Flooring Podcast

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill – Looks Back at Surfaces 2006

February 7, 2006—Floor Focus magazine publisher Frank O’Neill looks back at Surfaces 2006, the attendance, which unofficially was record-setting and the factors responsible for the turnout. Also discussed are retailer comments, the show’s exhibitors and the most impressive presentations at the show, the new-comer exhibitors, downstairs at the Sands and the most outstanding product introductions at this year’s show, the Las Vegas Market and the WFCA’s new rollout, Creating Your Space website.

WFCA's Chris Davis On Creating Your Space, a Internet-Based, Consumer Information Source

February 6, 2006—From Surfaces 2006, in the first part of a two-part series, Chris Davis, President of the World Floor Covering Association discusses “Creating Your Space” a completely new undertaking by the association. “Creating Your Space” is a new website that will seek to inform and assist consumers in the market for floor covering. The goal of the site is to instill confidence in the consumer and assist in making informed product selection by providing unbiased information and advice, and then to connect them with WFCA member retailers in their area. Davis discusses the details of the plan, how retailers can be a part of the project and the association’s goals for the site.

From Surfaces 2006 - Beaulieu of America’s Bouckaert and Boe

February 5, 2006—From Surfaces 2006, Carl Bouckaert, Chairman, Beaulieu of America Chairman and Beaulieu President Ralph Boe discuss the year 2005 in the carpet industry, Surfaces 2006 and the company’s redefined mission as well as its focus for the future. Bouckaert and Boe discuss the consumer and retailer surveys and “mystery shops” conducted by the company, the products rolled-out at Surfaces and their expectations for 2006.

From Surfaces 2006 - Unilin CEO, Frans De Cock

February 5, 2006—From Surfaces 2006, Unilin CEO, Frans De Cock discusses the U.S. and European laminate market and the competitive aspects and pricing history of both markets, the Mohawk/Unilin deal and what it has meant to Unilin. De Cock also looks back at Domotex and discusses Surfaces 2006 and the company’s approach to the U.S. market, the company’s U.S. new facility and the products introduced at Surfaces.

Mike Barker Looks at the Market

January 30, 2006—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the events of the market since the first of the year, the importance of the Dow breaking the 11,000 mark, the earnings season and his assessment of the earnings reports to date. Barker also discusses GM and Ford and their effects on the market, the slowing of the housing market, the Fed and when it will stop raising rates, the retirement of Alan Greenspan and his expectations for oil prices in the future.

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.