood, and Kemp Harr discuss the ramifications of the recently revised U.S. Lacey Act which now protects against the import of illegally logged wood. Listen to the interview to hear details about what this will mean to both domestic suppliers and retailers. Don and Kemp also talk about the density and range of species in today's hardwood forests.
Joe Lundgren, Recently Appointed VP of Marketing at Dal-Tile, Gives Overview of Company
October 21, 2008—With Matt Kahny moving up to lead Unilin's North American operations, Joe Lundgren has been promoted to lead Dal-Tile's marketing strategy. Listen to the interview to hear where Dal-Tile's business is today and some of the challenges Joe faces as he takes over in this position.
Chris Davis, President of WFCA on Their New Consumer Flooring Magazine Called Beautiful Flooring
October 17, 2008—Chris Davis and Kemp Harr discuss the World Floor Covering Associations brand new consumer magazine that hits the newsstands on October 28th. Published by Meredith, the new magazine is designed to show consumers how beautiful floors can enhance a home and hopefully motivate them to consider buying new flooring. Listen to interview to hear more details about this magazine.
Piet Dossche at US Floors talks about Dalton, Georgia Expansion
October 15, 2008—U.S. Floors is the parent company for Natural Cork. In this interview, U.S. Floor's owner, Piet Dossche , provided details about their recent $10 million expansion in Dalton, Georgia. Listen to the interview to learn more about Piet's growth plans and market strategy for U.S. Floors.
Paul Murfin, VP Sales, Armstrong Discusses Involvement with Surfaces 2009
October 14, 2008—Paul Murfin and Kemp Harr discuss Armstrong's decision to move their annual Las Vegas dealer showroom closer to the Sands Convention Center during Surfaces 2009. Listen to the interview to hear more about this and to also get an update on Armstrong's business in 2008.
Reid Childress with Floor Productions on Floor Focus Retail Display Contest
October 6, 2008—In an interview taped last week, Reid Childress and Kemp Harr discuss the specific details of Floor Focus' Annual Retail Display Contest. Retailers are urged to submit their favorite retail showroom display for a chance to win $1000 in prize money. The deadline for entry has been extended until October 8.
Interview with Darius Helm From Cersaie Show Floor in Italy
October 3, 2008—Darius Helm, Senior Editor of Floor Focus Magazine, and Kemp Harr discuss the Cersaie Italian tile show from the show floor in Bologna, Italy. Listen to the interview to hear more about the traffic, tone, new products, and design/color trends.