The World Floor Covering Association's in-coming chairman, Aaron Pirner, said he will help launch the trade organization's "first internet consumer outreach effort that will link consumers in the market for floor covering with WFCA member retailers." He said his goal was to increase the flooring industry's profile on the internet while also encouraging members to embrace B2B technology. Pirner, the CEO of CAP Carpet in Wichita, Kan., noted that technology is reshaping the business.
"The Internet is creating a new paradigm for how retailers conduct business in the floor covering industry," said Pirner. "Smart retailers are quickly recognizing the efficiencies to be gained by adopting a B2B platform in their business model. And more and more consumers are using the web to learn about their floor covering purchases before they visit our stores."
Pirner, whose company operates 12 stores, is set to begin his one-year term July 1, succeeding David Alton, the president of DCA Enterprises of Portola, Calif. At the conclusion of his term, Pirner will be succeeded by Robert Hill, the CEO of Floor Covering Associates in Chicago who was tapped as chairman-elect.
The trade organization's directors also elected Donny Phillips, the president of Atlanta Flooring Design Center in Duluth, Ga. as WFCA's new CFO. Mike Duck, the president of Duck's Carpet and Flooring in Jackson, Tenn. becomes corporate secretary. Keith Rhodes, president of GCO Flooring Outlet in Ocean Springs, Miss. was re-elected vice chairman. Also, Jeri Pischke, the president of Home Valu Interiors, Fridley, Minn. was elected vice chairman.
