Article Number : 987 |
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| Date | 4/11/2006 3:08:30 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=987 |
| Abstract | FAST LANE: While at the Domotex asia/Chinafloor market in Shanghai (in progress at this writing), Lane Brettschneider announced that in late January he opened a branch of his premier contract operation in Albany, N.Y., the state capital... |
| Article | FAST LANE: While at the Domotex asia/Chinafloor market in Shanghai (in progress at this writing), Lane Brettschneider announced that in late January he opened a branch of his premier contract operation in Albany, N.Y., the state capital. Called Lane’s North, the new unit specializes in high-end commercial flooring from a 15,000- to 20,000-sq.-ft. warehouse that is serviced by several trucks. Lane’s flagship operation is in Manhattan, so Brettschneider will become a downstate commuter. CHALLENGE: Karastan has joined with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on a project that challenges 35 students whose majors are in upper-division textiles and surface designs to create a rug that will be produced and sold by the company. The student’s submissions are for Karastan’s Axminster looms and their concepts must accommodate a rug measuring 9-x12- ft. using 29 colors. Final renderings must be painted in gouache for presentation on May 15 to a panel of judges composed of faculty and industry professionals, including Elizabeth Miller, Karastan’s vice president of design and style. Four finalists will be chosen, each earning prize money; the top vote-getter will receive $1,500 and see his or her design produced and become part of Karastan’s offerings. It’s good for the students, good for the school and good for Karastan. KNEE-SAVER: Knee Blades was invented by an installer for installers (FCNews, March 6/13/2006), to make their lives easier and their knees safe from stress and discomfort. Mark Legenstein is a second generation installer who developed Knee Blades, a high quality kneepad and lightweight wheel assembly that allows for maximum mobility and speed, with 360-degree turn capability without lifting from the floor. The device is already being hailed by installers as the great alleviator of pain and stress in the knees, legs, back and neck. So, if you want to get rid of aches and muscle cramps, call Knee Blades at 1-866-885-6337 and feel better. PEOPLE TALK: Over the years, there has been a great deal of discussion and so much written about the shopping experience and word-of-mouth advertising. What people say about a store cuts both ways—the experience was enjoyable or it was an ordeal. Good reports bring customers and friends back, bad keeps them away. A Customer Dissatisfaction Study by the Verde Group and Baker Retailing Initiative at Wharton revealed that hearing about a friend’s problem, when shopping, is worse than experiencing it yourself. More than 50% of Americans report that a negative shopping experience of a friend or colleague will prevent them from setting foot in a store altogether. And 31% of consumers tell one or more friends about their problem. On average, shoppers tell four people about their negative shopping experience. Negative word-of-mouth influences future patronage up to five times more than the person who experienced the problem first-hand. Retailers take note. GUESS WHO: Who sets the tone with employees and customers? The frontline managers. Speaking to managers, Gallup asked: How soon after you hire someone do you know he or she is not a good fit for that role? Consensus: One week. How long does it take for your organization to deal with the miscast individual? Consensus: 10 years (not a typo). 70% of employees quit because of a manager. Frontline managers have three to four times more influence than the leaders of the company. That I truly believe. I’ve seen it happen numerous times. And that abdication of ultimate authority is harmful to a company in its internal and external relationships. I believe in delegating authority, but not relinquishing total control of the company. Responsibility sits at the top and there must be easy access to recourse when an employee or customer seeks relief. Think about it. |