Flooring Podcast

Dalton Retailer Randy Beckler on New Carpet Technology that would Replace Latex – Part 3

August 27, 2007—Randy Beckler, CEO, Dalton-based retailer Beckler’s Carpet, in the final part of a three-part series, discusses a completely new technology, which he is involved with, that includes a new adhesive that would replace latex and a new material that would replace woven polypropylene as a secondary backing in the manufacturing of carpet. The adhesive is a polyurethane and catalyst combination which is less costly then the present combination and it does not require an oven in the manufacturing process. Carpet manufactured with this new technology is not affected by cold temperatures, its more flexible than standard carpets, its lighter in weight, emits no odor or VOCs, its less abrasive, easier to install and dramatically reduces delamination because it produces a stronger bond that the carpet currently being produced, which promises to dramatically reduce claims.

Milliken Floor Covering’s Russell Grizzle on “Respect Our Earth Day” (26:41)

August 25, 2007—Russell Grizzle, President, Global Floor Covering Division, Milliken & Company, discusses Milliken’s “Respect Our Earth Day” which is taking place today and is being celebrated at the company’s carpet unit headquarters in LaGrange, GA. Grizzle discusses the company’s Energy Conservation Initiative, which focuses on reducing energy consumption, emissions and related water use by: Increasing awareness among the company’s associates at home and work; By focusing on alternative sources of energy resources; By applying innovative technological advances to lower consumption; and by registering the company’s facilities as green builds with LEED. Grizzle also discusses the company’s recently announced plan to open its first manufacturing facility in China, where it will produce modular carpet for the country’s commercial marketplace.

Barker on the Market (16:47)

August 24, 2007—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management discusses the market since the extreme volatility of last week and the Fed’s action cutting the discount rate last Friday. Barker talks about the Fed rate cut, its proactive stance and the market and financial community’s reaction. Also discusses is the upcoming Fed meeting in September and the arguments in favor of and against a rate cut at that meeting. Barker also discusses the housing market and his outlook, which does not see at recovery anytime soon.

Dalton Retailer Randy Beckler on the Dalton Retail Scene - Part 2 (11:47)

August 24, 2007—Randy Beckler, CEO, Dalton-based retailer Beckler’s Carpet, in the second part of a three-part series, discusses the year 2007, the company’s sizable facility in Dalton, the trend away from carpet and toward hard surface in the U.S. and his affiliation with a major mill. He discusses the company’s practice of buying hard surface products from Chinese producers, the competitive nature of being a Dalton retailer and Beckler’s move toward technology. Beckler discusses the company’s showroom, his efforts to increase sales of higher-end carpet products, his advertising philosophy and his approach to installation.

Dalton Retailer Randy Beckler on the Dalton Retail Scene - Part 1 (16:16)

August 23, 2007—Randy Beckler, CEO, Dalton-based retailer Beckler’s Carpet, in the first part of a three-part series, discusses the Beckler’s operation. its history and how the Dalton retail scene has changed in recent years. Beckler discusses the competitive situation in the Dalton area, his Connector 3 location, the best in the Dalton area, which has 15 other floor covering retailers within walking distance. Also discussed is how the region’s retailers have moved toward the internet in recent years. Beckler talks about any advantage that Dalton area retailers may have, the negative perception many of the nation’s floor covering retailers have toward them, which was brought to the forefront by a Today show broadcast that originated from the Beckler showroom and his reaction to those retailers.

Carpet One President Evan Hackel on Promotions and Sustainability – Part 5 (8:29)

August 22, 2007—Evan Hackel, President, Carpet One Floor & Home, in the final part of a five-part series talks about the recent Carpet One Summer convention held in Cincinnati discussing the CCA Global program sustainability initiative called Green Select, the next progression for the company’s Muddiest Buddies promotion and some of the coop’s advertising and promotion plans for the fall as well as the Carpetone.com website and the CCA, BlueLinx logistical program as well as Carpet One’s expansion plans.

Floor Focus’ Kemp Harr, the Week in the Flooring Industry (33:34)

August 22, 2007—Kemp Harr, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine looks back that the past week in the floor covering industry discussing: The Shaw Vision Retreat for designers; The $20M expansion at Faus Group’s Calhoun, Georgia facility, which will see the addition of a milling line and four presses; Lowe’s second quarter earnings and a comparison with Home Depot’s results; The July foreclosure rate, which nearly doubled; The increase in the National Association of Realtors Commercial Leading Indicator for Brokerage Activity in the second quarter; The plan for a new carpet mill, which will produce carpet for Japanese auto producers in the U.S.; The CFI convention and the revamping of Karastan’s installation program.

Carpet One President Evan Hackel on New Programs at Carpet One – Part 4 (9:06)

August 21, 2007—Evan Hackel, President, Carpet One Floor & Home, in the fourth part of a five-part series talks about the recent Carpet One Summer convention held in Cincinnati and about Carpet One’s 5-year plan, which was a prime focus of the convention. Hackel discusses the new programs rolled-out at the convention including programs involving store design, merchandising and marketing as well as a program called “Destination Carpet One”.

Barker on the Fed’s Discount Rate Cut (15:57)

August 20, 2007—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management discusses the Fed’s actions Friday when it cut the discount rate by 0.5%. He talks about reaction in the world’s markets to last week sell-offs in U.S. markets and the timing of the Fed’s cut, the message sent by the size of the cut and how the move effects how the financial markets view Fed chairman Ben Bernanke. Barker discusses the market’s reaction to the cut, the approach of Bernanke verses former Fed chairman Greenspan and how the cut will likely be interpreted.

Carpet One President Evan Hackel on Competition and Competiting – Part 3 (11:58)

August 20, 2007—Evan Hackel, President, Carpet One Floor & Home, in the third part of a five-part series Hackel talks about the recent shifts a Home Depot and shares his expectations as to the outcome of the home improvement retailer’s floor covering operations. Hackle discusses the competitive environment and some of the retail sector’s mid-tier and online operations and how Carpet One can best compete with these organizations, he also discusses his expectations for these players going forward.