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June 10, 2011

Werner Braun: Keeping the floorcovering industry informed

A magazine came across my desk this week that made me reflect on anniversaries and the events that have happened over the past 25 years. At first, I can’t even believe it’s been that long since the early to mid ’90s, when the Braves won the World Series (1995) and the Olympics were in Atlanta (1996). And second, it’s incredible that the magazine, Floor Covering News, has been publishing stories from in and around the floorcovering industry since 1986.

It’s an anniversary that I find special because it’s a chance to highlight not only the well-known trade publication but the progress, news and innovation that have occurred over the past 25 years in the floorcovering industry.

Floor Covering News is a trade publication that covers the flooring industry and connects all the different players, much the same way the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) provides a common link between CRI member manufacturers, allied manufacturers and associate members.

When I opened up my copy of the 25th anniversary magazine I found a little bit of everything: hardwood, laminate, resilient, ceramic tile and carpet. The trade magazine also continually weaves in other influential matters that pertain to the industry like education and technology and showcasing new businesses and ideas.

But I not only found information on floor coverings, I enjoyed remembering the man who started it all: the inimitable Al Wahnon. As the president, editor and publisher of Floor Covering News, Mr. Wahnon founded the trade magazine in 1986 after leaving his 31-year career at Floor Covering Weekly. Floor Covering News became known as the “new kid in the neighborhood,” as the publication launched in the same year that DuPont gave us Stainmaster.  The first issue was released on April 7, 1986.

Sadly, the magazine’s publisher did not live to see the publication he started reach its 25th anniversary because he passed away in February of this year at the age of 90. But this week’s edition contained a reprint of an editorial Al wrote for the issue’s 20th anniversary. Some of Al’s observations really took me back.

In the editorial, Al observed how the industry has changed. “Looking back on the past two decades, the industry changed drastically. Some big companies tumbled and small ones became giants. Who would have believed in 1986 that Mohawk would rack up close to $7 billion in annual sales and Shaw $6 billion?”

He also talked about some of the changes Floor Covering News had seen — technological advances, the addition of new floorcovering markets and the fading of others. Plus, the rise of social media and the changes these new forms of communication were bringing to industry conversations. All the history was interesting, but I most enjoyed the personal tales this industry icon shared from his lifetime observing the carpet — and later the wide flooring — industry. As Al put it: “Somehow, incidents become vague and shadowed in time, but the people remain in focus, subject to instant recall, because they touch the heart and linger. I am fortunate to have encountered a multitude of wonderful people during my journey through the years and I cherish their friendships, their sincerity (and) their loyalty through the good times and bad.”

Well said, Mr. Wahnon — we miss your voice.

Over the past 20 years, I’d say Floor Covering News’ success comes from its ability to keep the floorcovering industry informed and connected about its collected progress and achievements. But it’s also an inspiring tale of a courageous man who branched out on his own to bring us the news from an industry that he spent a lifetime committed to serving.

So make sure to get your copy of Floor Covering News’ 20th anniversary magazine, available now, and if you’d like to subscribe for the next 20 years visit their website at www.fcnews.net.

Werner Braun is president of the Dalton-based Carpet and Rug Institute.

 

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