One of the best things about writing for this industry is the personalities I get to meet on the road and over the phone. To expand our reach, and to gain an even broader perspective, Floor Trends has built a small army of editors, contributing writers and columnists who are eager to share what they are learning out in the field. 

A pioneer in the industry’s digital media, Dave Foster launched the industry’s first news and information websites, culminating with TalkFloor.com, the industry’s first site offering both audio and video interviews and industry news as it happens. At Floor Trends, Dave continues to travel the industry interviewing its movers and shakers and offering his thoughts through video and blogs.

Buddy Wisdom offers more than 30 years of wholesale and retail experience and shares retail selling tips. He is the author of Selling Retail Floorcovering: A Humanistic Approach. 

Irene Williams, founder and CEO of Msg2Mkt, started her business as a freelancer in 2009. Coming from an established, nearly 20-year career as a public relations and creative leader in the agency world, Irene offers a no-nonsense perspective of how to use social media and digital marketing to grow your business. 

We’ve also introduced several new columnists recently who have intriguing voices and perspectives on the industry. 

In his new column, Sandy Says, Santiago Montero will cover advice from industry leaders and share his perspective gleaned from 30 years in the flooring market. I first met Sandy when I worked for him covering the tile market for another industry publication. Since 1988, Sandy has spoken to hundreds of retailers, manufacturers and distributors as they’ve shared their struggles and their challenges as well as their successes and triumphs during times of unprecedented change in the industry. 

Meghan Dominie will provide a designer and retailer perspective in her new column, Design Scope. Meghan has been in the flooring and interior design world for more than a decade. Working in both residential and commercial interiors, Meghan has learned the art of qualifying the client to best achieve results that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. 

Finally, Matt Ketterman, owner of Got You Floored in Greensboro, S.C., offers a unique perspective on the flooring business. Founded in 2000, Got You Floored is a full-service flooring company that services property management, commercial, real estate investment and residential homeowner markets. Ketterman opened for business out of his 1998 Honda Accord and has since created millions of dollars in net income through creative marketing and savvy business structures. 

Let us know what you think of these voices, and share some of your own at kernt@bnpmedia.com.