• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • Sponsored Insights
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

Industry Q&A: Chris Dutton, Faus Group

March 16, 2011
NFT recently spoke with Chris Dutton, Faus Group’s marketing manager, about the company working again with distributors, its newest products and initiatives, and where the economy may be going in 2011.



Editor’s Note: Welcome to Industry Q&A, an ongoing feature highlighting members of the industry and their companies. Interested in participating? Contact Jeff Golden at GoldenJ@bnpmedia.com or (818) 224-8035 ext. 2218.


NFT
recently spoke with Chris Dutton, Faus Group’s marketing manager, about the company working again with distributors, its newest products and initiatives, and where the economy may be going in 2011.

Why did Faus go back to selling through distributors as opposed to a direct sales approach?

I’ve been surprised by the number of people who assumed the move to direct sales was a planned, strategic decision; in fact, it was a reaction to a major distributor that suddenly ceased operations. Once the company was able to take a step back, stabilize its operations, and evaluate its strategic direction, it was clear that we were simply not happy with a direct sales model.

To that end, we have refocused on forming strategic alliances with progressive distributors who can provide the level of support and insight local dealers need for sustained success. We continue to sign dealers in territories without a distributor, and the entire Faus team does a wonderful job supporting these dealers, but it’s not a sustainable business model. We need distribution.


What are some of Faus’ newest products?

Most of the products developed and released by Faus are unique to the industry; our new multi-direction charcoal slate decor in absolutely stunning. Right now we have several multi-width decors nearing commercial production. I haven’t ever seen a single plank design that incorporates a narrow-, mid- and wide-width strip appearance on a single plank, so I think this will really shake up the laminate category. It’s a very simple and value-driven solution to the complex requirements you would find in a true multi-width hardwood installation.


How important is sustainability to Faus?

Taking the issue out of an ethical realm, I just find it to make good business sense. We are pretty darn good at making a sustainable product. There are a few immediate things I can see in our IT infrastructure that could be implemented to save the company time and reduce our carbon footprint.

Additionally, with our parent company based in the EU, there are a lot of things we currently do in Europe that could be implemented here, allowing us to benefit from their previous experience. There are some other things we are also doing, but it would be premature to speak about them at this point, though I hope to speak of them soon.


What’s on the horizon for the company?

As the company moves forward, we are establishing a Faus Forward team, consisting of cross-functional team members representative of all aspects of the business. These members will be charged with evaluating business processes, customer service, and product development to deliver incremental improvements in the months ahead.

We’re optimistic that we may not only find efficiencies for the business, but also establish improved morale among our workforce, as they get greater input into how the business operates. If there is a way to gain efficiency, make workers happier, and make our customers happier, I could care less if the idea originates in shipping and receiving or a top-level C-Suite – I just want to hear the idea and see if it might make sense for the business.


Finally, where you do see the economy going this year? Do you see signs of a recovery?

I’m quietly optimistic that after what felt like a double-dip recession, we may finally be working toward a sustained growth in the economy. While Faus is a private company and doesn’t provide sales figures, we think that as petroleum prices once again make their inevitable march north, laminate manufacturers will fill a niche for quality, sustainable products not as susceptible to turbulent commodity markets.

For Faus, this immunity from market volatility is even greater, because 90 percent of our product is sourced and manufactured at our facility in Calhoun, Ga., so we are not impacted greatly by shipping fees or long lead times. Taking all of that information into consideration, and looking at the great dealer and distributor network we are building, we are certainly optimistic about the future.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Flooring Installation Products
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Floor Coverings
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the FLOOR Trends & Installation audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of FLOOR Trends & Installation or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Woodura Herringbone 2.0
    Sponsored byBjelin

    The Herringbone Floor of the Future

Popular Stories

Woodura Herringbone 2.0

The Herringbone Floor of the Future

Three individuals, a man and two women, discussing flooring options while reviewing samples.

Humans in the Loop: Why AI in Your Flooring Business Still Needs You

Textured light brown floor tiles

How to Successfully Achieve Credit Card Widths on Joints and 50% Offset Requirements on Tile Installations


Download the Free Moisture Meters Guide

Events

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Growth Challenges in the Flooring Industry

What’s holding you back from growth in 2025?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Related Articles

  • Industry Q&A: Merritt stresses importance of technology

    See More
  • Industry Q&A: CCA Global Partners' Howard Brodsky

    See More
  • Industry Q&A: John Woolsey

    See More
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP