Flooring Podcast

McDevitt and the State of the Economy

March 2, 2006—John McDevitt, former 3M corporate economist, now in semi-retirement, assesses the economy and the economic news of the most recent 30 days. McDevitt discusses: 4th quarter GDP, the reasons behind the quarter’s softness and he also shares his forecast for growth in the 1st quarter and how business people can best read GDP numbers. McDevitt also talks about personal income and spending and the potential undesirable outcome of a negative savings rate, the consumer confidence index and its importance in reading the overall economy, the housing and construction markets, the Fed and future rate hikes, the manufacturing sector and his forecast for 2006 and beyond.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill on Mohawk’s Interface’s & Armstrong’s 4th Quarter

March 1, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus’ discusses; Mohawk’s fourth quarter and year-end earnings and the company's results by segment; Interface’s move to a profitability in the fourth quarter and growth in the modular arena; Armstrong’s fourth quarter results and progress by segment; Surfaces 2006’s record breaking show; and the Las Vegas Markets’ first winter market.

Tarkett Commercial President Gilles de Beaumont on 2005 Growth and the Future

February 28, 2006—Gilles de Beaumont, President, Tarkett Commercial, North America, in a conversation recorded at Surfaces 2006, discusses the growth and new directions taken by the Tarkett organization in 2005 and the acquisitions of Field Turf and Johnsonite, their products and goals and how they fit within Tarkett. de Beaumont talks about the process the company follows with regard to bringing European products into North America the company’s future acquisition and growth.

Neal Gray, VP Sales & Marketing, Vitromex USA

February 28, 2006—Neal Gray, VP Sales & Marketing, Vitromex USA, in a conversation recorded at talks about this Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico-based ceramic producer, the company, the roll out of it new porcelain products and its plans in the U.S. Gray also discusses the company’s U.S. distribution, its plans for the future and he also offers some guidance for floor covering retailers becoming involved in ceramic.

Sonna Calandrino -- Selling the “Lux” & High-End Markets

February 25, 2006—Sonna Calandrino, President, Sonna & Company and Fabulous Floors magazine Publsiher talks about the importance of branding and the “lux” market, actuating to products and accents that make a customer's purchase special, which do not necessarily cost a great deal more. Calandrino also discusses the trend toward the introduction of more high-end products across all categories, and she also reveals some of the more effective ways retailers can boost sales of “better” and high-end products.

Mohawk Industries 4Q Conference Call

February 25, 2006—Excerpts of Mohawk Industries fourth quarter earnings conference call, featuring an opening statement from Mohawk Chairman & CEO, Jeff Lorberbaum followed by a question and answer period with answers provided by Lorberbaum and CFO, Frank Boykin.

Invista’s Alan Wolk & Steve Griffith on the New Logo and Media Campaign

February 22, 2006—Alan Wolk, President, Interiors, Invista and Steve Griffith VP, Residential Flooring, Stainmaster Carpet, in a conversation recorded at Surfaces, discuss the company’s new Stainmaster logo and the process and market research that led to its development. Also discussed is the company’s new media campaign and the campaign’s goals, the products rolled-out by the company’s mill partners at Surfaces, the changing environment in the industry’s fiber sector and the extension of the Stainmaster brand into non-carpet flooring and furniture sector.

President, Kaindl USA, Steve Mone

February 22, 2006—Steve Mone, President, Kaindl Flooring USA, in a conversation recorded at Surfaces 2006, discusses the Kaindl company, its position in the global laminate market, its private label history in the U.S. and the launch of the Kaindl brand. Mone outlines the company’s upscale approach to the North American market, its unique “better, best and luxury” product groupings and its upscale product and merchandising offerings at Surfaces.

Retailers Donny Phillips and Riley Gazzaway

February 22, 2006—Retailers Donny Phillips and Riley Gazzaway, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, in an interview recorded at Surfaces 2006, discuss their retail business, Surfaces 2006, how they prepare for and shop the show and whether they also attend Shaw and/or Mohawk events. Phillips and Gazzaway also discuss the year 2005, Atlanta Flooring Design and how its product selections and sales floor have changed, how the company utilizes technology the its growth plans for the future.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill on the Week in the Floor Covering Industry

February 21, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine discusses: Home Depot’s fourth quarter earnings report and the progress the company has made in 2005 and the company’s plans to expand its online efforts; Pergo’s move to profitability in fourth quarter; Beaulieu Canada’s decision to produce laminate and wood flooring products and distribute Berry laminate products in New England; And the closing of a kiln at Dal-Tile’s Olean, New York plant.