Flooring Podcast

Balta US, President, J.P. Kalmeijer

January 28, 2006—J.P. Kalmeijer, President, Balta US, Inc., discusses this European producer of carpet, rugs and laminate and the its Dalton-based operations in the U.S. Kalmeijer talks about the company, it’s history, the rugs and lamination products that it markets in the in the U.S., its distribution channels and its plans for the future. He also discusses Domotex 2006 and the company’s efforts at the show, the European broadloom market as well as his efforts at marketing IVC vinyl in the U.S.

Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition Conference Call

January 28, 2006—Excerpts from a conference call held Friday by the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC). The RSMC announced its formation at the International Builders' Show in Orlando, the organization’s goals are to ensure the communications of more accurate information is communicated about mold avoidance and moisture control. This call was held to build awareness among members of the floor covering industry. The call is hosted by Donald Mueller, VP, R&D, USG Corp., with Dr. Paul Ship, Sr. Member of USG’s research team and Barry Hardman of the National Institute of Building Sciences.

Retailer Fred Reinhart Discusses His Business as a Stocking Carpet Retailer

January 26, 2006—Fred Reinhart, owner of Reinhart Carpet Outlet, a stocking, primarily carpet retailer in Philadelphia and an affiliate of Shaw Industries, discusses the history of his organization, which goes back four generations, the older, working-class area that he serves and the advantages he has as stocking retailer. Reinhart shares his feelings about being a Shaw affiliate, he talks about the Shaw regional that he attended in Atlantic City and how he deals with Home Depot and his other competition.

DIY Radio Show Host Tom Kraeutler on Consumer Problems with Floors

January 25, 2006—Tom Kraeutler, Co-host of the nationally syndicated home improvement radio show, The Money Pit, a program that fields questions and offers home improvement advice to do-it-yourselfers, discusses the topic that produces the most calls and emails, that of flooring. Kraeutler, who tracks questions and concerns by gender, region and project type talks about the most frequent flooring problem calls he receivs, including maintenance problems and looks at the area where homeowners most typically experience problems. Kraeutler also discusses areas where DIY manufacturers might make some improvements of their own, such as in writing instructions.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill - The Week in the Floor Covering Industry

January 24, 2006—Floor Focus magazine publisher Frank O’Neill discusses: Domotex 2006 and the record setting attendance and exhibitor participation, also discussed is the increased U.S. and international involvement in the show; The patent infringement action taken by Unilin at the Domotex; The loss of rail service at Tarkett’s Clarion JV and the recent appoints at Tarkett Residential; Home Depots new growth targets for 2010 and the company move into the gas/convenience store business; And Faus Group naming Onthank as its newest distributor.

From Domotex 2006 – Pacific Solution’s Bob Noe

January 23, 2006—From Domotex 2006 - Bob Noe, Jr., President of floor covering industry-specific software provider, Pacific Solutions and an exhibitor at Domotex, discusses the company’s management and estimating software and laser measuring and digitizing equipment and its application in the U.S. and abroad. Noe also discusses Domotex the show, U.S. retailers and the prime reasons they decide to install industry-specific software.

From Domotex 2006 - Werner Braun & Simon van de Vranda of the World Carpet & Rug Council

January 22, 2006—From Domotex 2006 - Werner Braun, President, Carpet and Rug Institute and Simon van de Vranda, Director, European Carpet and rug Association discuss a meeting of the World Carpet & Rug Council, which had just concluded prior to this conversation, and the areas being addressed by this association of the world’s carpet manufacturer. van de Vranda also discusses the European carpet market and his thoughts of the consolidation process that is ahead.

From Domotex - John Davis, Director International Sales

January 19, 2006—From Domotex 2006 – John Davis, Director International Sales, Shaw Industries discusses the global floor covering industry and the currency-driven changes that have occurred in the sector over the past year. Davis also discusses the competitive situation in European and Asian and specifically the China markets and domestic production in each of those markets. Davis also talks about the intellectual property situation in China and the show Domotex 2006.

Mohawk’s Rich Berkemper from Domotex 2006

January 19, 2006—From Domotex 2006, Rich Berkemper, VP, Mohawk International discusses the changing international marketplace and the markets that have been growing and those that have been flat. Berkemper discusses Mohawk’s approach and how the Unilin acquisition has effected the company’s efforts in the international market, how increases in raw materials prices and effected the market and also the changes in then Chinese market.

From Domotex 2006 – Exhibitor Danny Morgan, President, Perpetual Machine

January 19, 2006—From Domotex, Danny Morgan, President, of exhibiting machinery and engineering company, Perpetual Machine Co., a unit of Textile Rubber, discusses China, India and the areas of the world most active in building new carpetmaking facilities and expanding existing ones. Morgan talks about the types of production manufacturers are adding in various parts of the world and he also discusses Domotex as a venue for machinery and process providers.