Flooring Podcast

Mike Barker's Year-End Look at the Market

December 29, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management sums up the market of 2004 and discusses the dynamics of the December bounce-back, the effects of volatile oil prices and the Fed’s actions to hike interest rates ont he market. Barker also looks at the jump in consumer confidence and its effect on the market, Washington’s focus on Social Security, Mohawk’s announced delay in its 4th earnings release and the legend that says years ending in 5 have historically been strong performers.

John McDevitt – The Economy, Past, Present & Future

December 22, 2004—John McDevitt, former 3M corporate economist discusses the current business climate, the 4% growth of rate in 3rd quarter GDP and his forecast for 2005 GDP. McDevitt also looks at the present and shares his 2005 forecast for consumer spending, the manufacturing sector as well as housing and construction. He also examines the weak dollar and the Federal Reserve and offers his forecast on where both the funds rate and the dollar will be at the close of 2005.

Frank O’Neill – The Week in the Floor Covering Industry

December 21, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss the growth of Marazzi in Russia and China; The CRI’s Green Label Plus program receiving the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award; The Floor Focus Facility Managers Survey; And Home Depot’s second Manhattan location.

Starks & Schramm on Space Technology in the Carpet Industry

December 20, 2004—Lloyd Starks, Key Master Technologies and Fred Schramm, NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center discuss x-ray fluorescence technology (XFL), a technology that was co-developed by NASA and KeyMaster Technologies and they also discuss a collaboration involving XFL between NASA and CRI that could revolutionize carpet maintenance.

Geoff Kulesa of ServiceMagic.com

December 19, 2004—Geoff Kulesa, Director of Marketing, Service Magic - an Internet-based service that matches consumers with a wide variety of contractors, including floor covering installers and cleaning companies. Kulesa discusses the growing service market, the company’s plans for the future, its relationship with retailers and the company’s parent, IAC also the parent of LendingTree, Expedia and Hotels.com.

Hanley Wood’s Michelle Troop Previews Surfaces ‘05

December 16, 2004—Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director, Surfaces, Hanley Wood, provides a preview of Surfaces 2005, discussing the number of exhibiting companies, the amount of exhibit space occupied and advanced attendee registrations. Troop discusses the dynamics of Surfaces 2005, in the second year of Shaw and Mohawk regionals, and also the events accompanying the Surfaces, including the conference program, the Town Hall Meeting, Installation Showcase and the WFCA’s B2B presentation.

Barker on the Market

December 15, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management characterizes today’s market and discusses the market’s reaction to the recent drop in oil prices. Barker also looks at the Federal Reserve’s recent rate 0.25% hike and the Fed’s accompanying statement and talks about how why mortgage rates are dropping as the federal funds rate is increasing. Also discussed is the re-emergence of the IPO, Mohawk breaking ninety and the Santa Claus affect.

Frank O’Neill – The Week in the Floor Covering Industry

December 14, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss: The Faus Group’s launch of the new brand, Faus Floor; The closing of an Armstrong wood plant in Arkansas and the company’s request in Bankruptcy court for $9 million for bonuses for key employees; Mohawk’s $33 million expansion, Shaw’s last PVC run; Tandus' 3rd quarter earnings; RD Weiss’ acquisition of three more Invironmentalists units; And Summitville’s emergence from Bankruptcy

Paul Friederichsen & Advertising on the Internet

December 13, 2004—Paul Friederichsen, EVP, the marketing and advertising firm, The Hauser Group discusses advertising on the Internet looking at the differences between print and Internet advertising. Friederichsen discusses how to select the most productive sites, budget considerations, directory advertising such as Yellow Pages and also the do’s and don’ts of developing banner ads.

Propex Fabrics’ Rush Clark

December 11, 2004—Rush Clark, VP Supply Chain & Acting VP Sales, Propex Fabrics, discusses the recent acquisition of this former BP, Amoco Fabrics unit by three firms investment firms, the Sterling Group, Genstar Capital, and Laminar Direct Capital. Clark talks about the firm’s goals and expectations, options that will now be open to the independent company, possible areas of expansion including non-polypropylene options and expansion outside carpet backing.