Evan Hackel is relinquishing his day-to-day responsibilities as president of Carpet One Floor & Home to oversee a new web-based venture set for launch by Carpet One’s parent, CCA Global Partners. Assuming the top position at Carpet One will be Eric Demaree, a 32-year veteran of flooring who joined CCA three years ago after 11 years at Home Depot.

The newly formed operation to be headed by Heckle will be known as “BizUnite.” CCA officials described the venture as “a web-based business platform designed to help independent business owners across industries maintain their independence and aggressively compete against corporate conglomerates.” Although further details--including an expected launch date-- were not yet available, a company spokesman noted that the new venture will operate out of CCA’s headquarters in Manchester, N.H. in a newly acquired office space that is separate from Carpet One.

Hackel, a 17-year veteran of CCA who was elevated to president of Carpet One in November 2004, will lead BizUnite as the president while retaining his position as senior vice president of groups for CCA Global Partners. In his post at Carpet One, he has been widely credited with elevating the level of training while also building the company’s marketing effort.

Since joining CCA three years ago, Demaree has served as president of Stone Mountain, GCO, and The Floor Trader, which are oriented toward do-it-yourself flooring customers and use an outlet approach to retailing. Prior to joining CCA, Demaree was responsible for developing Home Depot’s flooring department in his role as merchandising vice president for Home Depot and Home Depot Expo Design Centers.

In announcing the changes, CCA, co-ceo Howard Brodsky credited Hackel for building Carpet One and noted that he anticipated similar success in the new web venture. He added that he has high hopes for Carpet One’s new president.

“Evan will do a tremendous job leading BizUnite to success,” said Brodsky. “The growth that Carpet One Floor & Home has experienced is an example of Evan’s leadership abilities. And Carpet One Floor & Home will continue to grow and dominate the market under Eric’s leadership.  Eric gets retailing and understands product, the market, and this business.  This is an exciting time for all of us at CCA Global and Carpet One Floor & Home.”

Co-CEO Rick Bennet added: “Eric is an organized, dynamic leader with a great personality. We are very fortunate to have Eric take on this role. He is aggressive and will lead Carpet One Floor & Home to acquire more market share.”

Commenting on his new role, Demaree said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work for such a great organization and for the most dedicated retailers in our industry. Evan has been a great mentor, partner, and friend to me. I look forward to applying what I have learned from him and to working more closely with Howard, Rick, and all of our Carpet One Floor & Home members. We are very excited about our new spokesperson, Amy Wynn Pastor, and the launch of our Beautiful Guarantee. As we move forward we will continue to develop innovative programs and will deliver our unique message to our targeted audience.” --Al Stewart