Akcel Partners, Flooring Stores United form strategic partnership

Atlanta—Akcel Partners announced a strategic partnership with Flooring Stores United (FSU) aimed at dramatically expanding the group’s membership and establishing a strong national footprint across the independent flooring retail sector. The alliance leverages Akcel Partners’ expertise in network growth and buying group development, paired with Flooring Stores United’s mission to deliver transparent, high-value programs to flooring retailers.

The partnership will focus on nationwide recruitment of independent flooring stores, expansion of vendor relationships and strengthening group-wide buying power—while preserving FSU’s dealer-friendly model.

“This partnership is about scale, strength and giving independent retailers the leverage they deserve,” said Barth Getto, partner at Akcel Partners. “Our role is clear: grow Flooring Stores United into a truly national organization with the reach and purchasing power to help every member compete at a higher level.”

Under the agreement, Akcel Partners will:

• Lead membership growth efforts, targeting independent retailers across all U.S. regions
• Develop a national footprint, ensuring FSU representation from coast to coast

This structure gives Flooring Stores United a dedicated, experienced growth engine allowing the organization to expand faster while keeping its core model simple, transparent and retailer-focused.

The partnership is anchored by the experience of Getto, whose background in flooring buying groups and dealer networks spans decades. Getto spent over 20 years growing the various divisions of CCA Global Partners, adding hundreds of new locations across North America. His floorcovering resume also includes positions at Armstrong World Industries, Shaw, Gulistan, World of Floors, FCA Network, QFloors and United Weavers.

Getto’s track record in building, scaling and strengthening dealer networks aligns directly with Flooring Stores United’s long-term growth strategy.

Flooring Stores United was built on the principle that independent retailers deserve strong vendor programs, transparent pricing and real support—without unnecessary complexity. The partnership with Akcel Partners accelerates that mission.

“We’re thrilled to work with Akcel Partners,” said FSU CEO, Neil Daley. “Barth’s industry knowledge, relationships and proven ability to scale dealer networks will help us grow faster and deliver more value to our members.”

The FSU difference

FSU helps independent flooring stores grow profits while staying fully independent, retaining control over their business while gaining the support and advantages of a national program. Its model is built around the needs of today’s retailers, not the bureaucracy of yesterday’s buying groups.

Key reasons dealers choose Flooring Stores United include:

• Proprietary, high-margin private-label brands exclusive to FSU retailers
• Exclusive territories designed to protect local market share
• Industry-leading Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) that protects margins and reduces race-to-the-bottom competition
• A simplified system that makes onboarding and training new sales professionals fast and intuitive

FSU was built for the 21st-century shopping experience, merging digital tools, consumer samples, room visualization, and modern in-store merchandising into one seamless system.

Our store-within-a-store showroom model is proven. FSU dealers consistently report industry-leading profits and higher close rates. Unlike traditional buying groups, FSU does not impose minimums or heavy commitments. Instead, we work every day to earn the trust and business of our members through performance, partnership, and results.

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Housing forecast stirs debate among leading executives

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun: ‘As we go into next year, the mortgage rate will be a little bit better.’

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is calling for a 14% increase for existing home sales in 2026, a forecast that flooring executives say they would love to see but cast serious doubt on happening.

“Next year is really the year that we will see a measurable increase in sales,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, said in delivering the association’s Housing Outlook for 2026.

Yun said the expected rebound reflects easing mortgage rates to around 6%, continued job gains and improving market stability after several challenging years. “As we go into next year, the mortgage rate will be a little bit better,” Yun said. “It’s not going to be a big decline, but it will be a modest decline that will improve affordability.”

Existing home sales is perhaps the most important housing metric for the flooring industry as it sometimes represents two transactions—one from both the seller and the buyer.

NAR forecasts home prices to increase by 4% next year, supported by steady demand and persistent supply shortages.

Industry reaction

While welcoming positive news on the housing forecast, no one in the flooring industry that FCNews spoke to expects anything close to a 14% increase in 2026. Several distributors lowered their expectations for 2026 based on ITR Economics’ Brian Beaulieu’s address at the NAFCD show in Chicago.

Torrey Jaeckle, vice president of pricing and procurement for Jaeckle Distributors, Madison, Wis., cited ITR’s 12/12 rate of change (which compares the most recent 12 months of activity to the previous 12 months to reveal underlying cyclical trends) in his comments. “We’ve recently seen the 12/12 rate of change tick back up into positive territory for the first time since early 2022 (along with the overall U.S. data), and although I do expect additional rise, a 14% rise seems a bit overly optimistic to me,” Jaeckle said. “Currently the differential between the 30-year mortgage rate and the 10-year bond yield is in territory that suggests significant headwinds for housing. While I would love to see a 14% rise, I am not expecting that level of increase myself.”

