In Memoriam: Ron Van Gelderen

SALT LAKE CITY—Ron Van Gelderen, former Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) president and COO, passed away from complications related to Parkinson’s disease on Feb. 19, in Salt Lake City, at the age of 80.

“Ron was a great friend and did so much to advance our industry,” said Joe Yarbrough, president of CRI. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.”

Van Gelderen served as president of the carpet industry trade association from 1980 to 2000. During his tenure, he was at the forefront of many issues facing the carpet industry, including indoor air quality and proper carpet cleaning.

Van Gelderen’s other accomplishments as head of CRI included creating the Industry Issues Council; developing international trade missions so mills could conduct international business; establishing a national ad campaign for carpet; initiating the Seal of Approval program and helping create commercial carpet specification guidelines.

He went on to serve as the first president of the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) from 2003 until 2006. The STC issued the following statement:

“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Ron Van Gelderen’s family. He was a great warrior of his own disease and a caring smart and loyal friend to many of us. Ron was a steady and firm leader in an industry full of personalities and corporate politics when the STC was first formed. He earned a reputation for being a leader as the president of the Carpet and Rug Institute.

“When several key members of the turf industry came together to create the Synthetic Turf Council, Ron was the perfect choice to lead. Ron’s calm and straightforward approach to the issues and opportunities facing the industry were presented in a manner that helped make this organization a success. The ability to unite competitors for the betterment of the synthetic turf industry was no easy challenge. Ron was always the first with a smile and a firm handshake; he was a gentle man who had the respect of the STC members and the town he called home.

“He loved to get up early and catch the sun rising over the city; he appreciated his family, his friends and was passionate about the things he believed in. Ron believed in the STC and its mission. We are a better organization today due in part to the example he set for us.”

For more, call (706) 278-3176 or visit carpet-rug.org.

Shaw to Directly Supply Anderson Hardwood

DALTON—Shaw Industries will directly supply Anderson Hardwood products to its retail and builder customers.

Until May 31, flooring dealers may purchase Anderson Hardwood products through their current distributor or, if they prefer, through their Shaw hardwood hard surface sales representative. Beginning June 1, Shaw will be the sole distributor of Anderson Hardwood products.

“Anderson has been a trusted brand in hardwood flooring since 1946,” said Jeff Sills, Shaw’s executive vice-president, hard surface sales. “We are prepared to service our customers with ample inventory and high-quality support. We wish to thank our Anderson distributors for their many years of representing the Anderson Hardwood product line.”

For more, call (800) 441-7429, or visit shawfloors.com and andersonfloors.com.

Tajima Enters U.S. Market

LOS ANGELES—Japanese vinyl flooring manufacturer Tajima Flooring has launched a U.S. division.

Tajima Flooring USA offers the American market a high-end vinyl floor with both style and performance, ideal for a wide range of commercial spaces.

“From wood grain to stone and marble patterns, our vinyl products help designers and specifiers create a beautiful environment that also delivers high-performance qualities like sound insulation, water resistance, anti-microbial barrier, load resistance and anti-static properties,” said Mark Walcoff, president of Tajima. “It’s the perfect flooring for most any commercial environment including retail, corporate, healthcare and multi-family buildings.”

From production to daily use and disposal, Tajima boasts a sustainable manufacturing process and flooring that is manufactured to prevent microbial growth and provides low VOC emissions.

For more, call (818) 507-0663 or visit tajimaflooringusa.com.

McSwain Wins WFCA Gold Standard Award

DALTON—McSwain Carpet and Floors is the winner of the World Floor Covering Association’s (WFCA) Gold Standard Award for excellence in retailing.

“McSwain stood out from the crowd in many ways but their overall mantra sums it up best: ‘to put the customer first and to meet and exceed expectations 100% of the time,’” said Scott Humphrey, WFCA’s CEO. “Not only has this store continued to achieve financial growth in a challenging market; they have also netted high ratings in customer satisfaction, retention, and new business word-of-mouth referrals. A true testament of their retail mastery—what some might consider to be the Holy Grail—is the fact they have achieved extremely high ratings for employee satisfaction and retention.”

Recognized by many for outstanding customer service, McSwain has designed unique tactics to keep customers happy and coming back with repeat business. The company has also made heavy investments in its marketing programs and web presence.

“We have been serving the metro Cincinnati community for over 45 years and in that time we have continued to build on our foundation, not only as a retailer focused on our customer’s experience but also as a pillar of support in our community,” said Jason McSwain, owner of the retail operation. “At McSwain, we value giving back as a central mission in our business model. Our employees are encouraged to be leaders in all capacities within the community and our business supports this. We are active with many causes including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Homes For Our Troops, Habitat for Humanity, the establishment of a free medical clinic in Cincinnati and multiple other charitable causes.”

For more, call (714) 978-6440 or visit wfca-pro.org.

William M. Bird Named Roppe Distributor Partner

FOSTORIA, OHIO—Floor covering distribution company William M. Bird is Roppe Corp.s’ newest distribution partner.

