Flooring suppliers and retailers have always had a symbiotic relationship—dealers need compelling new products to sell and suppliers need the customers those retailers attract.
But the best partnerships often go beyond transactions. In FCNews’ Retailers of the Year special issue, suppliers looked beyond sales volume to other key attributes such as communication skills, trust, company culture and even benevolence as differentiating factors.
However, in not every case is a retailer selected. For those companies who go through distribution, they selected the top wholesalers with which they are partnered. And in the case of Mohawk and Shaw, with their vast network of dealers, they could not merely choose one top customer out of thousands. Instead, they saluted their Edge and SFN dealers as well as independent retailers of all stripes.
BPI
Memphis, Tenn.
What Palziv had to say: BPI has shown a keen interest in trends and staying current with technologies. It’s great to see distributors foster such trust from their customers. World-class customer service at all levels makes BPI a trusted partner.
About BPI: BPI distributes quality products while providing excellent service and value to their customers. As an employee-owned company, BPI operates with the highest level of integrity and maximizes its fullest potential. Listening to customers’ needs, providing exceptional communication and offering the latest trends and technology in the flooring industry make BPI a leader in U.S. distribution.
What BPI had to say: “I love the fact that Palziv is addressing the age-old problems with carpet pad,” said Chris Howell, BPI product manager. “They are using new materials along with new technology to deliver a more eco-friendly product. With the air channels on the bottom to let air flow underneath, the 360-degree waterproof story and the IIC 93dB sound rating—it’s a huge win for the pad category.”
Buckwold Western
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
What Palziv had to say: Buckwold has earned the trust and respect of customers like Palziv with world-class customer service at all levels that make Buckwold a trusted partner. It’s the strength of their people and products that have paved the way for their long-term success in the flooring industry.
About Buckwold Western: Buckwold Western Ltd. has been family-owned and operated since opening its doors in 1925. What started as a small dry goods business in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has grown into one of the largest flooring distributors in Western Canada. Today, Buckwold serves its vast customer base out of six locations across western Canada and maintains its head office in Saskatoon.
What Buckwold Western had to say: “When I saw the HC Living underlay, I really liked that it had a story—using the pool noodle to explain the waterproof quality,” said Tyler Yelland, general sales manager for Buckwold. “Then you add in the built-in air channels to help with subfloor moisture and now you have a top-down and bottom-up moisture solution as well as the light rolls that the installers will love. Palziv has been a very easy and great company to work with. They have helped with all sorts of support to get us comfortable with product and the selling story.”
NRF Distributors
Augusta, Maine
What SLCC had to say: They are an incredible family-run business that has a wonderful team. We are proud to be a part of their mix and enjoy helping service the communities they work with.
SLCC has been partnered with NRF for a little over a year now, and we’ve seen great success with our Provincial WPC and our Painted Sky SPC line. Their sales team is as professional as it gets and understands how to strategically position products in their markets. NRF top to bottom is a world-class company with strong family roots.
About NRF: Founded in 1973 by Norman Pomerleau, NRF Distributors is a family-owned business that values integrity, hard work and collaboration; its team is dedicated to providing exceptional value. NRF’s foundation was built upon four core principles: Dedication to the success of the business; constantly reinvesting in growth and development; working hard but not neglecting the family; and giving back to the community.
What NRF has to say: NRF says the foundation of success lies in strong partnerships. A case in point is SLCC Flooring. “We have an exceptional partnership with SLCC, a woman-owned business that brings a unique perspective and dedication to quality and customer satisfaction,” said Veronica Nicknair, vice president of NRF’s LVT division. “From the onset SLCC has been consistently delivering high-quality materials that meet our customers’ needs. Their commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that NRF can offer the best flooring solutions in the market. We’re proud to partner with SLCC to drive innovation and achieve great results.”
