Flooring Podcast

Futurist Andy Hines and Planning for the Future – Part 4 (14:17)

July 6, 2007—Futurist, Andy Hines, Director of Consulting of international research firm, Social Technologies, in the final part of a four-part series discusses the work of a futurist, some of the projects he has worked on, some of his basic perceptions of the future, how far into the future his consultations might normally advance and some of his personal insight into the future in areas of societal changes, technology, the corporate world, government, education, and what the floor covering business of tomorrow my look like.

Futurist Andy Hines and Planning for the Future – Part 3 (14:28)

July 5, 2007—Futurist, Andy Hines, Director of Consulting of international research firm, Social Technologies, in the third part of a four-part series discusses the work of a futurist and the process of future mapping and how he works with business executives to develop their foresight skills.

Futurist Andy Hines and Planning for the Future – Part 2 (13:29)

July 3, 2007—Futurist, Andy Hines, Director of Consulting of international research firm, Social Technologies, in the second part of a four-part series discusses the work of a futurist and the various approaches taken when working with clients to assist them in identifying possible new product and service opportunities they might offer, including preparing scenarios for alternative futures, including how the world in which the client operates may change.

Futurist Andy Hines and Planning for the Future – Part 1 (11:49)

July 2, 2007—Futurist, Andy Hines, Director of Consulting of international research firm, Social Technologies, in the first of a four-part series defines the work of a futurist and how works with clients to set foresight strategies.

Trivers on Lumber Liquidators & Empire Carpet – Part 5

June 30, 2007—Jon Trivers, Marketing Wit & Wisdom, FCW Columnist, in the final part of a five-part series shares his thoughts on the where Lumber Liquidators and Empire Carpet will likely be in the next 5 to 10 years. He also discusses Floor & Décor Outlets of America. Trivers speculates at to how Lumber Liquidators and Empire Carpet may influence the reinvention of Home Depot’s floor covering operation and how independent retailers can best compete with these growing retailers.

Barker on the Market (15:42)

June 29, 2007—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management discusses yesterday’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting as he analyses the statement the committee released and its implications for the quarter, the rest of the year and for the market. Barker discusses the further deterioration of the housing market and the subprime mortgage situation, the volatility of this week's market and the upcoming earnings season.

Trivers Looks at Empire Carpet - Part 4 (13:11)

June 28, 2007—Jon Trivers, Marketing Wit & Wisdom, FCW Columnist, in the fourth part of a five-part series discusses Empire Carpet, its dramatic growth in recent years, its size and its unique selling proposition. Trivers also talks about the presence the company has in the markets it serves, its sales reps, the company’s product selection, the consumer segment the company targets, its pricing and, the appeal of the next day installation offer. Trivers also shares his thoughts on how independent retailers can best compete with this dynamic chain.

Trivers Looks at Lumber Liquidators – Part 3

June 27, 2007—Jon Trivers, Marketing Wit & Wisdom, FCW Columnist, in the third part of a five-part series looks at Lumber Liquidators, its product offering, the growth is has enjoyed in the past few years and his expectations for future growth after the company’s IPO. Trivers discusses Lumber Liquidators unique selling proposition, its look into installation and how independent retailers can best compete with the chain.

Floor Focus’ Kemp Harr, The Week in the Flooring Industry

June 27, 2007—Kemp Harr, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine looks back that the past week in the floor covering industry discussing: Mohawk’s asset acquisition of four Columbia Flooring facilities; The opening of the DuPont Tate & Lyle plant in Loudon, Tennessee that produces a key ingredient for Mohawk SmartStrand using DuPont Sorona, made from renewable bio-resources; The record breaking NeoCon 2007 turnout; Interface selling its fabrics unit; And Mohawk University’s revamps website and DCS & WFCA’s Creating Your Space website.

Trivers Looks at Home Depot – Part 2 (14:18)

June 26, 2007—Jon Trivers, Marketing Wit & Wisdom, FCW Columnist, in the second part of a five-part series takes a closer look at Home Depot, the sales of its HD Supply unit and how the sale will affect the operation of the company going forward. Trivers reviews the options open to the company in structuring its installation efforts, the recommendations he would make, the mistakes the company has made in years past and his thoughts about Bob Nardelli and Frank Blake.