Jim Garner, CEO of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings (left), accepts the 2009 Mohawk GreenWorks Dealer of the Year Award from Mohawk handyman and HGTV star Chip Wade.
Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, based in Madison, Wis., has been named the winner of the 2009 Mohawk GreenWorks Dealer of the Year Award. The award was presented to Jim Garner, CEO of Sergenian’s, in a surprise visit by Mohawk Director of Sustainability Jenny Cross and Mohawk handyman and HGTV star Chip Wade.
“I had an inkling when I saw Chip come in. We are very honored,” Garner said.
Sergenian's was chosen for its ongoing commitment to green initatives, including selling sustainable SmartStrand carpet made with DuPont Sorona, committing to carpet reclamation efforts, and participating in community programs like EnAct, which is designed to help local members of the community understand and live in a more sustainable fashion.
Sergenian's was also credited for being an outspoken voice for the flooring industry and on environmental issues, through an active public relations program and through speaking to local and national trade groups.
“Sergenian’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is especially noteworthy. This company is proving that green business decisions can have a very positive impact on the bottom line-and on the reputation of the business,” Cross said. “Sergenian’s is practicing sustainability in a number of ways that other flooring dealers would benefit by following.”
“Sergenian’s has shown true leadership in green ideas,” added David Duncan, Mohawk vp marketing. “They’ve done much of it on their own, and they’ve demonstrated to all of us that sustainability isn’t a buzzword or fad. It’s a smarter way of doing business.”
Judges for this year’s competition included Chip Wade, David Cross of environmental consulting firm Abeo Partners, and Mike Hughes, president of Kelly’s Carpet Omaha, last year’s GreenWorks Dealer of the Year.
Mohawk established the GreenWorks Dealer Award to recognize achievements by flooring retailers involved in sustainability efforts. The award is based on three key criteria: Profit, including a strong financial footing and growth; Planet, including conserving resources, reducing waste and supporting green products; and People, showing interest in helping out the broader community.
The Mohawk GreenWorks Dealer of the Year Award competition was open to all Mohawk retailers in North America. As the winner, Segenian’s Floor Coverings received its choice of $5,000 that can be donated to a sustainable cause or used for another sustainably based effort; or a customized TV spot with Chip Wade (valued at $8,000).
Mohawk GreenWorks is the umbrella of environmental initiatives for Mohawk Industries. To learn more, visitwww.mohawkgreenworks.com.
