Flooring Podcast

From NeoCon, Dan Frierson, Chairman & CEO, The Dixie Group (6:30)

June 21, 2006—From NeoCon, Dan Frierson, Chairman & CEO, The Dixie Group talks about the company’s Masland Commercial unit, NeoCon 2006, the launch of the company’s first carpet tile line, and expectations for carpet tile industry-wide. Frierson talks about the rapid growth the company experienced last year, the problems that ensued and the resulting actions taken in the form of a new tufting operation and distribution center to resolve those problems. Also discussed is the company’s focus on the high-end in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Armstrong’s Paul Pierce on New Looks in Commercial Vinyl (14:20)

June 21, 2006—Paul Pierce, Product Design Manager, Armstrong World Industries, from NeoCon 2006, discusses the show, the company’s message to architects, designers and facility managers at the show, the dramatic changes in resilient flooring over the past decade and the impact the growth in ceramic, wood and other hard surface categories have had on vinyl during that time period. Pierce talks about new looks in vinyl and the integration of a range of styles, colors and textures in today’s installations and the new products being introduced by the company at NeoCon.

From NeoCon 2006, Mike Gallman, President & CEO , Blueridge (13:23)

June 21, 2006—From NeoCon 2006, Mike Gallman, President and CEO, Blueridge talks about the company and establishing the Blueridge brand in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Gallman discusses and the industry’s shift to fashion-driven products, the 26 products introduced by Blueridge at NeoCon, the company’s move to Antron Lumina and the new tufting technology acquired by the company that has permitted it to introduce very bold and dramatic patterns and textures. Also discussed is Neocon 2006 the show, this year’s attendees and how they shop. Gallman also discusses the industry’s recent price increases.

From NeoCon 2006, Gerald Bogue, VP, Sales, InterfaceFLOR (14:24)

June 21, 2006—From NeoCon 2006, Gerald Bogue, VP, Sales, InterfaceFLOR, discusses the company’s recent rebranding initiative and the rationale behind the change, and the company’s branding promise, “Mission Zero”. Bogue, discusses the company three new product introductions in both the commercial and residential FLOR unit including the 1968 collection. Bogue also discusses the company’s “Cool Blue” backing and his expectations for industry-wide growth in modular carpet and the growth modular in non-corporate market segments.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill and the Week in the Flooring Industry (33:16)

June 20, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Publisher Floor Focus magazine discusses: sustainability at NeoCon 2006; StonePeak’s new Chicago showroom; his trip to Sweden to visit two Tarkett manufacturing facilities; the state of California's move to require 10% recycled content in carpet purchased for state buildings and; the triumph of Big Bob’s Flooring retailer Kody Sorenson, of Sandy City, Utah, who one his battle with the local government who attempted to force him to remove the American flags from his retail location.

Tom Rennie Reviews NeoCon 2006 - Part 1 (11:14)

June 18, 2006—Tom Rennie, TLR Consulting, in the first part of a four-part series, reviews NeoCon 2006, discussing what will likely be a record-setting turnout and the increase in serious buyers at the show, and the possible reason for these increases. Rennie discusses the sizeable rollout of modular carpet at the show and its significance, the expansion of modular in each of the commercial market segments and he shares his views on what flooring products both hard soft that modular carpet is displacing. Also discussed is modular carpet’s fit in non-corporate applications,

Tom Rennie Reviews NeoCon 2006 - Part 2 (12:54)

June 18, 2006—Tom Rennie, TLR Consulting, in the second part of a four-part series, reviews NeoCon 2006, discussing the importance of modular carpet offerings to the industry’s carpet manufacturers, the growth the product category has enjoyed in the past several years, the factors behind that increase and his expectations for its further expansion. Rennie also discusses the heightened degree of style and design in both modular and broadloom carpet and the resulting deemphasizating of face weight and other physical properties and the pent-up demand market for commercial flooring.

Tom Rennie Reviews NeoCon 2006 - Part 3 (11:10)

June 18, 2006—Tom Rennie, TLR Consulting, in the third part of a four-part series, reviews NeoCon 2006 discussing the elements of the show that impressed him the most, including the greater use of piece dyable nylon, verses solution dyed nylon, the advantages it offers and the reasons, why he feels this is a growing phenomon in many market segment and the wide-spread use of bright yarns as accents. Rennie talks about Tandus’ new sampling method called, “Blink Book” and he shares his thoughts on Invista’s new fiber, Antron Brilliance.

Tom Rennie Reviews NeoCon 2006 - Part 4 (12:28)

June 18, 2006—Tom Rennie, TLR Consulting, in the third part of a four-part series, reviews NeoCon 2006 the major players in the modular carpet field, his view on Shaw’s expansion in the field, the reasons behind that growth and the potential the company has for becoming the industry’s carpet tile leader. Rennie talks about Shaw’s design award winning “Silk” and the high style products introduced at NeoCon by Mohawk’s Lee unit and by Interface, the sustainability story at the show and the impact Shaw’s Evergreen unit will likely have on the industry.

Domco VP Sales & Marketing Stephan Guindon – Part 1 (13:50)

June 18, 2006—Stephan Guindon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Domco in the first part of a two- part series, talks about the Domco unit of Tarkett, its focus, its channels of distribution and how the operation fits within Tarkett. Guindon discusses the vinyl market of 2006 and the changes that have occurred within the sector over the past several years, the company’s approach with retailers and how retailers can most effectively sell vinyl.