Flooring America recently announced two new members to its Advisory Council. Stephanie Landers of Landers Premier Flooring in Austin, Texas, and Paul Deschenes of Schneider's Flooring America in Vernon, Connecticut, were selected to join the group, representing the perspective of Flooring America's retail members to the leadership team.
They replace outgoing members Marcus Kline of Cloister Flooring America in Lititz and Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and Michele Batye of Dave Griggs Flooring America in Columbia, Missouri.
The Advisory Council meets periodically throughout the year to advise senior management and help shape the direction of programs developed by the flooring retailer cooperative. Members are selected for their dedication to the cooperative and proven track record of business success.
"Stephanie and Paul are joining our Advisory Council at one of the most pivotal times in our history, with the advent of our new selling system, Room to Explore, in stores next year. With projects of this magnitude, it's imperative that we work collectively with our retailers as we move forward," said Keith Spano, President of Flooring America. "We are grateful for their time and expertise and appreciative of all the guidance and input Marcus and Michele put into their tenures on the council."
Stephanie Landers and her husband, John, moved to Austin to open the Landers Premier Flooring showroom 17 years ago. Before that, Stephanie worked in finance and brand management for major international brands, including Hunt Wesson, HJ Heinz, Schering Plough, and Bristol Myers Squibb. John was a rep for Mohawk. Stephanie's extensive business background and John's flooring experience have strongly influenced their success. Her background will also enhance her new role on the Advisory Council.
"My flooring and prior corporate experience combined with input from other members will allow me to be a strong contributor to the Advisory Council," she said.
Paul Deschenes of Schneider's Flooring America in Vernon, Connecticut, brings 30 years of flooring experience to his new post. For the first 19 years, he worked as a commercial flooring estimator, project manager, installation manager, and in sales. For the last 11 years, he has been the General Manager at Schneider's Flooring America, who joined the cooperative in 2000.
"My flooring experience and willingness to diversify make me a great fit for this position," said Paul. He is in the process of buying Schneider's Flooring America from its current owners. "I believe it's not enough to be a member of a group, it's important to be involved in a group. Helping the cooperative, in turn, will help my business and the people in my network."