“We anticipate this relationship will offer both Roppe and William M. Bird the greatest opportunity for continued success in their market,” said Bart Rogers, vice president of sales and marketing of Roppe Holding Co.

For more, call (419) 435-8546 or visit roppe.com.

In Memoriam: Richard ‘Dick’ Capobianco

GLEN COVE, N.Y.—Richard K. “Dick” Capobianco passed away Feb. 20, from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 78.

He is survived by his wife Sidnee and sons Christopher of Patchogue and Andy of East Northport, in addition to nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Dick was part of a family that is well-established in the floor covering industry on Long Island. Glen Floors was founded by his grandfather Antonio in 1932. Antonio’s son Peter founded Cappy’s Carpets in Port Jefferson in 1946 and son Fred continued at Glen Floors. Eventually a number of Fred’s children became active in the business and still are. Peter, Jr. operates Cappy’s Carpets today.

He was the third of seventeen children born in 1937 to Fred and Wilena Capobianco of Glen Cove. He was an avid boater and skier, a member of the Northport Yacht Club and an active member of the East Northport Rotary Club.

After graduating from Glen Cove High School in 1955, Dick served in the United States Navy and returned to start a career in floor covering sales at the Hicksville Glen Floors store. One of the other salesmen, Fred Hughes introduced Dick to his daughter, Sidnee. The two fell in love and were married in 1958.

Fred Hughes left Glen Floors in 1959 and started his own business, Fred’s Carpet in East Northport. In 1971, he retired and sold the business to Dick and Sid. Eventually, two of their sons, Christopher and Andy, became active in the business and today the store is operated by Andy and his wife Marianne. Christopher left the company in 1992, staying in the industry in architectural sales, technical support and journalism. He is currently with Spartan Surfaces, a wholesale distributor of commercial floor coverings. Christopher’s son Graham also works in the industry as a technical specialist with Roppe Holding Company.

For more, call (516) 671-3737 or visit glenfloors.com.

CCA Global Announces CFI Partnership

MANCHESTER, N.H.—CCA Global Partners has partnered with the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) after its recent purchase of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) to help address the shortage of qualified flooring installers.

“CFI is well-respected for providing quality installation training,” said Charlie Dilks, CPO of CCA Global Partners. “CCA members have been asking for help in recruiting and training more installers and we feel this program will help them meet the challenge.”

Through this new partnership, members of Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America/Flooring Canada and International Design Guild will benefit from tuition credits and discounts from both CCA and WFCA.

CCA will provide its members a discount toward the cost of tuition when the installer completes one of CFI’s installation training classes for carpet and hard surface classes.

“This is a huge step helping alleviate some of the challenges our members have faced with the current installer shortage. Quality installers are essential to our members’ success,” said Dilks.

CFI schools introduce installers to many types of flooring and the tools of the trade with an emphasis on efficiency and craftsmanship. Courses cover hands-on installation techniques, customer service training and OSHA and EPA standards training. Graduates leave a five-week residential carpet class with CFI certification.

For more, call (603.) 626-3444 or visit ccaglobalpartners.com.

TAS Unveils Revamped Brand

KENT, WASH.—TAS Flooring, a division of T&A Supply Co., has updated its brand to include a new logo and website.

Focused on design, quality and value, the new logo and updated website are simple and sleek. The website allows customers to easily access product photos and product information including installation instructions and specification data.

For more, call (800) 501-0201 or visit tasflooring.com.

Mirage Updates Website

SAINT-GEORGES, QUEBEC—Mirage’s updated website is optimized for standard and mobile platforms and automatically adapts to the user’s interface.

According to the company, the site is a complete tool that makes it easy to explore the distinctive features of Mirage’s hardwood floors. The site layout is visual and intuitive, making it easy to find information.

“For many consumers, a hardwood floor is something they’ll only purchase once in a lifetime and they want to be sure they’re making the right choice, in terms of both look and quality,” said Luc Robitaille, vice president of marketing at Boa-Franc, manufacturer of the Mirage brand. “With the many species, colors, textures, widths and finishes available, the possibilities are almost endless. At Mirage, we understand that it can be hard for consumers to get their bearings. Mirage’s website was designed to provide consumers with the information and tools to choose the hardwood flooring that best suits their needs, lifestyle and the look they’re going for.”

Industry professionals will find technical specifications; detailed product information sheets for products that can contribute to LEED certification; installation, maintenance and warranty guides; BIM (Revit) content; information for commercial projects and the Dealer Locator tool.

For more, call (418) 227-1181 or visit miragefloors.com.

Karndean Joins CCA Global as Preferred Vendor

EXPORT, PA.—Karndean Designflooring has joined CCA Global Partners as a preferred vendor. The company was introduced to CCA’s membership at the association’s recent conference.

“The enthusiastic, positive, and welcoming response we received at the show from members of all CCA divisions is an indication of a great marriage between those who value design and the benefits that come from embracing it and using it to delight customers,” said John Callahan, Karndean’s national retail accounts manager. “The early response to this partnership has been tremendous. We were honored to learn that Karndean was a highly requested vendor within the membership. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship between our organizations.”

