What's Underfoot: A Flooring Podcast | Podcast on RSS.com

What's Underfoot: A Flooring Podcast

What's Underfoot: A Flooring Podcast

by American Home Surfaces Group

Management Careers

Season 2

Shelley Ackerman on Leadership, Labor and the Human Side of Flooring

In his first episode as host of What’s Underfoot, AHSG & Commercial USA President Brian Preuss sits down with Shelley Ackerman, Director of OEM Sales & Commercial Buying Groups at Taylor Adhesives. Shelley shares lessons from her career in design, manufacturing and commercial flooring, including how to navigate change, invest in your best people, strengthen supplier partnerships and address the labor challenges facing the industry. She also explores the future of flooring installation and why businesses should continue doubling down on the human experience. Along the way, the conversation covers Shelley’s 1,000-mile motorcycle challenge, her unusual choice of golf club and what happens when someone tells her she cannot do something.

Season 1

How AI Is Changing the Future of Flooring with John Weller

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with John Weller, Chief Innovation Officer at Cyncly Flooring, for a conversation on innovation, leadership, and the future of the floor covering industry. John shares how his career evolved from working inside the flooring business to helping shape the industry’s digital transformation. From the early days of dealer websites to the rise of AI, John offers valuable perspective on how technology is changing the way flooring businesses connect with customers. The conversation also explores leadership, communication, generational differences in business, and why storytelling still matters in selling flooring. John explains why AI may not replace the human side of the industry, but instead help bring back product value, customer connection, and a stronger story behind the sale. For flooring dealers, suppliers, manufacturers, and business leaders looking ahead, this episode offers a timely look at what comes next.

Meet Brian Preuss, the New Voice of What’s Underfoot

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with Brian Preuss, the newly named President of AHSG and Commercial USA and the next host of the podcast. Brian shares his journey through the flooring industry, from his early days in distribution and manufacturing to stepping into leadership with AHSG and Commercial USA. The conversation covers his leadership philosophy, the importance of strong relationships across the industry, what makes the AHSG and Commercial USA network unique, and what members and industry partners can expect moving forward. Tony and Brian also discuss the value of investing in people, supporting the next generation of flooring professionals, strengthening connections between members and supplier partners, and building on the foundation already in place. This episode offers a meaningful introduction to Brian’s leadership style, industry perspective, and vision for the future of What’s Underfoot.

Southwind’s Drew Hash on Adaptability, Leadership, and the Future of Flooring

Tony Wright, President of American Home Surfaces Group & Commercial USA, sits down with Drew Hash, President & CEO of Southwind Building Products, for a conversation about leadership, relationships, adaptability, and a career built in the floor covering industry. Drew shares how he first found his way into flooring, the mentors and experiences that shaped his leadership style, lessons learned from missed opportunities, and what he believes dealers should be paying attention to in today’s changing market. The episode also brings plenty of personality, from North Alabama football and Muscle Shoals music to early morning routines and Drew’s genuine love for the industry.

What Today’s Customers Expect from Design | Jennifer Farrell

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, we’re joined by Jennifer Farrell—award-winning interior designer, television host, and a leading voice in modern design. With more than two decades of experience across interior design, television, and product development, Jennifer shares a practical perspective on what drives long-term success—and how customer expectations around design have evolved. In this conversation, we cover: The three drivers behind lasting success: timing, talent, and tenacity How design media has reshaped the way people think about their homes Why great design goes beyond visuals—and what it takes to execute it well The role of AI in design, and where it falls short Jennifer will also be joining us as a featured speaker at the upcoming AHSG & Commercial USA Member Summit. If you’re focused on staying relevant in a changing market, this is a conversation worth your time.

Dan Butterfield on Leadership, Strategy, and Long-Term Growth in the Flooring Industry

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Dan Butterfield, Vice President of New Residential Multifamily at Daltile, shares insights from more than 30 years in the flooring industry. Dan discusses how success evolves over the course of a career, the importance of shifting from tactical execution to strategic thinking, and how leaders can better position their businesses for long-term growth. The conversation also explores emerging opportunities in the market and how a customer-first mindset can drive stronger outcomes. This episode offers practical perspective for anyone focused on building a more resilient and forward-thinking business.

Why Most People Stay Stuck and How to Break Through with Jeremy Sax

What does it actually take to grow as a leader and build a stronger business? In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with Jeremy Sax of the National Tile Contractors Association to explore the mindset, habits, and leadership principles that drive long-term success. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience across distribution, manufacturing, private equity, and association leadership, Jeremy shares practical insights that apply across industries. Topics include: The importance of investing in qualified labor What servant leadership looks like in practice Key principles for building stronger, more effective teams Why the next generation of the industry is more promising than many believe How continuous improvement separates top-performing organizations Whether you’re in flooring, construction, or leading a team in any field, this conversation offers actionable perspective on how to improve, adapt, and lead more effectively.

Building Through Uncertainty: Entrepreneurship, Technology, and the Future of Estimating with Maksim Nazarchuk

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with Maksim Nazarchuk, founder of Modern Estimates and the MEasure platform. Maksim shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, from studying in the medical field to building construction and installation businesses, and eventually launching a technology company serving the flooring industry. The conversation explores the lessons that come from starting and scaling businesses, learning through failure, and adapting when life takes an unexpected turn. Maksim also discusses how technology and AI are beginning to reshape how customers research projects, how companies respond to leads, and how businesses can use innovation to work smarter and grow. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone interested in the intersection of technology and traditional industries, this episode offers practical insight into mindset, leadership, and building something new in a changing market.

Solving Flooring’s Workforce Shortage with Kaye Whitener | FCEF

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with Kaye Whitener, Executive Director of the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), to discuss the skilled labor shortage impacting the flooring industry. Kaye shares how FCEF is building career pathways, recruiting the next generation of installers, and elevating the perception of skilled trades. She also reflects on her personal journey in the industry and why workforce development has become a mission-driven focus of her leadership. This is a conversation about responsibility, opportunity, and the future of flooring.

People Over Process: Scott Humphrey on Leadership & the Future of Flooring

In this episode of What’s Underfoot, Tony Wright sits down with Scott Humphrey, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and where the flooring industry is headed. Scott shares the lessons that shaped him — from working in his father’s carpet mill to 25 years at Shaw Industries, and ultimately leading the WFCA. He reflects on a defining leadership failure, why “people matter more than process,” and the tough decisions that test great leaders. They also discuss AI’s impact on flooring, rebuilding manufacturer–retailer relationships, and the workforce challenges facing the industry. If you lead a team, run a business, or care about the future of flooring, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.

1 of 2