NFA in growth mode
The group added three members since the November 2009 meeting in Naples, Fla.: Jimmy Lyles Flooring Gallery, Jackson, Miss.; Great Lakes Carpet & Tile, Ocala, Fla.; and Dolphin Carpet & Tile, South Florida. Each brings something to the NFA.
“Dolphin is a Mohawk Floorscapes member, and we could use more help on the Mohawk side,” Macco said. “It also does a lot of importing, and there are certain members in the group who have come to us requesting help in this area. Dolphin is also more than willing to participate with NFA-approved vendors and share ideas. Last but not least, it fills a geographical void for us.”
Jeff Katz, president of Dolphin, said the biggest reason for joining the group is networking opportunities. “It gives me access to like-sized retailers in a non-competitive situation to get ideas that can help improve my business,” he said.
Jimmy Lyles was attractive to the NFA because it is a dominant player in its state, Macco said, one where the group did not have a presence. “[T.J. Anderson, owner,] is also 
the epitome of a gentle-man, a team player who everyone immediately liked.”
Anderson took over the 52-year-old business in 1981 and told FCNews NFA was attractive to him for three reasons. “First, it is the premier flooring group in the country. Second, it gives the ability to learn from people who do a great job. Third, we anticipated our buying ability would be better, but we didn’t realize how much better.”
Great Lakes Carpet & Tile is also a very strong Mohawk player and a Stainmaster Flooring Center. “This is a second-generation retailer who is very willing to share ideas,” Macco said. “We received very positive feedback from all members.”