Flooring Podcast

FloorExpo President Jay Smith – Part 1

March 22, 2006—Jay Smith, President, FloorExpo unit of CCA Global Partners, in the first part of a two-part series, discusses this organization - the nation’s largest residential flooring contractor organization - and the builder and multifamily markets it serves. Smith talks about FloorExpo’s membership, changes within the contractor sector, the company’s HomeSolutions and MultiFamily brands, trends within both market segments, the dynamic of upgrading, and the goals of the organization.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill on Propex & Armstrong’s and Shaw’s Wood Moves

March 21, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus’ discusses: The naming of Joe Dana as been President & CEO, Propex Fabrics, replacing Ed Stanczak; Armstrong’s two hardwood acquisitions Capella Engineered Wood and HomerWood and the company’s announced partnership in a engineered wood plant in China as well as the wood flooring market in general and Armstrong’s place within it; The conversion of a Shaw yarn plant into a engineered hardwood plant; The official opening of Mohawk’s yarn facility in Bennettsville South Carolina.

Bart Bettiga Exec. Dir. NTCA on the Ceramic Industry, Contractors and Coverings '06

March 20, 2006—Bart Bettiga - Executive Director, National Tile Contractors Association and Chairman of Coverings 2005 discusses some of the changes that have occurred in the ceramic tile industry and the shortage of qualified tile installers that the industry is facing. He also talks about the movement of carpet, wood and vinyl installers towards ceramic and the expansion taking place within many of the nation’s tile contracting firms, he also shares his expectations for further changes in this arena and discusses the electronic technology level within the contracting sector and the industry in general. Bettiga also previews looks at Coverings 2006.

CRI President Werner Braun on Deep Cleaning Systems Testing and the School Forum

March 16, 2006—Werner Braun, President, Carpet & Rug Institute, (CRI) discusses the newest phase in the association’s Seal of Approval program, the testing program for Deep Cleaning Systems, talking about the test procedures and the performance criteria of the test. Braun also talks about a forum that the association will be taking part in, in a school system in Hartford Connecticut where some parents were leading a movement to remove carpet from the school building. Braun also discusses the associations up coming Issues Conference, scheduled for April 12.

Barker on the Lorberbaum Family’s 10b5-1 Plan & the Market

March 16, 2006—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the Lorberbaum family group, which is headed by Jeff Lorberbaum, and their plan to sell some of their share in the company via a rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Barker also talks about what’s behind the 'up' state of the market this week and why the market has appeared to forget about the Fed. Barker also looks at the affects of this week’s economic reports and especially the housing start numbers and rising energy prices on the market.

NTP President Tamara Christian Previews Coverings 2006

March 15, 2006—Tamara Christian, President, National Trade Productions, and Show Manager of Coverings 2006, scheduled for April 4 - 7, 2006 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, previews the show discussing the venue and her expectations of attendee turnout. Christian talks about the various groups that attend the show including; distributors, retailers, architects, designers, fabricators, installers and people from the building and remodeling industry, the conference program and the events surrounding the show.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill on Dixie, Distribution and the FloorWars

March 14, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill discusses The Dixie Group’s 4th quarter and year-end results: The expansion of Herregan Distributors’ Quick•Step territory and changes within the distribution sector including the importing of hardwood and ceramic; An upcoming Floor Focus article entitled, "FloorWars Home Centers vs. The Independents", written by Santo Torcivia, about the market share growth of the home improvement sector over the past 10 years.

Jon Dougal on Surfaces and Environmental Products

March 13, 2006—Jon Dougal, Senior Editor of iGreenbuild.com, discusses the product introductions at Surfaces 2006 from an environmental standpoint looking at the appeal of the industry’s residential products to a sustainable-oriented consumer. Responding to an unscientific poll he conducted among exhibitor sales reps with at the show, Dougal also talks about the general awareness levels that reps have about their company’s environmental policies. Also discussed is the market for environment floor covering products in the residential market plus consumer’s attitudes on recycling.

Mike Leary & Lashon McGinnis on Shaw’s Fiber Unit

March 12, 2006—From Shaw Industries, External Fiber Sales and Marketing, Mike Leary and Lashon McGinnis, discusses this unit, which had been Honeywell, its transition into the Shaw organization and the unit’s presence at Surfaces. Also discussed are the company’s plans with the Anso and Zeftron brands going forward, the unit’s relationships with its retailer affiliates and its relationship with other carpet producers in the industry.

Barker on the Market

March 9, 2006—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the two upgrades Mohawk received last month and he also looks at the nervous condition of investors and the resulting performance of the market over the past few weeks as well as the prime factors driving the market. Barker also discusses energy prices and their affects on the market, the Federal Reserve and his thoughts on where interest rates are headed and short- term factors affecting the market as he also offers some insight for 401K investors.