Flooring America/Flooring Canada has appointed six new members to its advisory council.
The council provides insight and guidance on programs, products, and short and long-term planning from the perspective of the retailers in their regions and communicate back to their fellow members about the strategies, details and benefits of current and future offerings from the co-op. Council members are selected for their dedication to the cooperative and proven track record of business success.
"Our advisory council has always been vital to our overall success, and in keeping our strategies in line with what our members need to succeed," said Keith Spano, president of Flooring America/Flooring Canada. "This past year, the co-op and the unprecedented immediate needs of our members was more important than ever before. The Advisory Council was key in helping us quickly react to assist the co-op members with help securing PPP loans, shifting to virtual and online selling practices and so much more. As we move forward, they are there to help us provide the best service possible to our members."
The 14 member council meets periodically throughout the year to advise senior management and help shape the direction of programs developed by the flooring retailer cooperative.
The new members are:
Vylett Cross of Ed’s Flooring America in Plaistow, New Hampshire (two locations in Plaistow and Hooksett, NH)
Flooring America member since 2003
Vylett is a second-generation Flooring America owner, running her family’s business alongside her father, Ed Cross and brother, Jacob Cross. Their Hooksett, NH store was one of the first Vision 2008 test stores, and a pilot store for digital tags. She grew up in the flooring industry, working in the business for the past 20 years in a variety of positions. "Working a range of positions within the company has allowed me to learn and experience the industry on many levels; from working in the office, to unloading trucks in the warehouse, to working the sales floor at the showroom. Being a stockholder in our company now has allowed me to be part of the ownership and what daily tasks that job handles,” she said.
Casey Dillabaugh of Dillabaugh’s Flooring America & Design in Boise, Idaho (three Flooring America locations)
Flooring America member since 2000
Casey is also a second-generation owner, taking over the reins from his father, Cal Dillabaugh. He oversees three Flooring America stores and opened a Floor Trader location in 2019. Dillabaugh’s is known for consistent top performance and for a very robust community engagement program called Dillabaugh’s Restores – Hope Love Community (https://www.dillabaughsrestores.com/ ). Casey also serves on the Flooring America/Flooring Canada Board of Directors.
Bobby Merideth of Flooring America in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Flooring America member since 2000
Bobby Merideth is known as an early adopter of the latest technologies and systems offered by the co-op. He has been in the industry since 1991 and took the helm of his family’s business when his father retired. “I have been in the industry since 1991 having managed the multiple roles of a family-owned business. I learned years ago that our environment is ever-changing, and our ability to adapt is crucial to our survival.”
Bonnie Modling Fenwick of Flooring America of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida
Flooring America member since 2010
Bonnie Fenwick is no stranger to the CCA Global family –her family’s business in North Florida has included a Carpet One location since 1995. The family’s business portfolio now includes a new Flooring America location in their Jacksonville hometown. “As a 12-year-old, my dad put a tape measure in my hand, and I walked new construction jobsites with him gaining a love for the industry. I have worked as an RSA, sales manager, and am currently President of our Corporation. Working in all aspects of the business has given me an understanding of what it takes to be successful in this industry.” Bonnie was on the Retail Drive 2.0 focus group, and previously served on the Advisory Council for Carpet One.
Jana Flory of Kring’s Interiors in Lawrence, Kansas
Flooring America member since 2005
Jana brings vast interior design expertise to her new post on the Advisory Council. In her 23 years at Kring’s Interiors, she’s built a team of five designers. “I started out part time while completing my Interior Design Degree. In 2012, we reorganized some positions, and I became the Sales Manager and hired my own team of five interior designers. I also do all the advertising, product procurement and merchandising for our store. Since hiring my team we have more than doubled our gross sales as a store.”
Ed Smith of Poiema Flooring America in Kalispell, Montanna
Flooring America member since 2016
Ed Smith brings a rich background to his new post as member of the Advisory Council. Ed started as an installer apprentice in 1978 before moving into a full-time installer – eventually moving into sales. “I became a partner of Stone Mountain Carpet Outlet as well as maintaining my Carpet One management/sales, always a top producer in million-dollar sales per year. I did leave the retail side of things for a short one-year stint as a distributor rep for Wanke Cascade, this was a treasure trove of information of how 30 retailers ran their businesses. I began the process of purchasing Poiema Flooring America where I’d previously been an employee in July of 2016. Since then, we have grown from $800,000 per year to close to the $3 million mark.”
For more information, visit flooringamerica.com.
