Nourison Adds New Area Rug Division
SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Nico Home is Nourison’s new division of area rugs and home accents.
“We have curated a beautiful range of products that will be attractive for both discerning tastes and casual shoppers,” said Alex Peykar, Nourison’s president. “We have developed this division to be easily offered and sold by any retailer, big or small, without having to be an expert on floor coverings.”
This division will offer a wide range of varying from traditional to contemporary, and its products will be offered at various price points starting at $199 and ranging up to $1,999.
According to Peykar, the division will be supported with innovative displays with compact footprints and selling tools to make it easier for customers to shop and retailers to support. These displays will be backed by one of the largest back-up inventories in the industry. Collections will also include area rugs and home accents that offer fashion-forward designs from Michael Amini and texture and style from Joseph Abboud.
For more, call (201) 368-6900 or visit nourison.com.
USGBC’S Ramanujam to Serve as CEO
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mahesh Ramanujam, U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) COO, has been named incoming CEO, and will move into the role after USGBC’s co-founder and current CEO, Rick Fedrizzi, steps down at the end of 2016.
“Mahesh has a highly impressive track record of success in both his role as USGBC’s COO and as president of Green Business Certification,” said Marge Anderson, USGBC’s board chair. “He is a proven leader who has exhaustive knowledge of the organization, respect from its volunteer leadership and strong support from its team. He has extensive global experience and broad business acumen. He is the perfect choice to lead the organization into the future.”
Ramanujam joined USGBC in 2009 as senior vice president, technology, before being named COO in September 2011. Prior to joining USGBC, Ramanujam was COO for Emergys, a business transformation consulting firm in North Carolina.
“Since Mahesh first joined USGBC in 2009, he has transformed every corner of the organization, focusing on high performance and putting the needs of our customers and community members first,” said Fedrizzi. “His personal core values are deeply aligned with our mission and his comprehensive understanding of our work makes him the ideal leader for this role.”
For more, call (800) 795-1747 or visit usgbc.org.
Lägler Acquires Palo Duro
DENVER—Colorado-based wholesale distribution company Palo Duro Hardwoods has been acquired by Eugen Lägler.
Serving as the exclusive North American importer and sales agent for Lägler since 1995, the companies both share a commitment to long-term relationships with suppliers, customers and employees, and look forward to building upon their shared culture of quality and passion for the industry.
“During the past few months, Lägler has been collaborating with us to design and build a new training facility in Denver,” said Jeff Fairbanks, Palo Duro’s former vice president.
“As many wood flooring contractors know, for several years now, Lägler has hosted a training event at its headquarters in Germany, paying for travel, hotel and meals for all attendees. The new facility in Denver will allow us to significantly increase the number of training events we can host.”
Fairbanks now serves as president under the new business model.
For more, call (800) 848-6635 or visit laegler.com/en/home.html.
Scott Group Introduces Parent Company
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Scott Group Custom Carpets has established a new parent company, Scott Group Studio.
The new branding will finalize the integration of two brands after Scott Group acquired Hokanson last year.
“The new parent brand of Scott Group Studio gives us the opportunity to combine two strong and well-respected lines into a powerful collection of luxury carpets,” said Rich Ruggeri, vice president of Scott Group. “Both Hokanson and Scott Group have time-tested, long-standing traditions of producing the highest-quality carpets with extreme attention to detail and innovative design.”
According to Ruggeri, each of the lines will maintain its current design identity and will continue to focus on its core production methods. Scott Group Custom Carpets will continue to produce hand-tufted carpets and rugs at its 180,000 square-foot mill and design studio in Grand Rapids, and Hokanson will remain focused on offering clients a combination of hand-knotted, Tibetan and other traditional rug weaving techniques.
For more, call (616) 954-3200 or visit scottgroup.com.
