Green Bay, Wis.—Each year CarpetsPlus Color Tile joins forces with one of its members to provide training and development in a retail setting for its annual summit meeting. The host opens his doors and allows the buying group to gain an in-depth look at how his business is managed. This year, Fred Hoffman, owner of Home Interiors Color Tile Design Center, welcomed more than 180 dealers into his Green Bay and Appleton, Wis., retail locations.

“We strive to give our members every opportunity to learn from one another and strongly encourage networking within our group,” explained Ron Dunn, co-CEO of Alliance Flooring, CarpetsPlus’ parent company. “This is why we arrange our summits around a host business and allow members to see how an individual runs his company. The opportunities for the visiting members are endless. They are able to learn first-hand what makes a successful business work and the ups and downs it takes to get there.” Each store tour was divided into specific stations guided by Hoffman’s employees.

CarpetsPlus retailers explored different subjects surrounding the business including warehousing, store design and layout, design services, display ideas, installation services and financial issues, to name a few. “Hosting a summit is a huge commitment,” added Jon Logue, co-CEO of Al-liance. “The retailer has to prepare for months in advance while still conducting business. While the tours are being conducted, the business must close its doors to customers.”

The enthusiasm was evidient among the members after completing the tours. David Cherry of Dixie D CarpetsPlus Color Tile of Norfolk, Va., commented, “For the first time I can honestly say this was the best convention my wife and I have ever attended. We learned a great deal from the other dealers and even shared some of our own experiences. I wouldn’t hesitate to tell other members not to miss out on this opportunity because if we don’t put any effort into our own growth the success of the entire group will also be affected. The CarpetsPlus Color Tile program is only as good as the time and effort that each dealer puts into it.”

After completing the tours members gathered at the hotel for educational sessions, discussions and a trade show. New suppliers such as CW Industries, Joy Carpets, Peerless Carpet and Design Materials were also welcomed. During one session on best practices, select Home Interiors’ employees were on hand to offer insights on methods of cutting costs. Mike Peters of CarpetsPlus of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., said, “I was very impressed with the number of useful items and areas from which we benefitted. The session on cutting costs was timely and extremely relevant. I truly received much more back in real terms than the cost of attendance.”

Financial expert and FCNews columnist, Dr. Bart Basi of The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning, gave the group a preview of his six-course certification series which includes: Understanding Financial Statements, Cash Flow and Profitability, Minimizing Taxes, Strategic Planning, Business Valuation and Estate Planning. The first two courses will be offered to members during CarpetsPlus’ winter convention which will be held in Las Vegas Jan. 29 to 31.

Dealers had a chance to shop new vendors and update their showrooms at the exhibit hall. New product introductions including the updated 2005 Area Rug program and new displays such as Fairways “resimercial” display from CW offered additional choices. That wasn’t enough though, as retailers had the chance to participate in an optional bonus day in which they were able to visit the first store that hosted a convention—Wendy Werner’s Carpet Town in Milwaukee.

Starting with an explanation of what she had changed, Werner and her staff took the group on a similar tour of operations. During the tour Werner shared how she increased business by expanding on unique advertising, remodeling the store while still conducting business and providing a full-service design team for her customers. The summit also gave CarpetsPlus the opportunity to show off its expanded sales force.

New to the sales team are Frank Rodenbaugh, John Spearman, Gregg Behnke and George Garmon. “Suppliers and members alike noticed our sales force throughout the exhibit hall,” concluded Ryan Dunn, Alliance’s vice president of sales. “Adding these four individuals has allowed us to concentrate on specific areas of the country and offer better service to our existing members. It has allowed us to assist dealers in a timely manner and, additionally, suppliers were enthusiastic to see so many new faces assisting in the selling process.”