Article Number : 1192 |
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| Date | 7/15/2006 9:33:16 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1192 |
| Abstract | Anaheim, Calif.—Robert Hill, who built a group of floor covering businesses from a single store in Chicago to a $100 million-plus operation, has been named chairman of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). He replaces Aaron Pirner, CEO of Cap Carpet in Wichita, Kan... |
| Article | Anaheim, Calif.—Robert Hill, who built a group of floor covering businesses from a single store in Chicago to a $100 million-plus operation, has been named chairman of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). He replaces Aaron Pirner, CEO of Cap Carpet in Wichita, Kan., who automatically becomes immediate past-chairman. Hill is the founder and chairman of Floor Covering Associates (FCA), a Midwest-based group of businesses which include a chain of floor covering centers, a home furnishings and design center and the nationwide FCA Network of stores which run from New Jersey to New Mexico. Launched in 1998 with 12 members, FCA Network now numbers 54 with purchasing power approaching $88 million. Hill is also a board member for the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA), a buying group made up of some of the largest retailers in the country. “Robert brings a wealth of experience to the association,” said Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO. “I think we are going to make a great deal of progress because he is the kind of guy who likes to get things done.” Making A Difference As WFCA chairman, Hill plans to initiate a program which is not business as usual. “This is a unique time in our industry. It is a time that creates an opportunity for this organization to grow in membership, resources and services. It’s a time when we can make a difference. “With the sale of Surfaces for more than $40 million in 2000,” he continued, “we have the resources to back our initiatives and to undertake programs that can make a difference not only for members but for consumers.” One item on Hill’s agenda involves the organization’s new $250,000 Web site, a national clearinghouse for high quality consumer information on how to select, purchase and care for all types of floor covering. “It is designed to clarify the whole buying process and make decisions easier for the end user,” he explained. Users will also be able to search for local WFCA dealers and members who are WFCA-certified flooring experts. With more than 3,000 members, the WFCA “is a great opportunity where every segment of the flooring industry can come together for information and ideas to create a stronger business future.” In addition to Hill, newly elected officers include: Donny Phillips, president of Atlanta Flooring Design Center in Duluth, Ga., chairman-elect; Brooks Mancini, president of B.T. Mancini in Reno, Nev., CFO, and Jeri Pischke, vice president of Home Value Interiors in Fridley, N.M., corporate secretary. Sam O’Krent, president of O’Krent’s Abbey Flooring Center in San Antonio, and Fredrick Schmidt, president of Century Tile & Carpet in Lombarb, Ill., were both elected as vice chairmen of the executive committee. Chris Davis will continue as president and CEO, a post he has held since 1994. The following directors have been re-elected to three-year terms: Harold Chapman of Bonitz Flooring Group in Greenville, S.C.; John Harris Jr. of Waldorf Carpet One in Waldorf, Md.; Ann Helms of Fogel’s Carpet & Vinyl in Augusta, Ga., and Pischke. Hill was re-elected to serve a one-year term as director and Cameron Crenshaw of Floor Factors in Portland, Ore., was elected to serve a three-year term as director. The following directors will continue on the board and are serving three-year terms ending June 30, 2008: Mike Duck of Duck’s Carpet & Flooring in Jackson, Tenn.; Bob Gillespie of Bob’s Carpet & Vinyl Installation in Grain Valley, Mont.; Mancini; Keith Rhodes of Rhodes Carpets & Draperies in Biloxi, Miss., and Schmidt. Directors who will continue serving three-year terms ending June 30, 2007 include: Gary Bedrosian of The Kuske Co. In Escondido, Calif.; Nicholas Freadreacea of The Flooring Gallery in Louisville, Ky.; Richard Odermatt of Odermatt Floor Covering in Omaha, Neb; O’Krent, and Phillips. Elected associate directors include: Evan Hackel, president of Carpet One, whose term will end June 30, 2007; Terry Wheat, president of RFMS, whose term ends June 30, 2009, and Keith Campbell, chairman of Mannington Mills, will continue his term which ends June 30, 2008. For more information on the WFCA, call 800/624-6880. —Kathlene Vercellino |