The change of seasons brings a sense of renewal. Here in New York, the leaves are beginning to color and the air is turning crisp. For some, it signals back to school.
And for the flooring industry, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming shows and events. The editors at FCW have already attended a number of retail meetings and conventions. One critical conversation coming out of them is that change is the only constant.
Relevancy to the markets you serve is paramount to success. That means staying ahead of change — something NFA board members talked about at their spring meeting. NFA president Ian Newton of Flooring 101 told FCW, “There has been so much consolidation and things are changing all the time. How will the landscape look in one or two years from now?” He and others emphasize the need for innovative products to keep them relevant and in front of the consumer.
Consolidation is prevalent all along the supply chain — from supplier acquisitions like AHF’s recent purchase of Crossville; to retailers such as Sam Kinnaird’s being acquired; to distribution, which has realized constant consolidation.
Indeed, Kevin Gammonley, executive vice president of NAFCD (North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors), predicts there will be more consolidation in the future. Adaptability, flexibility and preparation are all imperative when planning for the future.
Gammonley and the NAFCD know how to prepare for slow times and for when business picks up again. Our cover, the current NAFCD board, reflects relevance and positive change in the flooring industry. We’ve had women on the cover before for sure — from retail mavens to brand leaders. But this issue, with more than a quarter of the board women, also boasts newly elected NAFCD president Dori Blitzstein, co-owner of distributor Roesel-Heck.
If you haven’t met Dori, you should. Her energy, passion and generosity of spirit is just part of her success story. I’m honored to be introducing her at NAFCD’s Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) breakfast.
While planning this event, I witnessed firsthand her leadership in play. I won’t steal her thunder but if you are attending NAFCD this week, make sure to sign up for this event. It is sure to be powerful.
WIFI’s board is comprised of leading women throughout the industry. The event at NAFCD is just one of many partnerships the non-profit is developing to ensure that all women have access to these educational, mentorship and networking opportunities.
WIFI is a great example of leadership in action. Developing leaders in every discipline of this industry is critical to its future success. Owning the tools to become a great leader is the path to building a team and leading with confidence.
That is something that Scott Humphrey and the WFCA clearly understand as they look to create a program providing leadership education to its retail members. I’m one of several industry folks in the pilot program. My cohort includes Engineered Floors’ Will Young, Moda’s Dean Howell, O’Krent’s Sam O’Krent, New Braunfels Flooring’s Michelle Winters and Cyncly’s Madeline Bayless. I think we all agree that this program will be a great resource for building talent within the industry and developing strong leadership.
Recent discussions have been about creating a culture and building a successful team. A company’s culture is vital to attracting and growing talent.
It was another top topic during my interview with the NFA board. At that meeting, Jason Waggoner revealed that ICC Floors has a “culture committee.” Others shared how culture is critical to their businesses.
Today, good leadership matters; a company’s culture matters; adapting and driving change matters. And what is exciting about floor covering today is that there are strong leaders shaping the industry and investing in its future.
Fall brings with it a change many of us embrace. How will you embrace change in the industry? More important, what change will you make within it?
Stay safe. Stay inspired.