FLOORtalk

Fred Reinhart, partner at Reinhart Carpet Outlet and Havertown Carpet Co., discusses the succession plan he initiated two years ago and how he now works within the company as a partner. He also discusses how training with the company has worked over the years and the importance of benchmarking. Reinhart also talks about the plans the company has for the future.

Fred Reinhart, partner of Reinhart Carpet Outlet and Havertown Carpet Co., talks more about the new in-home operation the company has opened in the Philadelphia suburbs, elaborating on the sample methods they have adopted and how they have implemented a different sales approach than their urban location. Reinhart also discusses some of the problems they encountered with the startup, the commercial business the company does, how they have been able to attract commercial business, and the new operation's the online advertising.

Fred Reinhart, partner at Reinhart Carpet Outlet and Havertown Carpet Co., describes the Reinhart Carpet Outlet, stocking warehouse operation, its history, and the decision to open a second location in a Philadelphia suburb as well as the preliminary preparation for that location. Reinhart talks about his customers and the product offerings at both locations and the preparation of the salesforce for the new location. He also discusses its history as a Shaw Aligned Dealer and the advantages he gained from that relationship.

Joseph Thompson, vice president of marketing for BuildDirect, discusses the growth of online floor covering sales during 2016 and anticipated growth for 2017. He also compares the company’s sampling programs to the viewing of product in-store. Thompson also discusses website features that consumers react to, the importance of a mobile-friendly website, the changing viewpoint of suppliers, and what BuildDirect’s future holds.

Joseph Thompson, vice president of Marketing for BuildDirect, discusses the BuildDirect organization and its history, the various categories of heavy building materials products it offers, and the logistics solutions it has developed to bring these products to its customer-base made up of consumers and contractors. Thompson also talks about the company’s mission.

Joseph Thompson, vice president of Marketing for BuildDirect, discusses the BuildDirect organization and its history, the various categories of heavy building materials products it offers, and the logistics solutions it has developed to bring these products to its customer-base made up of consumers and contractors. Thompson also talks about the company’s mission.

Bob Peoples, executive director of Carpet America Recovery Effort, (CARE), from the 15th annual CARE Conference, discusses the global factors depressing the price of caprolactam and those involved in the development of new products from post-consumer carpet. Peoples also talks about some of the factors in the association’s revised plan to be submitted to CalRecycle.

Bob Peoples, executive director of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), from the 15th annual CARE Conference, discusses the turnout and the stakeholders including collectors and processors, carpet manufacturers, machinery producers, fiber producers, and government entities. Peoples also talks about the California Carpet Stewardship Program, the purpose of which is to increase the recycling of carpet within California, and some of the problems, such as balancing the statuary requirements of the state against the low price of petroleum and CalRecycle’s rejection of CARE’s recently-submitted 5-year plan.

Donato Pompo, president of Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants, discusses some of the most important developments in the ceramic sector in 2016, including the increased emphasis on training to answer the challenge of a marked shortage of qualified installers throughout the industry. Pompo discusses the University of Tile and Stone, its efforts, and its online courses that bring training to the industry. He also discusses difficulties installation training entities across the board are having in attracting candidates and some possible solutions to the problem.

Vinnie Virga, CEO and founder of Floors and More Buying Group, which includes Floor to Ceiling and Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet, discusses each of the entities in the group and his plan to develop an additional buying group in the flooring industry, and how the plan expands the group’s appeal to additional consumers. Virga also talks about retailers that are prime potential members of the group and some of the programs Floors and More is offering to retailers.