Catalina Research Director Stuart Hirschhorn talks about the effect LVT and waterproof technologies continue to have on the wood, vinyl and ceramic markets. ​​

Industry consultant Jim Buckles talks about proactive actions retailers and suppliers can take to deal with the hazards of coronavirus, such as daily health checks, managing sickness among key personnel, and cash flow issues.

Jeff King, legal counsel, WFCA talks about AD5, a bill passed by the California state Assembly, that would make it harder for companies to label workers as independent contractors rather than employees. King discusses the ABC standard to determine contractor verses employee. 

Tom Jennings, chairman, WFCA Services talks about the measure process and jobsite assessment and how it can be improved at the retail level and using salespeople for the measure process. Jennings talks about the factors other than just the measure that the estimator should be focusing on including condition of the substrate, moisture conditions and relative humidity as well as the need for transition strips and turning up additional sales opportunities.

Sean Hogan of Hoem & Associates in San Francisco reports that employees at top clients, including Google, Twitter, and Facebook, are working from home. Positive work continues in facilities and lack of occupants making it easier on the installation crews and increased productivity. He is having material issues from overseas suppliers including wood from Italy.

Ralph Grove of CCA Floors & Interiors in Washington DC reports that federal government and university work was strong year but has become quiet with some uncertainty. He is predicting a gap in shipments from China, which is opportunity for domestic Made In U.S.A manufacturers for those time-sensitive projects.