Scott Levy, president of Arley Wholesale, discusses the 16th annual Arley Classic held in Scranton, Pa., the turnout, and it’s various events held, noting that the turnout was the best ever. He talks about the types of customers that attend, the breadth of product shown at the classic, and the new products that have been added recently. Levy discusses the geographic area served by the company and recent changes as well as the level of involvement in ceramic by floor covering retailers.

Scott Levy, president of Arley Wholesale, talks more about the recently held Arley Classic and how many floor covering retailers add ceramic tile to their offerings, how they display ceramic, and expand the breadth of their offerings. Levy also talks more about the new products the company has added to their selection and ways of effectively displaying ceramic as well as the company’s philosophy towards its customers and their unique approach to build success.

Scott Levy, president of Arley Wholesale, talks about what the addition of wood looks in ceramic has meant to the category and the changes that have taken place with regards to looks, colors, and textures since. Levy also talks about the nationwide installation problem and how it has effected the growth of the industry and may hinder its long-term growth. Also discussed are industry efforts to mitigate the problem and the awareness levels in high schools of the various trade opportunities, as well as efforts developed by manufacturers to help improve installation techniques and add efficiency to the process.

Pat Oakley, vice president of marketing for Mullican Flooring, talks about the importance of the retail salesperson in carrying the “Real Dogs, Real Wood Floors” campaign message to consumers and the advantages of real wood floors verses wood look-a-like products. He talks about the challenges of training at the retail level, the commitment of retail firms to wood flooring, and the advantages of initiating sales presentation by showing the higher quality option and working down if necessary. Also discussed are the needs of retail sales people in an environment of consumers being more informed as a result of increased online research.

Pat Oakley, vice president of marketing for Mullican Flooring, discusses the wood flooring business over the past year and a half and the company’s recently announced promotion campaign “Real Dogs, Real Wood Floors,” its mission, that is educating consumers to the difference between products that look like wood and real wood products, and various elements of the campaign. He discusses the social media elements of the campaign, and the categories of wood flooring that have been effected by LVT and other wood appearing product as he invites other wood flooring manufacturers to join the effort.

Chris Walker, vice president of Northeast region for David Allen and NTCA's Tile Person of the Year, talks more about the advantages and disadvantages if hiring installers verses using independent contractors. He also talks about using certified installers and the advantages it brings to the marketplace. He talks about the David Allen organization and its 98 year history and the importance of relationships in the industry, as well as dealing with the problems associated with floor covering installation being one of the last products to be installed on the jobsite.

Chris Walker, vice president of the Northeast region for David Allen Company and NTCA's Tile Person of the Year and the next president of the association, discusses the NTCA’s leadership role in the nation’s installation situation and developing qualified installers. He talks about the association’s apprenticeship program, recruiting new talent in to the ceramic field and developing knowledge and hand skill levels. Walker also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of hiring installers verses using independent contractors.