MSI expands Midwest presence with Grand Rapids showroom

Grand Rapids, Mich.—MSI celebrated the grand opening of its new showroom here. The company will host showroom tours, product showcases and networking opportunities on April 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees can connect with designers, builders and industry professionals while exploring new products.

The 50,000-square-foot facility supports MSI’s growth strategy. It improves service speed, expands inventory and increases accessibility for customers across the Midwest. The location also strengthens MSI’s distribution network and supports local job growth.

“The Grand Rapids location is a testament to MSI’s continued momentum and long-term vision,” said Laura Larsen, branch leader. “It strengthens our ability to meet customer demand with speed and scale, while also allowing us to invest in the region and support its economic development.”

The showroom features a range of products, including Everlife waterproof flooring, porcelain and luxury vinyl tile, quartz surfaces and hardwood. It also includes hardscaping products such as porcelain pavers, veneers and stacked stone.

The space is designed to provide an interactive experience for designers, builders, contractors and homeowners.

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MSI expands Acoustic Slat Wall Panel collection

Orange, Calif.—MSI introduced eight additions to its Acoustic Slat Wall Panel collection. The update includes four painted slat panels in 9.5 x 94.5-inch formats and four new 24 x 48-inch acoustic wood panel designs.

“The introduction of our painted Acoustic Slat Wall Panels and versatile 24 x 48-inch wood panels reflects the continued success and evolution of this collection,” said Anand Palasamudram, senior merchant at MSI. “With expanded color options to make bold or subtle design statements and flexible sizing to suit a variety of applications, these panels offer designers even more creative freedom while delivering exceptional acoustic performance.”

The expansion builds on the Acoustic Wood Slat Collection, which includes Blonde, Ebony, Fog, Natural and Tawny colorways. MSI previously introduced Macro and Reeded panels to add wider slat profiles and textured designs.

The new painted slat panels feature acoustic fiber backing for sound absorption. They are available in modern hues and require no staining or sanding. Installers can attach the panels directly to studs for a simple installation process.

Color options include Dusk, Jade, Navy and White, each offering a distinct neutral tone.

The 24 x 48-inch panels offer added flexibility for a range of applications. Color options include Almond, Espresso, Fog and Sable, each designed to deliver a natural wood look with enhanced acoustic performance.

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Starnet seeks to get members in ‘game’ shape

Taylor Adhesives’ Justin Abbott and Ralph Grogan.

Aventura, Fla.—Scores of North America’s leading commercial flooring contractors gathered here earlier this week for the 2026 Starnet Spring Conference—an annual event offering attendees and vendors valuable networking, educational and business opportunities.

“Red Zone Ready—and Built on Trust,” the football-inspired theme for this year’s conference, reflected the competitive spirit of professional commercial floor covering contractors as they strive to perform at a high level amid a challenging economic environment and everyday obstacles.

The “Red Zone Ready concept is all about helping members with talent development, both in their own organization and with their manufacturing partners that are part of Starnet,” Mark Bischoff, president and CEO, told FCNews. “It’s about striving toward operational excellence, both internally with their white collar workforce in addition to their blue collar, field labor workforce.”

It’s also about achieving excellence when it comes to technology deployment. As Bischoff explained: “Most people think about that as the digital part of the business, but we also view it as deploying new machinery, new tools and new methods. So if you do all those things well, you’re ready to run a ‘red zone’ business all the time. It’s about putting yourself in a place to be successful, just like an athlete would do inside the 20-yard line.”

Mark Bischoff, president and CEO, Starnet, with Benjamin Bachman, CEO of Gerflor, catching up during the exhibition.

 

Bischoff cited parallels between a football player’s performance when the game is on the line, and the ability of commercial flooring contractors to deliver results when opportunities arise. “You want to score all the time and consistently,” he said. “And that means not ‘winging’ it—you don’t just make it up as you go along. The receiver doesn’t run the route they want to; they run the route that was assigned.”

