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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.