To say the least, 2022 has been a year like no other. It started at a record pace — business for the floor covering industry was moving along swiftly, the supply chain was beginning to flow, pricing was stabilizing. It had all the makings of a simply positive year.
And then it wasn’t. Russia initiated war in Ukraine, inflation began to rise, the builder market slowed, renovations slowed, we all began to wonder what the second half of the year would bring. It brought more volatility, more disruption (political and otherwise); it brought concern.
Yes, it was a bumpy ride. But it wasn’t all bad. In fact, it was a historically great year for floor covering. Sales slowed but estimates put growth at still historic highs. Maybe retailers were able to catch their breath a bit after almost two years of rapid, unprecedented growth.
The other part of 2022 is that things began to normalize. Sales normalized but also industry activity. I’d say I traveled more this year to events, to meetings and visiting with our partners and retailers than I did in 2019. And it was spectacular!
Our team has been to Austin, Atlanta, Cabo San Lucas, Calhoun, Charlotte, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Dalton, L.A., Las Vegas, Mackinac Island, Malibu, Memphis, Naples, Fla., Nashville (several times), Pittsburgh, Omaha, Orlando, San Diego, Sedona, Tampa and Tucson — among many other cities throughout the country.
We’ve all traveled for personal reasons as well. My family proudly attended my son’s graduation in East Lansing, Mich., spent my brother’s birthday in Italy this summer and joyfully celebrated my daughter’s wedding on Long Island. Travel was indeed a defining factor of 2022.
FCW also underwent changes of its own. As I took on the role of publisher in October, I fully understood my responsibility to our readers, our partners, our team and enterprise. I promise to own that every day.
With that came elevating and empowering other team members to bring their talent fully to FCW and I couldn’t be prouder to promote Mallory Cruise-McGrath, who most of you know and is a force in the marketplace. Vinny Forgione is more behind the scenes but nonetheless integral to everything we do here. And Samayra Williams-LaRosa is our artist visionary. Her talent touches every page and soon everything we do.
In our home, we celebrate Hanukkah with my husband’s family and Christmas with the Joyces and Rushes. It is a true season of celebration. But one cornerstone of the season in our home is our participation as part of Team Shaw at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. It has, over the course of now nine years, become a most beloved time of year for me.
In the season of giving, this weekend in Memphis is without a doubt about making sure that every single patient at St. Jude receives treatment — but never a bill. Close to my heart, the families are cared for in a way that truly isn’t duplicated anywhere else. Hearing from parents whose child isn’t among the survivors passionately talk about their experience in such a positive, hopeful way was inspiring. So too was the more than $450,000 the Shaw team raised for St. Jude for this one event.
It was also impressive to hear the different and creative ways team members fundraised. Kelly and Laura Taylor of Ambassador Floor, for example, created business cards with a QR code on it sending people to their dashboard to donate. Shaw’s Curtis Callaway has held virtual events to raise money. This event shows the best of our industry in action.
This weekend is a right coursing of sorts, a perspective, a reminder of what really matters. As we close out 2022, I wish all of you peace and prosperity (profit too!) as we enter a new year.
Stay safe. Stay inspired.