Flooring Podcast

BrandBiz’s Paul Friederichsen on The Little Blue Book of Advertising – Part 3

March 26, 2007—Paul Friederichsen, President of Brand Biz, in the final part of a three-part series, reviews the book, The Little Blue Book of Advertising by Steve Lance and Jeff Woll. In this segment Friederichsen talks about the process of learning about your customer and the about the products you sell, about keeping advertisments current, the chapter of the book entitled, “Tell ‘em, Sell ‘em and Tell ‘em again”, and advertisng sales.

NWFA’s Ed Korczak on Life Cycle Analysis - Part 1

March 26, 2007—Ed Korczak, Executive Director, National Wood Flooring Association, in the first part of a two-part series, discusses the association’s efforts in the area of life cycle analysis. Korczak talks about the rationale behind the project, the elements that make up the analysis, including the production of co-products and by-products in the manufacturing process.

BrandBiz’s Paul Friederichsen on The Little Blue Book of Advertising – Part 2 (10:35)

March 25, 2007—Paul Friederichsen President, Brand Biz, in the second part of a three-part series, reviews the the book, The Little Blue Book of Advertising by Steve Lance and Jeff Woll. In this segment Friederichsen talks about knowing your own brand nd becoming aware of the real image consumers have of you brand. He also talks about knowing the features and benefits of the products you sell and advertsing as a member of a buying group or as a mill affiliate.

Barker on the Market (22:28)

March 24, 2007—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management further discusses the Fed’s decision earlier this week to leave interest rates unchanged, the nuances of the statement issued by the fed and the ensuing reaction by economists, the media and the market. Barker also talks about the deepening problems in housing market and situation in the subprime mortgage market, crude oil prices and the pending earnings season.

BrandBiz’s Paul Friederichsen on The Little Blue Book of Advertising – Part 1 (11:11)

March 23, 2007—Paul Friederichsen, President of Brand Biz, in the first part of a three-part series, reviews the book The Little Blue Book of Advertising by Steve Lance and Jeff Woll. Friederichsen expands on some of the ideas in the book, such as thinking “Within the Box” and developing better methods of measuring the results of advertising and focusing on the customer and on a broad range of consumers.

Mike Barker on the Fed (8:06)

March 22, 2007—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management, discusses the Fed’s announcement to leave interest rates unchanged, the statement that accompanied the announcement and the conflicting news coverage that followed.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill and the Week in the Flooring Industry

March 21, 2007—Frank O’Neill, Co-Publisher of Floor Focus Magazine, looks back over the week in the floor covering industry discussing the Kohlberg Kravis Roberts bid for Armstrong, the other private equity firms and companies that are expected to place bids and the possible outcomes if KKR, the owner of a 50% stake in Tarkett, were to succeed in the auction. O'Neill also discusses Pfleiderer reaching nearly 99% of Pergo shares in its tender offer for the company and how this acquisition may change the laminate landscape in North America. Also discussed: Dave Wootton’s pending retirement from Columbia Flooring and the new president, Greg Pray and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice's acquisition of ServiceMaster.

CRI’s James Beach on CEU

March 20, 2007—James Beach, Sr. Manager, Communications, Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), discusses the association’s recently launched continuing education unit (CEU) program offered in conjunction with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The courses allow professionals to acquire accredited hours for participation. Beach outlines the courses offered including: Carpet Construction, Dye Methods and Testing Methods, Introduction to Carpet Specification and Carpet Maintenance.

Flooring America President, Vinnie Virga – Part 2

March 20, 2007—Vinnie Virga, President, Flooring America, from the Flooring America convention in Dallas, in the final part of a two-part series discusses the Flooring America brand in the marketplace, attracting consumers to members' locations, developing consistency among member’s marketing messages and how the organization recommends floor space allocation in members' stores. Virga also discusses installation industry-wide by looking at Flooring America members' operations, the company’s approach to environmental friendly products and the need for members to consider expansion.

Flooring America President, Vinnie Virga – Part 1

March 19, 2007—Vinnie Virga, President, Flooring America, from the Flooring America convention in Dallas, in the first part of a two-part series, discusses the the meetings and events that makeup the convention, the marketplace in 2006 and 2007, the performance of the company’s members and his view that Flooring America gained share last year. Virga talks about the changes at Home Depot and his expectations for the future, changing consumer wants and retailer alignments with both buying groups and manufacturers.