Flooring Podcast

Wanda Ellis Previews FloorTek Expo 2005

April 27, 2005—Wanda Ellis, Executive Director, American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA), previews FloorTek Expo, a Dalton, Georgia-based show that focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of floor coverings and well as the ancillary products, equipment and technologies used within the industry. Ellis reviews the exhibitors taking part in the show, which is scheduled for May 17-19 at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center, the equipment and machinery that will be on display during the show and the events surronding the show including an awards dinner.

Frank O’Neill Reviews the Weekly Events of the Flooring industry

April 26, 2005—Frank O’Neill looks back at the week in the floor covering industry, discussing Mohawk’s 1st quarter earnings; Home Depot’s decision to expand its Floor Store unit in Dallas; Italian ceramic company Graneti Fiandre launching StonePeak Ceramics with a U.S manufacturing facility in Tennessee; Invista's Launch of Antron with StainResist and Nourison’s decision to open a permanent showroom at the Las Vegas World Market Center.

Hosking Hardwood & Payless Floors President Jeff Hosking

April 25, 2005—Jeff Hosking, President of Hosking Hardwood and Payless Floors discusses this 65 year old company, its transition into Internet retailing and the rapid expansion of its brick and mortar operation in the Northeast. Hoskins talks about marketing over the Internet, competing in the hardwood arena, his growth plans for the future and his experiences as the hardwood flooring expert for the PBS show “This Old House”.

Mohawk Industries 1Q Conference Call

April 24, 2005—Excerpts of Mohawk Industries 1st 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.

Mohawk Industries 1Q Conference Call Financial Report

April 24, 2005—The financial report segment of the Mohawk Industries 1st quarter earnings conference call delivered by Frank Boykin.

Sam Green Talks about the New Kronotex Plant – Part 2

April 21, 2005—Sam Green Director of Sales, Kronotex USA, in the second part of a two-part series discusses the company’s new facility in Barnwell, South Carolina, the products that will be manufactured at the new plant, the employment situation at the plant and changes in the company’s approach once that facility has been completed. Green also looks at Asian produced laminate products, their general quality level and the affects they are having on the U.S. market.

Warner Braun and Dealing with Carpet Urban Legends – Part 1

April 21, 2005—Werner Braun, President, Carpet & Rug Institute offers some science-based ideas on dealing with some of the frequent misconceptions consumers have about carpet. Braun offers information on how retailers and retail salespeople can deal with consumer objections involving asthma, VOCs and the cleanability of carpet.

Paul Friederichsen Tackles Truth in Advertising

April 20, 2005—Paul Friederichsen, President, Brand Biz, tackles the topic of truth in advertising discussing a frequent approach taken by major advertisers, that of purposefully seeking to mislead consumers. Friederichesen answers the question: Why is total honesty not a core corporate belief, along with a corporate commitment to sustainability and social responsibility? During the conversation some examples of truth in advertising will be aired from the movie "Crazy People" with Dudley Moore.

Sam Green Looks at the Laminate Market and the New Kronotex Plant - Part 1

April 19, 2005—Sam Green Director of Sales, Kronotex USA, in the first part of a two-part series, looks at growth in the laminate sector in 2004 and 1st quarter 2005 and evaluates the changing marketplace. Green discusses the company’s new facility going up in Barnwell, South Carolina, the products that will be manufactured at this new plant, the employment situation at the plant and changes in the company’s approach once that facility has been completed. Green also looks at Asian produced laminate products, their general level of quality and the affects they are having on the U.S. market.

Frank O’Neill on Pergo’s New President & the Laminate Sector

April 19, 2005—Frank O’Neill looks at the changes that have occurred within Pergo this past week including the resignation of Göran Bernhoff as president and CEO, the naming of Tony Sturrus to those posts, the stating of the company’s strategy and its 1st quarter earnings. Also discussed is the growth in laminate production facilities being erected in U.S by European laminate producers including Kronospan, which has selected Alabama for its site and the NAHB decision to relocate the International Builders’ Show in 07 & 08.