Jaeckle’s sentiments were echoed by others, including Matt Hafer, president of Carrollton, Texas-based distributor Adleta. “As far as the forecast, that strikes me as very aggressive, especially with the comments from ITR,” Hafer said.

Several retailers said that while the 14% housing forecast was “too bullish” or “overly optimistic,” a rise in existing home sales is not out of the question for next year based on what they are seeing today. “Our store traffic has been at a record high for this time of year,” said Deb DeGraaf, co-owner, DeGraaf Interiors, with two Michigan locations. “Our installation schedule is booking well into 2026, so I believe these are sure signs good growth is possible to finish out the year and start the first quarter. Our two retail locations are seeing great traffic. One is better than the other because it has only been open for one year and it is in a very good spot with a lot of exposure on a main road.”

With nine locations in Iowa and Illinois, Carpetland USA (The Langan Group) typically sees a mixed bag when it comes to real estate trends. “In our larger markets, I would say the housing trends are better than our smaller markets, but a double-digit increase seems to be a bit bullish to me,” said Eric Langan, president/owner. “Also, being in the Midwest, we typically find ourselves a little behind or late to see national trends. Any increase is surely welcomed. I just think a double-digit increase in our markets is a bit of a reach.”

The Flooring Edge, with three Ohio locations, has seen existing home sales “up a tick” despite better retail traffic. “The major issue facing housing is that homeowners are locked into substantially lower mortgage rates in the low threes,” said Craig Phillips, vice president. “This will continue to impact sales of existing homes. There is a sentiment that it doesn’t make sense to get out of the lower rate. So, I think a 14% increase seems a little steep, but I hope they are right.”

Others share in the optimism as well, even if a bit rose-colored. “There is no question there is a shortage of housing,” said Scott Rozmus, president/CEO for FlorStar Sales, Romeoville, Ill. “Likewise, if mortgage rates decline, that should incentivize some potential buyers who are on the sidelines to take the plunge.”

NAR’s Housing Outlook for 2026 delved into the demographics behind its sales numbers. Among the findings:

First-time home buyers

• First-time home buyers shrank to a historic low of just 21% of all buyers in 2024. Prior to 2008, the share of first-time buyers had a historical norm of 40%.
• While the share of first-time buyers is at its lowest level, the age of first-time buyers has risen to the highest recorded. The median age of first-time home buyers is now 40. In the 1980s, the typical first-time home buyer was in his/her late 20s.

Repeat home buyers

Highlighting the rupture in the housing market is the changing landscape for a repeat home buyer. Repeat buyers can enter the housing market with large down payments (median of 23%).

• 30% paid cash and did not finance their home. Repeat buyers have continued to earn housing equity as home prices increase.
• Home sellers have owned their home for a record high of 11 years before selling.
• Baby boomers are dominating the housing market, often buying with cash or tapping the substantial home-equity gains they’ve built over years of ownership.

Household composition

• Among all home buyers, 61% are married couples, 21% are single women and 9% are single men.
• Among first-time buyers, 25% are single women and 10% are single men; the share of married couples remained flat at 50%.

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Coverings extends awards deadlines

Las Vegas—Coverings, the most comprehensive tile and stone event in North America, has extended the deadline to Dec. 16 for its two award programs: the Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards and the Coverings Rock Star program. The winners will be recognized at the show, to be held March 30 – April 2, 2026.

CID Awards

The 2026 Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in the design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone in residential and commercial projects. As always, multiple entries are accepted and there is no cost to enter.

Enter Now

Coverings Rock Star

The Coverings Rock Stars honor the best and brightest young talent among distributors, retailers, architects, builders, fabricators, installers, contractors and all those involved in the tile and stone industry. If you know of a young industry talent that has a bright future, nominate them to be a Coverings Rock Star. They must be 35 years or younger and currently working in the industry.

Nominate A Rock Star Now

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Brett Miller joins Olde Wood as general manager

Magnolia, Ohio—Brett Miller joined Olde Wood Ltd., as general manager. Miller brings more than 34 years of experience in the hardwood flooring industry.