MaxWoods’ McGrane Promoted to President and COO
ADAIRSVILLE, GA.—Joshua McGrane is now president and COO of MaxWoods. McGrane joined the company in 2014 as executive vice president. “[Josh is] a mature business thinker, outstanding sales leader and engaging personality,” said Peter Spirer, CEO of MaxWoods. “He has a strong grasp of product, a great ability to envision changes in the market, and a magnetic appeal to retailers who appreciate his market analysis, straightforwardness and follow-through.”
For more, call (770) 773-1580 or visit maxwoodsfloors.com.
13th Annual CCA Global Golf Tournament Sees Record Attendance
ANAHEIM, CALIF.—The 13th annual Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by CCA Global Partners, raised $150,000 to help the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) in its dedication to financially assist those who are, or have been, affiliated with the floor covering industry and experience catastrophic illnesses, severe disabilities or other life-altering hardships, according to the foundation. “We had record attendance at this year’s event,” said Rick Bennet, co-CEO of CCA Global. “It’s uplifting to see an entire industry come together to support a cause.” According to Bennet, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, industry trade associations and individuals—many from within the floor covering industry, but also those companies outside the industry that have a relationship with the industry—contributed to the FCIF through the Alan Greenberg Memorial fund by participating in the tournament as well as through sponsorships and donations.
For more, call (714) 634-0302 or visit FCIF.org.
Ecore Unveils New Branding
LANCASTER, PA.—Ecore has undergone a corporate rebranding to reflect the company’s core values: safety, health and wellness.
“Our goal with this monumental rebranding effort has been to not only focus on what we do, but why we do it,” said Bo Barber, vice president of marketing and business development. “We want our customers and the flooring industry to understand that Ecore is building surfaces for the people working and playing on them.”
As a result of this rebrand, a refreshed Ecore brand now sits atop all company business units and product families—Ecore Athletic, Ecore Commercial Flooring, Ecore Industrial and Ecore Construction.
For more, call (877) 258-0843or visit builtbyyes.com.
Stepp Named Director of Marketing for USFloors
DALTON—Jamann Stepp is USFloors’ new director of marketing and product management.
In this role, Stepp drives all marketing and product management initiatives for USFloors specialty retail and USF Contract business segments.
Stepp brings 25 years of experience to the company. His career in the flooring industry encompasses roles in sales, marketing, product development, procurement, operations and manufacturing.
For more, call (706) 278-9491 or visit usfloorsllc.com.
MAPEI Launches Online Educational Program for Architects
DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. — MAPEI Americas has opened a free online educational program for architects in the U.S. and Canada.
“MAPEI has developed an architectural support program that strives to develop a relationship with architects and designers through educational presentations that keep them up to date on the changes and new technology in the flooring industry,” said Mike Granatowski, national manager for architectural and commercial projects at MAPEI. “These online courses allow us to reach out to many more firms with education. MAPEI has the goal of being our market’s chief resource in designing installation systems.”
According to the company, this program enables architects to gain continuing-education units that are recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).
New courses are continuously being added to the program, so architects can return to the portal for further continuing education units. This program also makes it possible for architects in remote areas to maintain their continuing-education units without extensive travel. MAPEI supports the portal with in-person lunch-and-learn sessions that can be arranged through its staff of architectural representatives.
For more, call (800) 992-6273 or visit mapei.us and mapei.ca.
Dal-Tile Opens Manhattan Design Studio
NEW YORK—Dal-Tile recently opened a new design studio in the heart of Manhattan.
The 3,700 square-foot studio space, featuring both Daltile and sister brand Marazzi products, was designed as a collaborative workspace, according to the company.
“We’ve been in the heart of New York City for more than 10 years now and have grown up with the Manhattan design community,” said Corintha Runge, manager, gallery and showroom operations, Dal-Tile. “As our brands evolve with the needs of our customers, we wanted to provide a space that offers the tools and resources to foster those fresh perspectives.”
