March 9, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss: The trials and tribulations of Martha Stewart and their effects on the flooring industry; Berkshire Hathaway’s and Shaw’s 2003; Faus’ intro of DuPont laminate at Home Depot; Former Environmentalists employees going out on their own.
March 7, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses Friday’s unemployment report, Wall Street’s reaction to the report, this economic recovery verses prior recoveries from a jobs standpoint and the political element. Barker also looks at the Fed’s potential reaction to the news and the relationship of the jobs report and interest rates.
March 4, 2004—Julius Shaw, Exec. VP Shaw Industries, discusses Shaw’s performance during 2003, the company’s asset purchase of the Dixie Group and Formica, potential acquisitions in the future, carpet and otherwise and the company’s 2003-0 4regional dealer meetings.
March 4, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management looks at today’s unemployment report and Wall Street’s expectations in this politically charged election year. Barker discusses the effects the jobs report could have on the markets and on other economic factors.
March 3, 2004—Julius Shaw, Executive VP Shaw Industries in the first part of a two-part series discusses Shaw’s performance in 2003, the company’s asset purchase of the Dixie Group and Formica, potential acquisitions in the future, and the company’s 2003-04 regional dealer meetings.
March 2, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss The Carpets Plus/Color Tile annual meeting; Ulf Mattisson’s resignation from Tarkett and the restructuring of the company’s global businesses; A potential buyer of Pergo and; The 4th quarters of Lowe’s and Home Depot and their expansion in the floor covering sector
March 1, 2004—Sam Green, Director Sales, North America, Kronotex discusses the company’s plans to build a manufacturing facility in Barnwell, South Carolina, the capacity of that plant and the types of products it will produce. Also discussed the expansion of the company’s distribution assets and importance of branding in laminate arena, the affects of the Formica asset sale and the expansion of Shaw and Mohawk in the category.
February 29, 2004—Paul Friedrichsen, Exec. VP, The Hauser Group, in this ongoing series on branding and advertising discusses recent Lowe’s TV ads that focus on competing with independent retailers. Friedrichsen also evaluates some current flooring industry ads including ones by Quick Step, Karastan and Shaw Rug and the value of the Formica brand.
February 26, 2004—From the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), President Werner Braun and Director of Communications Joan Seelaus discuss the formation of the World Carpet and Rug Council, its members, purpose, and its first meeting at Surfaces ‘ 04.
February 26, 2004—John Himes, Director, Hardwood, Mannington, in the final part of a two-part series, discusses the company’s launch of bamboo flooring, making the company the first major manufacturer to embrace the category. Joining us in this conversation, sustainability expert Jon Dougal, CEO, Sustainable Design Associates.