Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries, touches on the importance of fostering connections with colleges and universities to inspire the youth of today to continue their creative paths. Mark also shares insights on the challenges and innovations in flooring, such as the use of sustainable materials and advanced fiber technologies. He discusses the evolving demands of the hospitality industry, being able to offer something creative and beautiful that also meets functional and performance needs. This episode provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in hospitality design, product innovation, and the flooring industry's future.

Takeaways: 

• Understanding and enhancing the guest's journey is essential. Tailor experiences to make guests feel cared for and welcome.
• Design spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring and relaxing. Consider how elements like flooring can contribute to the overall guest experience.
• Embrace new materials and technologies. For example, using advanced fibers in carpets that repel stains can increase longevity and maintain aesthetic appeal.
• Incorporate sustainable practices, such as using recyclable materials in flooring, which can enhance the brand's eco-friendly appeal and reduce environmental impact.
• Recognize that different segments (hospitality, healthcare, office, etc.) have unique design needs and challenges. Tailor offerings to meet these specific requirements.
• Build relationships with colleges and design schools to attract fresh talent and foster loyalty among future designers.
• Ensure that design choices consider maintenance and longevity, making spaces easier to clean and sustain over time.

Quote of the Show:

“ My ideal is that our clients look to us for innovation, for new styling as being the specialists, as being the trend forecasters. We want them to come to us first. ” - Mark Page

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-page-asid-iida-newh-cmg-a83b9b4/ 
• Website: https://mohawkind.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 20:28 - Raiders of the Lost Ark https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raiders_of_the_Lost_Ark 
• 21:59 - Brintons https://www.brintons.net/ 
• 24:20 - LaGuardia https://www.laguardiaairport.com/ 
• 34:34 - BDNY https://bdny.com/ 
• 40:15 - Hirsch Bedner Associates https://www.hba.com/ 
• 40:49 - Baywatch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baywatch 
• 48:57 - Edwards Theaters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwards_Theatres 
• 53:18 - DuPont https://www.dupont.com/ 
• 55:23 - VPI https://www.vpicorp.com/ 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/