Floorz
Copley, Ohio
What IFC had to say: We proudly nominate Floorz as an exemplary partner in promoting the Canopy Comfort Premium collection. Their dedication to providing exceptional customer service and a curated selection of high-quality flooring options has made them a key player in our success.
Floorz not only showcases our product line with enthusiasm, but they also educate their customers on the unique benefits of our luxurious, waterproof WPC planks. Their commitment to excellence in both sales and support has helped elevate our brand presence in the market.
About Floorz: With stores in Copley, Strongsville and Mayfield Heights, Floorz is one of the premier flooring retailers in Northeast Ohio. As such, Floorz is dedicated to providing the best selection of high-quality products and installation services.
What Floorz had to say: “Everything IFC brings to me—from products to merchandising, especially the Canopy line—is based on the independent dealer, to help us grow and protect our margins,” said Brian Erickson, owner. “It is a true vendor partner relationship, and that is what I value the most. While we have seen a race to the bottom in the market, IFC’s focus is the exact opposite. Our customers can see the difference, feel the difference in their products; it’s very obvious, and they love the look and the style.”
Mohawk salutes Edge retailers
Mohawk’s Edge retailers represent many of the most successful flooring dealers in the business—from one-shop operations to multi-store powerhouses. What they all have in common is a belief in Mohawk and its Edge Summit. “As we gear up for Edge Summit 2025, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all our Mohawk Edge members and retail partners,” said Jason Randolph, senior vice president of residential sales for Mohawk. “Your unwavering trust, support and commitment are vital to our ongoing growth. We feel incredibly fortunate to have built such strong relationships with each of you, and we are honored to have you as part of the Mohawk family. The past year has been a testament to what we can achieve together. We look forward to the exciting opportunities the future holds. We cannot wait to continue this journey with you and build on our shared success in the year ahead.”
This year’s Edge Summit will take place Dec. 16-19 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Colorado. In addition to first access to 2025 product launches, retailers attending Edge Summit can take advantage of education sessions and enjoy one-on-one time with Mohawk’s top executives. “The reason we’re so excited about Edge Summit—and taking all our key people— is the return we get on investment every time we go,” said Aaron Johnson, president/owner of Johnson & Sons Flooring, Knoxville, Tenn. “This is the highlight of our year and honestly is the best trade show out there. The educational classes hit on all the hot topics.”
‘Believing’ in SFN dealers
Established in 1997, the Shaw Flooring Network (SFN) is made up of the company’s best and most loyal retailers who have access through membership to exclusive products, merchandising, retail services, innovations and promotions that span across all categories of flooring and Shaw brands.
Shaw is committed to celebrating each SFN member’s independence while recognizing the power of the network. Members leverage the size and strength of Shaw and learn and share best practices with more than 1,500 independent retailers across the United States and Canada. Since 2019, SFN’s vision has been to provide the easiest solutions and tools for members to do more business. This vision has acted as a filter to fuel innovation, set priorities and introduce solutions that have grown relationships—and the business—exponentially in recent years. Together, Shaw and SFN members are committed to drive loyalty to each other and to consumers.
Coming together
Shaw and its SFN members will come together Jan. 19-21, 2025, at the SFN Convention at Rosen Shingle Creek Convention Center in Orlando. The biannual event brings together SFN members and focuses on business growth, learning and networking. It features professional speakers, customer testimonials, product demos, fundraising activities and more.
2025 Convention theme: ‘Believe’
The convention’s theme, “Believe,” builds upon the success of the 2023 convention and focuses on overcoming challenges and finding new ways to win in the market. SFN is committed to members’ success, investing in programs and solutions that empower them to thrive.
The seeds for “Believe” were planted two years ago during Danny Crutchfield’s powerful presentation. At that convention, Crutchfield, vice president of residential customer experience and enablement, challenged retailers to ask themselves, “Are you what you want to be?”
Since that time the concept of “Believe” has taken root, grown in strength and meaning, and has become a memorable, meaningful metaphor that speaks to all SFN members moving forward.