The studio radiates an urban, contemporary feel throughout, with finishes in gray and neutral tones showcasing a variety of tile, countertop and natural stone options.
For more, call (214) 398-1411 or visit Daltile.com or MarazziUSA.com.
Fishman Opens Myrtle Beach Branch
BALTIMORE—Fishman Flooring Solutions’ new branch in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is the firm’s second expansion of its footprint this year. In April, the company announced its purchase of Cincinnati-based Tri-State Floor Covering Supplies, with two branches in Columbus and single locations in Dayton, Ohio, and Crescent Springs, Ky.
“Floor covering installers and flooring contractors in the Myrtle Beach market have stressed to us for some time the need for a Fishman branch where they can have daily access to a full line of installation-related supplies,” said Shane Richmond, the company’s regional manager for the Carolinas. “We’ve listened to them and believe that the product inventory at the new, centrally-located Myrtle Beach branch, coupled with our company’s focus on customer service, will give our customers fast access to the products they need and make their professional lives much easier.”
The company’s full product line is available at the new branch, in addition to installation-related supplies, including tools, adhesives, floor preparation products, ceramic setting materials, and underlayments and cushions.
For more, call (410) 633-2500 or visit lfishman.com.
Shaw Announces Personnel Promotions
DALTON—Shaw Industries has promoted Tim Baucom, Bob Chandler and Doug Enck.
Baucom has been named executive vice president of Shaw’s residential business. In this new role, he will work with the direct carpet and hard surface divisions to continue innovating, serving and growing its residential carpet and hard surface businesses.
Chandler has assumed Baucom’s former role as senior vice president of Shaw’s commercial flooring business, and Enck has been promoted to vice president of sales, commercial.
“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding, dedicated and passionate leadership team directing these major divisions within Shaw,” said Vance Bell, chairman and CEO of Shaw. “We’re positioned well for the future.”
For more, call (800) 441-7429 or visit shawinc.com.
IVC Announces Changes in Executive Leadership
DALTON— In conjunction with its recent acquisition by Mohawk Industries, IVC US has made modifications to its executive leadership team.
A founding member of IVC, Xavier Steyaert, co-CEO, will be leaving the company after 10 years of service. He has agreed to remain on board through the end of Q1 2016.
Paul Murfin has assumed the role of president of IVC, and continues to lead the company’s North American vinyl division. Murfin joined IVC in 2011 and has been partnering with Steyaert as co-CEO since 2012.
Andrew Kearton, IVC’s vice president of manufacturing, has been promoted to senior vice president of operations.
“It has been a unique experience to be part of IVC’s rapid growth in the North American market,” said Murfin. “We will miss Xavier and recognize his significant achievements over the last decade. We have formed a tremendous partnership over the last few years.”
For more, call (706) 529-2600 or visit ivcfloors.com.
James Cameron Headlining Greenbuild
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Filmmaker James Cameron will be the Opening Plenary speaker at Greenbuild, taking place Nov. 18-20 in Washington, D.C., with moderator Mika Brzezinski, host, author and journalist.
Greenbuild will partly focus on how to achieve meaningful action on climate change policy, leading up to the United Nations COP21 Climate Negotiations in Paris this December, according to show organizers.
“As one of the most highly anticipated events during Greenbuild, the Opening Plenary is the perfect forum for this relevant, timely discussion around climate change,” said Lindsay Roberts, Greenbuild show director, Informa Exhibitions. “Cameron’s critical acclaim and passion for sustainable living will set the tone for the week as global leaders gather for another year of Greenbuild.”
According to Kate Hurst, vice president, community, conferences and events, USGBC, Cameron and Brzezinski’s experience and viewpoints will make for a dynamic discussion around these important issues.
For more, visit greenbuildexpo.com or call (202) 742-3792.
Editor’s note: For complete coverage of these and other industry news stories, visit our website at floortrendsmag.com, where you can also sign up for a free subscription to our daily enewsletter, TalkFloor.
