FLOORtalk

Chad Ogden, president and CEO of QFloors, talks about the latest development from QFloors, its new web-based, cloud technology designed to run in a browser, which he calls the next evolution in the industry. Ogden says it will change how things are done and how software is used. The added flexibility is substantial, according to Ogden; it can be used on any device anywhere, noting it makes for a greatly-enhanced user experience with fewer clicks and things to do, enabling employees to love their software.

Chad Ogden, president and CEO of QFloors, talks more about the effects of advances in industry-specific software in the retail sector, including the introduction of more user-friendly, graphical, and easier-to-learn Windows-based software. Ogden discusses the major effect being more and more retail employees performing their daily tasks via computers, adding efficiency and reducing errors. Referring to a report from the WFCA, Ogden notes that 3,000-4,000 retailers are presently using industry specific software. Also discussed are the problems retailers always encounter during growth cycles that can be effectively managed by software.

Chad Ogden, president and CEO of QFloors, discusses some of the most significant changes in industry-specific software over the years and the improvements this has brought to the independent retailer, permitting them to track elements of their business not possible before. Ogden talks about the first software developed for the retail sector in the 80s, offered in a non-graphical user interface in DOS or UNIX based to be followed by more user-friendly, graphical and easier-to-learn Windows-based software. Also discussed is the advent of B2B in the industry along with its advantages and the fact that, as these developments occurred, prices began to decline and smaller retailers were able to afford software offerings.

Anthony LaGreca, CEO andowner Bissell BigGreen Commercial, discusses the profit potential available to retailers from offering cleaning and maintenance equipment and competing with online merchants. He also discusses commercial maintenance equipment and the OSHA requirements for more robust models, the need for commercial machines in some homes, as well as the assistance available from Bissell in commercial situations.

Anthony LaGreca, CEO and owner of Bissell BigGreen Commercial, discusses the advantages of selling cleaning and maintenance equipment for both hard and soft surfaces. He contends that retailers can effectively compete with big box stores by presenting themselves as experts in cleaning and maintenance. LaGreca also discusses the special requirements needed to sufficiently maintain soft carpets, which are available with Bissell equipment.

Dev O’Reilly, founder and CEO of Roll Master, talks about efficiencies, profitability and a need to integrate web-based technologies and other factors responsible for retailers electing to adopt industry specific software. O’Reilly discusses the variety of tools that are available with Roll Master and the range tools from other developers that can be incorporated into Roll Master. He talks about the training and support the company makes available to retailers and the latest improvement that have been incorporated into Roll Master software.

Dev O’Reilly, founder and CEO of Roll Master, discusses the Floor Covering Business to Business Association (FCB2B) and the advantages it provides retailers in terms of efficiency, enhanced consumer experiences, and profitability. O’Reilly talks about type of functions that can be conducted over FCB2B, the rate of adoption on the part of retailers, features that have been added to the platform over recent years and why many feel that major manufactures have not elected to encourage retailers to conduct business through the system.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and 5-Star Store Reviews, discusses Google My Business and the benefits of various offerings from Google, which most retailers fail to take advantage of. He also talks some of the free offerings from Yelp. Also discussed is how Google as collected large amounts of data and is moving towards artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and 5-Star Store Reviews, discusses Google My Business and the perks available to flooring retailers on this free and easy-to-use tool that helps manage a business's presence on the internet. Simonson reviews the elements of Google My Business and the benefits retailers can reap by taking advantage of this tool, how it helps retailers engage with the consumer, and the information requested by Google to take part.

Sandy Montero, Floor Trends magazine, looks back at TISE 2018, the turnout and the makeup of the attendees, the mood, and the exhibitors. Montero also looks at the new products rolled out and the educational events that took place during the show.