Flooring Podcast

Julius Shaw, EVP, Shaw Industries – Part 5 (13:01)

August 9, 2006—Julius Shaw, Executive VP, Shaw Industries, in the final part of a five-part series discusses the collection and processing functions of the company’s Evergreen carpet reclamation unit, how dealers will be involved and the time-table for the unit to be fully operational. Shaw talks about the volume of post consumer carpet that will be required to operate the facility, proprietary elements of the process and the products, both residential and commercial that will most likely be the targets for this recycled nylon fiber.

Jon Dougal on Reclaiming Post Consumer Carpet – Part 1 (16:44)

August 9, 2006—Jon Dougal, sustainability expert and Principal at Sustainable Design, in the first part of a two-part series looks at the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) program, a carpet industry-wide initiative to reduce post consumer carpet in the nation’s landfills. Dougal discusses some similar programs in other industries, including Armstrong’s ceiling unit, inherent problems that reclamation programs encounter and the impact that rising energy and other prices is having on the concept of reclamation. Also discussed is the viability of waste-to-energy efforts as a part of carpet reclamation efforts.

Jon Dougal on Reclaiming Post Consumer Carpet – Part 2 (17:34)

August 9, 2006—Jon Dougal, sustainability expert and principal, Sustainable Design in the second part of a two-part series discusses carpet reclamationand where it fits within what he calls "the new economy," an economy that increasingly calls upon the use of bio-fuels and new uses for post-consumer waste as a raw material. Dougal expands on the concept of waste-to-energy initiatives on a number of fronts, including the carpet industry. He also discusses a recent bill introduced in the Senate that would offer tax incentives to recyclers.

Analyst Keith Hughes Looks at Mohawk's & The Industry's 2Q - Part 1 (15:99)

August 9, 2006—Keith Hughes, director in Equity Research, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, in the first part of a four-part series, discusses the flooring industry’s and Mohawk Industries' performance during the second quarter. Hughes also comments on the stepping down of Robert Shaw as CEO from Shaw Industries, results from Mohawk Industries’ Mohawk segment, the home building sector and the affects raw materials price increases are having on the industry during the quarter and his expectations for the future.

Floor Focus Co-Publisher Frank O’Neill

August 8, 2006—Frank O’Neill, co-publisher, Floor Focus magazine discusses: Shaw Industries’ 2Q revenue as reported by Berkshire Hathaway; The retirement of Ed Williams, Mohawk sr. vp, marketing; The NAR announcement that it expects housing sales to stabilize for the remainder of the year; Martha Stewart’s settlement with the SEC; Shaw’s trucking fleet and its partnering with the EPA SmartWayK program; Faus Groups new international patents; and the industry’s reclamation efforts.

Floor & Décor Outlet of America’s CEO Mike Froning – Part 3 (15:35)

August 7, 2006—Mike Froning, president & CEO, Floor & Décor Outlet of America, in the final part of a three-part series, discusses doing business online, and the company’s plans in this area, conducting business with suppliers online and how consumers use the internet to assist them in shopping for floor coverings. Froning talks about the industry’s suppliers and how doing business with them is changing, dealing with foreign suppliers, the product areas that have seen the most growth in the past year and Floor and Décor’s goals.

Julius Shaw, EVP, Shaw Industries – Part 2 (16:20)

August 7, 2006—Julius Shaw, executive VP, Shaw Industries, in the second part of a five part series expands on the recent announcement concerning Robert Shaw stepping down of the company’s CEO. Also discussed is the retirement of Julian Saul as Shaw Industries’ president and the role that he played within the company. Shaw also discusses the performance of the industry and the company during the second quarter, resets at Home Depot and the company’s first hardwood flooring manufacturing facility in Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Julius Shaw, EVP, Shaw Industries – Part 1 -(16:32)

August 6, 2006—Julius Shaw, executive vp, Shaw Industries, in the first part of a five part series discusses the stepping down of the company’s CEO Robert Shaw, and the defining of Robert Shaw’s role within the company going forward. Julius discusses Robert Shaw’s role in building Shaw Industries, including the emphasis he has always placed on education and executive development. Julius Shaw also discusses some of the potential paths that future long-term strategic planning may take.

Mohawk Industries 2Q Conference Call - Part 4 (17:31)

August 3, 2006—The fourth part of a five-part series presenting excerpts from Mohawk Industries second quarter earnings conference call. Featured in this segment are excerpts from the opening statement as delivered by Mohawk chairman & CEO, Jeff Lorberbaum and parts of the Q&A session with answers provided by Lorberbaum and Mohawk CFO, Frank Boykin

Floor & Décor Outlet of America’s CEO Mike Froning – Part 2 (13:47)

August 3, 2006—Mike Froning, president & CEO, Floor & Décor Outlet of America, in the first part of a three-part series, discusses more about the company’s view as to how consumers prefer to shop for floor coverings, the consumer purchasing cycle, the steps of the cycle and their views on managing installation. Fronings looks at Home Depot’s less than positive experience in flooring of late, his views on consumer spending trends and his expectations for the 3rd and 4th quarters and the company’s mission of being the lowest price option in the markets it serves.