Hardwood flooring industry veteran and former Floor Trends columnist Richard "Rick" Brian died on Feb. 5 at his home in Southern Pines, N.C., following a brief battle with cancer. He was 66.
Brian was past board member of the National Wood Flooring Association, Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association and NOFMA - The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, among others. He also held positions as vice president of marketing, chief operating officer and president of Robbins Inc., where he was instrumental in expanding that company's residential hardwood business. Shortly after Triangle Pacific Corp. acquired Robbins in 1997, Brian established R.B. Brian & Associates, a consulting firm for the hardwood flooring and building products industries.