October 14, 2020--Mike Beavers, general manager with Flaherty’s Flooring America, and Kemp Harr discuss branding strategies for independent retailers and discuss Mike's perspective on the supplier brands in the floorcovering business. Listen to the interview for more details from this seasoned brand story teller.
October 13, 2020--Mark Bischoff, CEO of Starnet, and Kemp Harr discuss the co-op's health, outlook and shift in strategic focus based on supply chain issues and communication disruption within the A&D community. Listen to the interview to learn more about where the group intends to focus based on the current dynamics in the contract flooring market.
October 9, 2020--Pat Molyneaux, co-owner of Molyneaux Tile Carpet and Wood in Pittsburg, and Kemp Harr discuss the magnitude in the shift in consumer spending toward home improvements and the success his independent retail flooring chain is having with a shop at home strategy. Listen to the interview for more details. Pat is an NFA member.
October 8, 2020--Paul Pleshek, executive director of the National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT), discusses this brand new flooring trade association's mission to train and certify flooring installers, inspectors and retailers. Listen to the interview for more details.
October 7, 2020--Hector Narvaez, VP of Sales with Dal-Tile, and Kemp Harr discuss Home Depot’s recognition of Quictile as a finalist in their 2020 innovation awards. Listen to the interview for more information about the product and Dal-Tile’s business.
October 5, 2020--Jonathan Witt, President of Oriental Weavers USA, and Kemp Harr discuss the state of Jonathan's rug business in light of the virus and the major contribution that Mohamed Farid Khamis made to the global rug business. Listen to the interview about Mr. Farid who passed away in September at the age of 80.
October 1, 2020--Michelle Winters, Co-owner of New Braunfels Flooring, and Kemp Harr discuss Michelle's Texas Flooring store and the Facebook page she has created called Women of the Flooring Business. Listen to the interview to hear the history and strategy for both the store and the Facebook page.
September 29, 2020--Evan Hackel, CEO with Tortal Training, and Kemp Harr discuss the outlook for growth in the commercial remodel sector of the flooring business in light of the number of franchisees who won’t make it through the downturn created by shifts in the economy due to COVID-19. Listen to the interview for more details. Evan worked for CCA Global for 20 years.
September 28, 2020--Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Floor, and Kemp Harr discuss Republic Floor’s history, focus, route to market and aggressive growth plans. Republic is a six year old company that imports SPC LVT, laminate and engineered hardwood flooring.
September 25, 2020--Jay McDonnell, president of Custom Carpet Centers in western New York state, and Kemp Harr discuss business conditions in Jay's market and the benefits of being part of the NFA. Listen to the interview, taped at the fall NFA meeting in Savannah, for more details.