FLOORtalk

Like most flooring installations, the first step to successful carpet seaming and pattern matching is proper preparation. Industry veteran and expert on the topic Robert Varden, vice president of CFI, shares what he’s learned along the way, from his years of installing and instructing, to get these installations right the first time around.

The National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT) held their first in-person training in Columbus, Ohio at the end of July. We talked to chairman of the board, Sonny Callaham about the goals of this newly formed group and how the first training went.

Jim Buckles, industry consultant, discusses borrowing, the dos and don’ts and the discipline of borrowing.

Lis Calandrino, industry expert, business coach and trainer, talks about ways floor covering retailers can develop contacts within the real estate sector to help them serve as an expert in assisting realtors solve flooring problems.

Derrick Daye, managing partner, The Blake Project, a strategic brand consultancy, discusses steps retailers can follow to establish their brand with targeted customers in their local market.

Mannington Commercial President Tom Pendley discusses the acquisition of AtlasMasland, the commercial floor covering business of The Dixie Group, and his outlook for commercial flooring.

Scott Levy, president, Arley Wholesale, looks back at Coverings 2021 and discusses the ceramic industry post COVID-19 lockdown in regards to sales and product availability.

Chris Ramey, president, The Home Trust International and Affluent Insights, discusses the 2021 Coverings and National Wood Flooring Association shows. Plus, Ramey talks about how retailers can become more upscale.

Attorney Marty Silver talks about lawsuits most often filed in the floor covering business and he offers advice to retailers on handling disputes.

Stuart Hirschhorn, research director, Catalina Research, discusses the economy, the housing and remodeling markets and its effects on the manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors of the floor covering industry.