Trust as a tool

The second element of this year’s theme, “Built on Trust,” focuses on the importance of building trust as a leader in your business and/or organization. That was the focal point of a keynote presentation delivered by renowned author and speaker, David Horsager. “A lot of people think that trust is touchy-feely,” Bischoff stated, “but it can relate to many things. For example, your credit score is trust. Many things our members are dealing with as far as industry change and managing their employees—all of that is related to trust. So if you want people to change behavior or change your business, or do great things, they have to trust you as a leader to be able to accomplish that.”

Keynote speaker David Horsager discussed the importance of trust.

During his spirited, high-energy presentation, Horsager recounted not only personal lessons learned in raising a family, but he also shared anecdotes gleaned from previous presentations to organizations ranging from professional sports teams, blue-chip firms to branches of the U.S. Military. He shared with attendees the eight primary pillars of building trust:

1. Clarity
2. Compassion
3. Character
4. Competency
5. Commitment
6. Connection
7. Contribution
8. Consistency

“It’s the little things, done consistently, that make the biggest difference,” Horsager told attendees.

(For extended coverage of the 2026 Starnet Spring Conference, look for the May 4 edition of FCNews.)

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Couristan names Vincent Circosta EVP of residential division

Fort Lee, N.J.—Couristan appointed Vincent Circosta as executive vice president of its residential division.

Circosta brings more than 20 years of experience in the flooring industry. He will lead efforts to identify and develop new business opportunities across all account segments. His role includes oversight of the company’s Premiere, Creations and Purity residential broadloom brands, along with its assortment of area rugs.

“Vincent’s strong leadership and diverse experience across sales, merchandising and operations within the flooring industry will bring significant value to our company,” said George Couri, chairman of Couristan. “I am confident that his expertise and forward-thinking approach will help us fully realize our strategic sales initiatives, drive continued growth and further strengthen support for our valued customer base.”

Circosta will also oversee the strategic direction of the residential sales force. His focus will include strengthening relationships with Couristan’s dealer network and expanding the brand’s market presence.

“I am humbled, motivated and excited to take on this new role with such a prestigious brand,” Circosta said. “Today’s customers have an incredible array of options available to them. When it comes to why a partner should choose Couristan, the answer lies in our ability to simply out-service the competition.”

Circosta emphasized a customer-first approach. He said every dealer interaction should deliver value. He also noted that service will play a key role in the company’s continued growth.

“We are grateful for the amazing customers we have today,” Circosta said. “My immediate plan is to examine every aspect of our business to identify opportunities and improve how we serve our dealers. Delivering the very best customer experience is not just a goal. It is our primary mission.”

Under Circosta’s leadership, Couristan plans to expand dealer-focused initiatives aimed at improving operations and supporting long-term growth.

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Retailers React: How do you prospect for new business?

Every two weeks, FCNews seeks out flooring retailers across the country to offer their advice on hot topics of the day. This week, we asked: How do you prospect for new business?

Here are their responses:

“Sales is a contact sport. The more people you interact with the better your chances of earning a sale. In addition to promoting our business to the masses, we encourage our staff to prospect by joining and becoming involved with as many organizations, clubs and networking groups as possible.”

—Eric Langan

Carpetland USA

(The Langan Group)

Davenport, Iowa

.

“We’ve had the most success through consistent local marketing and a strong online presence, which keeps us visible and competitive in our market. From there, delivering a great customer experience drives referrals and repeat business, which has been a major source of growth for us.”

—Aaron Johnson

Johnson & Sons Flooring

Knoxville, Tenn.

“Because we are a ‘to the trade’ showroom, our prospecting consists primarily of networking and referrals. We attend designer events and work closely with them in their trade organizations. We also rely on referrals from satisfied designers.”

—Tom Connell

M & M Carpet Showroom

Houston

“Prospecting for new business is a daily chore. We’ve had success sponsoring community events and just being out in the community. I also believe in the referral network of previous customers; that network gets larger with every year we are in business.”

