HMTX Industries announced the retirement of industry icon Paul Eanes following 11 years with the company.

Eanes has held a variety of positions at HMTX since joining the Metroflor tower as Vice President of Sales. In this role, he provided oversight for all sales-related activities but was particularly focused on launching Aspecta, the successful commercial LVT brand that continues to be sold in the USA and throughout the world by HMTX Commercial and HMTX Global. After five years in that position, he transitioned to VP of New Business Development to diversify Metroflor’s revenue base by adding a thriving OEM business to the company’s portfolio.

Eanes began his 47-year flooring career in the carpet category at Milliken & Company where he served for 20 years before moving over to the hard surface side with California-based Laufen Ceramic Tile. In 2003 he returned to Georgia, joining Amtico as it pioneered the nascent luxury vinyl tile category. 

“The category was so new that we had to do retail dealer seminars across the US, teaching what this revolutionary product was all about…nobody had a clue then of LVT’s potential, but how things have changed!” said Eanes. After Mannington acquired Amtico, he moved on to join the Metroflor Tower of what has become HMTX Industries.

A third and perhaps more influential aspect of Paul’s tenure has been his efforts in establishing and growing the nonprofit HMTX Cares, according to Metroflor President Russ Rogg. “This philanthropic arm of HMTX would not be what it is today without Paul’s leadership,” noted Rogg. “He embodies the principles of integrity, hard work, honesty, and competitiveness, but he is also compassionate, personable, and genuine. HMTX Cares wouldn’t have evoled without his support, hard work, guidance, and passion. Our company and everyone that benefits from the funding that HMTX bestows to addiction rehabilitation and mental health charities will always be indebted to his tireless determination. We are tremendously grateful for his loyalty, dedication, and many contributions to Metroflor and HMTX.” 

Reminiscing about his storied career, Eanes noted, “Of all the companies that I have worked for as a ‘lifer’ in the flooring industry, Metroflor and HMTX encourage creative disruption and an entrepreneurial spirit beyond all others. They’re also the most fun and philanthropic people in the business. ‘People before profits, now and always’ is their mantra.

“That’s why Harlan Stone and the Stone family encouraged me to lead a team of employees to fight the disease of addiction through the vehicle of HMTX CARES for over three years, matching the funds that we raised to achieve our $1 million goal. This enabled us to distribute the fruits of our volunteer labors to rehab and addiction recovery agencies across the US -- and this charity will be perpetual! We’ll continue to save lives and make lives better.”

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