Introducing Karndean to the group, show attendees were treated to the latest product introductions, design flooring display packages and installation clinics.

For more, call (888) 266-4343 or visit karndean.com. 

BCV Calls for Building Trades Scholarship Entries

CHATSWORTH, GA.—Dalton’s Best Carpet Value (BCV) is awarding a $500 Building Trades Scholarship to a student studying design, construction, carpentry or extraction.

“The building trades are all problem-solvers within your local communities and at Best Carpet Value, we want to help young people discover their talents and pursue rewarding careers as builders, roofers, flooring specialists, painters and designers,” said Anthony West, owner and CEO of BCV. “Building and design require a constant exchange of vocational and technical skills that when combined with a creative vision, bring elegance and prosperity to your community. Whether you are constructing a high-rise commercial office building, laying carpet and tile in a newly remodeled home or coordinating everyday traffic patterns with an eclectic color scheme, the task is always challenging and unique.”

Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining their carpet and carpet tile recommendations for at least two rooms of a contemporary home or business, using products found on BCV’s website. The winning essay will be chosen by a panel of BCV executives, and the winning applicant will receive a $500 check to be applied to tuition or books at a trade school or community college of choice during the fall semester.

Essay entries must be postmarked by Sunday, May 15.

For more, call (800) 226-8727 or visit bestcarpetvalue.com.

Palo Duro Announces Key Staff Promotions

DENVER—Palo Duro’s Jeff Fairbanks has been promoted to president with the recent acquisition of Palo Duro Hardwoods by Lägler Holdings, the parent company of Eugen Lägler.

Fairbanks previously held Palo Duro’s vice president position, and has been with the company since 1998.

Additional promotions and hiring are part of the new vision at Palo Duro and its new division, Lägler North America. Tom Ruekert, a sales manager for Palo Duro for several years, has been promoted to vice president of sales for Palo Duro; Adam Williams has been added to the staff as vice president of marketing for Palo Duro and Lägler North America; Marc Schulz has accepted a leadership role in Lägler North America and serves as liaison between Palo Duro and its new sister company, Lägler.

“We’re aligning our talents and technology with a fresh vision for Palo Duro and Lägler’s future,” said Fairbanks. “We’re working hand in hand toward serving our customers in innovative, dynamic ways.”

For more, call (303) 375-0280 or visit palodurohardwoods.com.

Torlys Signs Agreements with Microban, USFloors

TORONTO—Torlys announced the signing of a category exclusive partnership with Microban International for North America to include Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection in the production of its EverWood and EverTile luxury vinyl floors.

“Torlys has created an innovative solution to help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew at the floor level,” said Peter Barretto, president and CEO of Torlys. “EverWood and EverTile Elite and Premier luxury vinyl floors will now have Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection built into our patented CorkPlus attached underlay. Microban specializes in helping companies implement fresher, cleaner, longer-lasting products and the integration of their technology into our EverWood and EverTile luxury vinyl flooring products seemed like a natural fit.”

Torlys also signed a nonexclusive license agreement with USFloors for a COREtec license for EverWood and EverTile. “With this agreement now signed, past and future customers for Torlys’ EverWood and EverTile products can legitimately and safely purchase product without any licensing concerns,” Barretto stated.

For more, call (905) 612-8772 or visit torlys.com.

Myers Carpet Purchases Nashville Carpet Center

NASHVILLE—Myers Carpet Co. has purchased the assets of Nashville Carpet Center, and will be merging the two businesses.

“Our current plans are to relocate both Nashville Carpet Center and Myers Flooring of Nashville into a much larger and newly renovated facility off Sidco Drive in Nashville,” noted owners Ray and Rick Myers. “The Myers family and staff will be working closely with Nashville Carpet Center president, Van Gilmore, to make these combined carpet businesses the premiere floor covering destination in Nashville.”

Nashville Carpet Center has been a resource to the Nashville area for more than 40 years for carpet, rugs and flooring—providing a wide selection of products in all price ranges.

“Each company has products and services that complement the other,” said Gilmore. “So, our customers will enjoy greater selections and stronger services than ever before.” # Myers Carpet Co. was the first and remains the oldest carpet outlet in Dalton.

For more, call (615) 777-3344 or visit myersflooringofnashville.com.

Wagner’s DataMaster iOS App Now Available

ROGUE RIVER, ORE.—Wagner Meters’ DataMaster app is now available for contractors, flooring installers and others who utilize relative humidity (RH) testing as an iOS app for mobile devices.

“We’ve designed the app’s user interface based on the best mobile design principles, so it will immediately feel familiar to you,” said Jason Spangler, flooring division manager for Wagner. “It’s as intuitive and easy-to-use as your other favorite apps.”

According to Spangler, now end users can enjoy wireless, seamless flow of digital data from any Wagner Rapid RH sensor to a mobile device.

The DataMaster app is also designed to help ensure full ASTM F2170 compliance, an important consideration for successfully installing finished floors over concrete.

The app is available at the iTunes store for $99.99.

For more, call (844) 847-3785 or visit wagnermeters.com.
 

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