—Tom Heffner

About All Floors

Douglassville, Pa.

“We utilize social media platforms quite a bit to advertise discount sales. Most recently up to $1,000 off during the month of March, “Pot of Gold” sale. We recently launched a mailer for new homeowners who have moved into the area. I am hopeful this brings in some business for those looking to remodel their homes.”

—Deb DeGraaf

DeGraaf Interiors

Jenison, Mich.

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NAHB: Builder sentiment falls in April

Washington, D.C.—Economic uncertainty, rising building material costs and elevated interest rates led to a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing market enters the spring buying season.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell four points to 34 in April, according to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released today. This marks the lowest level since September 2025.

“Builder sentiment has fallen back in spring as buyers face ongoing elevated interest rates and growing economic uncertainty,” said Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “The year started with hopes for housing momentum growth, but risks with respect to the Iran war, energy costs and declines for consumer confidence have slowed the market.”

Survey results

The latest HMI survey also showed that 36% of builders cut prices in April, down slightly from 37% in March. The average price reduction was 5%, down from 6% in March. The use of sales incentives was 60% in April, down from 64% in March. This marks the 13th consecutive month this share has reached 60% or higher.

Derived from a monthly survey NAHB has conducted for more than 40 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI measures builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and expectations for the next six months as good, fair or poor. The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as high to very high, average or low to very low. Scores for each component are used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index. Any reading above 50 indicates more builders view conditions as good than poor.

All three major HMI indices posted losses in April. The index for current sales conditions fell four points to 37, while the index measuring future sales dropped seven points to 42. The index tracking traffic of prospective buyers declined three points to 22.

“With oil prices higher in the U.S., 62% of builders reported suppliers have increased building material costs due to higher fuel prices, including gas and diesel,” said Robert Dietz. “Energy costs make up approximately 4% of residential construction material input and service costs. With near-term economic risks elevated, 70% of builders reported challenges pricing homes given uncertainty about material costs.”

Looking at three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast fell two points to 42. The Midwest dropped two points to 41. The South held steady at 35. The West fell three points to 29.

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NAHB: Remodeling sentiment dips but remains positive

Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Home Builders released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index for the first quarter, posting a reading of 62. While the index fell two points from the previous quarter, it remained solidly in positive territory.

The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to rate five components of the market as good, fair or poor. The survey measures each question on a scale from 0 to 100. A reading above 50 means more remodelers view conditions as good than poor. The results reflect seasonal adjustments.

The Current Conditions Index is an average of three components: the current market for large projects, moderately sized projects and small projects. The Future Indicators Index averages two components: the current rate of leads and inquiries and the backlog of remodeling projects. The overall RMI is calculated by averaging these two indices.

Current conditions hold steady

“Remodeler sentiment remained generally positive in the first quarter, as it was at the end of last year, even as many remodelers are still working to manage their customers’ cost expectations,” said Elliott Pike, a remodeler from Homewood, Ala. “Only a relatively small share report homeowners putting projects on hold due to economic and political uncertainty.”

The Current Conditions Index averaged 70, edging down one point from the previous quarter. All three components remained above 50. The index for large remodeling projects of $50,000 or more dipped two points to 67, while moderate projects between $20,000 and $50,000 dropped two points to 69. Small projects under $20,000 increased one point to 74.

“Ongoing positive remodeler sentiment is consistent with the NAHB outlook, given an aging housing stock and the lock-in effect of elevated mortgage rates keeping owners in their homes,” said Robert Dietz. “In the first quarter, remodelers reported that 21% of their projects were associated with home improvements made shortly after a purchase, while only 4% were for homeowners’ projects to ready a home for sale.”

The Future Indicators Index averaged 54, down two points from the previous quarter. The component measuring leads and inquiries dipped one point to 53. The backlog of remodeling jobs dropped three points to 55.

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