“I’m thrilled to join the Olde Wood Ltd team,” Miller said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about quality craftsmanship and continuous education in our industry. Olde Wood’s commitment to reclaimed wood and sustainability aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to working with this talented team to deliver exceptional products while supporting the growth and success of our customers and the industry.”

Miller has worked as an installer, finisher, inspector and educator. Most recently, he served as vice president of technical standards, education, certification and membership at the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). He was the primary author of the group’s technical guidelines and standards, which are widely recognized as the benchmark for installation, sanding and finishing and maintenance.

At the NWFA, Miller also oversaw the Regional Instructor program and Train the Trainer initiatives. He mentored instructors who train thousands of professionals each year across North America. He has written hundreds of articles for industry publications, hosted the Wood Talk podcast and Tech Talk webinars and presented at industry events in the United States and abroad.

Olde Wood Ltd was founded in 1997 by Tommy and Mandy Sancic. The company has grown from a one-man operation into one of the nation’s largest makers of wide plank hardwood flooring. It specializes in transforming vintage barn wood and traditional timber into custom solid and engineered flooring for projects across the country.

“We are excited to welcome Brett to the Olde Wood family,” Tommy Sancic said. “His knowledge, leadership and passion for education make him an invaluable addition to our team. Brett’s expertise and commitment to advancing the craft align with our mission to provide high-quality reclaimed and traditional hardwood flooring. His experience will be essential as we continue to grow and serve our customers with innovation and excellence.”

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Louisville Tile hosts second annual Tile on the Turf event

Louisville, Ky.—Louisville Tile hosted its second annual “Tile on the Turf” event at Club SI at Churchill Downs. The record-breaking gathering brought together nearly 400 industry partners and employees for racing, networking and celebration.

The event, sponsored by 18 industry partners, featured a full day of horse races, food and conversation. Attendees connected with peers, viewed new tile trends and experienced the atmosphere of Churchill Downs. Sponsors also showcased new product offerings that highlighted current innovations in the industry.

Louisville Tile sponsored six of the nine races. Its “Superfecta” sponsors received exclusive experiences that included naming a race that appeared in the official program. They also watched horses saddle in the paddock and presented the winning trophy from the Winner’s Circle.

“We were honored to host such a successful event like Tile on the Turf,” said Crosby Hall, chief administrative officer at Louisville Tile. “Building and maintaining relationships are at the heart of everything we do. This event allows us to strengthen existing bonds and create new partnerships. It’s wonderful to bring everyone together for a day of connection and celebration that inspires our continued success.”

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Tuesday Tips: Supporting the industry matters

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts present short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of doing 100 things just 1% better than your competition.

In this week’s Tuesday Tip, Scott Humphrey shares why Giving Tuesday matters and how you can support the groups that strengthen our industry year-round.

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2026 IUPAT Finishing Industries Forum set for February

Las Vegas—The International Union of Painters (IUPAT) and Allied Trades will host the 2026 Finishing Industries Forum this February, taking place Feb. 16–18 at Caesars Palace. The event is presented with the Finishing Trades Institute and the Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative. The three-day forum will bring together leaders in labor, management, training and innovation. The goal is to advance the finishing trades and prepare for the next era of industry growth.

Speakers will address how unity and innovation can move the finishing trades forward. For decades, the IUPAT has set standards for training, safety and professionalism across North America. FIF builds on that work by gathering contractors, educators and manufacturers to share ideas and strengthen partnerships.

This year’s lineup features experts who will speak on leadership and workforce transformation.

Keynote speaker

Mike Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold and bestselling author of, “It’s Your Ship,” will discuss leadership rooted in trust, accountability and team performance.

Featured speakers

• Dr. Anirban Basu, CEO and chairman of Sage Policy Group
• Dr. Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University
• Daniel Hogan, CEO of the Association of Union Constructor

Jimmy Williams Jr., IUPAT general president, will lead a discussion on jurisdiction and market share in the finishing trades.

FIF will also host panels on major industry challenges. Topics include mental health, substance use disorder and alcoholism in construction. Speakers will address the shared responsibility to create healthier and safer workplaces.

The forum will offer insights for attendees navigating a changing labor and economic landscape. FIF highlights how craftsmanship and innovation shape the future of the finishing trades. The event aims to build partnerships, grow market share and support the next generation of skilled workers.

Details

The forum will bring together professionals, contractors and union leaders from across North America.

Event: 2026 IUPAT Finishing Industries Forum
Dates: Feb. 16–18, 2026
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Registration: FinishingIndustriesForum.com

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