Member success stories - Fuse Alliance members Jeff Fulk of Brock Contract Services, Benjy Faulkner of Faulkner Flooring and Fuse board member Bob Pollock of Continental Interiors shared the secrets of their success during the recent challenging years. Bob Pollock shared how making hard decisions such as reducing staff and taking accounting functions in-house contributed to his company's best year in 2012 in the even more challenging market of Detroit, Michigan.

Succession planning was the topic shared by Jeff Fulk. Jeff shared how he and his brother in law, Damon Brock approached his father in law, to purchase the business ensuring both parties an equitable solution. Jeff also shared how shopping their banking relationship contributed to their success.

During Thursday evening’s awards & recognition dinner, Fuse Alliance recognized members and suppliers for their outstanding support and participation.

Fuse Alliance Member Awards:

Fuse Spirit Award                             McCoy Workplace Solutions - Rockford Business Interiors & McCoy

(Top Member Award)                       Floor Covering – (photo provided from left to right

                                                              Elizabeth Greenman, president Rockford Business Interiors

                                                              Ken Daniels, vice president, Fuse Alliance

                                                              Cotton Carlson, president McCoy-Rockford, Inc.
      
                                                              Ron Lee, executive director, Fuse Alliance

Communication Award                    Golden State Carpet Service, Inc.

Reporting & Follow Up Award        Messina Floor Covering, Inc.

                                                              Unit Design, Inc.

Loyalty Award                                     Business Flooring Specialists

                                                              Floors, Inc.

                                                              ReSource Arizona

Ecollect                                               Flooring Resources Corporation

                                                             Flooring Systems

Fuse Alliance Preferred Supplier Awards– Based on member survey results.

Supplier of the Year                       Johnsonite – (photo provided pictured from left to right
(Top Supplier Award)  Carmen Pastore, executive vice president Johnsonite
Ron Lee, executive director Fuse Alliance)

Best Product                                     Johnsonite

Best Service                                      XL Brands

Best Support                                     Mohawk Group

Ron Lee took this occasion to recognize a special friend and partner of Fuse, Carmen Pastore of Johnsonite. “Over the last 20 plus years Carmen has inspired all of us in his colorful yet gentlemanly manner, I have learned so much from him,” said Ron Lee. The entire room stood to toast this industry leader who will be genuinely missed as her retires from Johnsonite.

The meeting wrapped Friday morning with a member-only session where members interacted with each other and the Fuse Alliance board. Many expressed positive feedback regarding the previous day’s sessions and excitement for the programs and initiatives for the coming year.