(Editor’s note: Following is the first installment of a series counting down to Edge Summit 2027. This segment focuses on testimonials from first-time attendees of Edge Summit 2025.)
For Anthony Waite, the newly minted owner of Augusta Flooring in Georgia, Mohawk Edge Summit 2025 was an eye-opening experience. Waite had just taken over Augusta Flooring in August of 2024 and was looking for ways to learn about the industry in general— and Mohawk in particular.
Edge Summit was his first rodeo, and it was a smash hit.
“I had heard from others that Edge Summit was a good show to go to, but as new owners, we didn’t know,” Waite told FCNews. “In retrospect, however, I can say it really exceeded our expectations.”
Waite said he loved the fact that he could freely talk to other retail owners who were able to provide the kind of insight and best practices that is a hallmark of Edge Summit. “It’s nice when you talk to other owners who are not defensive, who don’t think you are in competition with them,” he said.
Fellow owners encouraged Waite to take on the Karastan line, for example. Waite took their advice and has done well with the brand, in particular the highly successful Karastan Black Label collection and display. “It’s been a great addition to our business,” Waite said.
Not surprisingly, Waite is eager to attend Edge Summit 2027, where he hopes to gain more insight into the business of flooring. Specifically, he’d like to sit down and engage with other owners as well as Mohawk representatives—all with the goal of improving business. All those objectives are hallmarks of attending Mohawk’s Edge Summit.
“Edge Summit was a great way to indoctrinate myself into flooring,” Waite said. “It exceeded expectations; it was much more than I was expecting.”
Following are additional testimonials from Edge dealers:
Katie DeSmit
We’ll Floor U
Jupiter, Fla.
“We very much value our partnership with Mohawk and always look forward to seeing the new products. For us, it is very important to see where the market is going with products and colors. Attending Edge Summit also gives us time to meet with the higher ups and our reps to discuss opportunities to grow our business together.
“We had a few takeaways from Edge Summit 2025 that have allowed us to stand out from other businesses that we compete with. The one that stands out the most is trying to focus on our new wool rack, Karastan Black Label. We came up with a competition within our sales staff to see who could sell the most. We made a rug to put in front of the rack to help showcase the rug program and how easy it is to make area rugs.
“We’re looking forward to Edge Summit 2027 to see the new products first as well as brainstorm with the core people within Mohawk. This will also be a good time for us to get our stocking products ready for the next year and be ahead of the competition. And let’s not forget—it’s always an entertaining event.”
Don Lovato
CarpetSourceUSA
Albuquerque, N.M.
“I signed up for Edge Summit 2025 to gain insight about 2026 and listen to what the Mohawk executives had to say about successes and the corrections needed moving forward. I also wanted to see products that were going to be new for the new year.
“As it turned out, I was able to find some products to fill gaps in my product lineup. I really enjoyed SolidTech R; the fact it’s PVC-free, that there is no acclimation required, as well as the true waterproof nature of the product. The fact that it has up to 30 different faces/screenprints makes a giant difference as well. It helps us differentiate even more from the national companies like Floor Decor and Lowes/Home Depot. Beyond products, I was also able to improve my digital marketing as a result of being there.
“Edge Summit 2027 should be another great event. I want to get access to Mohawk’s cutting-edge technology, along with updates and products for the following year.”
Jason Waggoner
ICC Floors
Indianapolis
“We attended Edge 2025 to explore new display options for our newly renovated showroom and see Mohawk’s complete product lineup in one place. I had always wanted to attend Edge Summit, but life and business always seemed to get in the way. In 2025, the timing finally worked with our schedule, and I’m glad we made the trip.
“Edge Summit was a great event that gave us the opportunity to learn about industry trends, product innovation and connect with other retailers. One of the biggest takeaways for us was bringing the Karastan Black Label collection into our showroom. The display really completed the look of our renovated space and has become a standout feature that our customers notice.
“We’re hoping to build on the great experience we had last time. Edge Summit offers outstanding values on products and displays, but just as importantly it gives us an early look at what’s coming next so we can stay ahead of industry trends. We’re looking forward to seeing the latest innovations, finding new opportunities for our business and connecting with the Mohawk team and fellow retailers again.”
