Vol. 64 No. 8 A Hearst Business Publication April 20, 2015 $4 Opening day at Coverings brings best in design F LOOR C OVERING W EEKLY The Industry’s Business News & Information Resource 3 Martin leads NWFA to better times By Mallory Cruise [St. Louis] Michael Martin has been the president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) for four years now and has already had a tremendous impact on the growth and financial health of the association. Now, as the NWFA prepares for its 30th anniversary celebration here this month, Martin spoke with FCW about the lessons he’s learned since taking the helm, changes the association has experienced over the years as well as areas of the association he’s not finished improving. Over the last four years, NWFA membership has grown 20 percent to include more than 3,000 member companies, representing 25,000 individuals. Martin said the reason for the growth is because the association serves the entire supply chain. 4 years of leadership brings focus, inclusion, growth Continued on page 18 Michael Martin Wood segment navigates demand, platform shift By Mallory Cruise The hardwood market remains in growth mode for 2015, according to industry exec-utives, due to consumer demand and the emergence of new platforms, styles and designs. And while the industry is no longer challenged by the same pricing and raw material issues as it had the last few years, it still has issues to overcome. The primary drivers fueling hardwood market growth, according to Dan Natkin, senior director of residential products, Man-nington Mills, are new home construction and a consumer preference for hardwood. “It remains the single category that a vast majority of con-sumers aspire to have in their homes,” he said. “The other factor is home size is increas-Neil Poland, Mullican ing again which contributes to [hardwood] sales growth.” And, over the last five years, the industry has seen style, design and value become more impactful than in the past, said Harry Bogner, senior vice president of hardwood, Unilin. “I think the driver for that has been the introduction of colors like grays and warm NFM Dallas: Big store, big goals Warren Buffett expects $1billion in first year sales By Janet Herlihy [The Colony, Texas] Nebraska Furni-ture Mart, (NFM) opened the doors of its newest, biggest store in this Dallas suburb on April 8 to host an evening that included the Live Big Benefit for the Cancer Support Community (CSC) North Texas, a partner/ vendor reception and a surprise Q&A with Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, parent company of NFM and about 50 other companies. While Buffett was scheduled to speak, he was not expected to take questions. Asked if home ownership is a good investment, Continued on page 12 Continued on page 19 New NFM store in Dallas 3 Periodical Glen Morrison named president, CEO Tarkett For breaking news updated each business day, visit us online at www.fcw1.com Glen Morrison