FLOORtalk

Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, based in Suwanee, Georgia, recently transformed into an employee-owned company. Donny Phillips and Frank Winter recently shared insights with FLOOR Trends & Installation about why they created employee stock ownership plan and what it means for the future of their business.

David Gross, executive director, INSTALL, shares his experience, how he came to land in a union organization and provides next steps for flooring installers who are interested in moving into another role within the flooring industry.This editorial podcast is brought to you by:

Bona’s Matt Casey, director of professional marketing and the Bona Certified Craftsman Program, has been with the company for nearly two decades. During that time, he has witnessed a multitude of contractor challenges as well as the evolution of new product solutions. He details the current state of sustainability in the wood products industry, offering a few tips on how to work smarter not harder.This editorial podcast is brought to you by:

Architect Scott Faucheux is an expert at bringing magic to retail environments. Having worked on concepts for Urban Outfitters and Anthropology, Faucheux is now creative director at TPG Architects. Learn what he has to say about the role flooring plays in the design of retail spaces. This editorial podcast is brought to you by:

In recognition of Interface's 50th anniversary, Chip DeGrace, director of design purpose, reflects upon the history of carpet tile and Interface’s accomplishments to date, and he looks towards the future of flooring design.

Recently, The Home Depot announced it had expanded its Path to Pro program to include both English and Spanish. Jenna Arca, director of workforce development, fills us in on the Path to Pro program and what this expansion means for the current and future labor pool.

At the recent grand opening, Luiz Brito, CEO, Portobello America, talked about the new U.S. facility and its impact on the local economy, how they moved forward during the pandemic, and what’s in store for 2024.

"The flooring industry saved my life," said Dottie Bonn, owner, A Girl's Flooring Company. Bonn, a tile-setter by trade, has been installing all types of flooring for 22 years. Listen as Bonn details her rough start into flooring installation, how she overcame obstacles, and how she is helping other women do the same.

Mike Kelly, account manager with Synergy Flooring and a FCICA Certified Installation Manager, led a session titled Planning the Flooring Job for Success at the recent CFI/FCICA convention where he presented best practices for planning a flooring installation project, including construction plans and scope of work to project scheduling and closeout.

Ralph Grogan fills us in on his new role as commercial president for the Meridian Adhesives Group Flooring Division, which includes Taylor Adhesives, and shares what he anticipates for the adhesives and the commercial flooring markets in 2024.