Bald Bros of Flooring – Episode 1 – Trends and Industry Insights
The flooring industry is constantly evolving, shaped by shifts in consumer demand, market trends, and technological advancements. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s crucial to understand these changes and how they affect different segments of the market. In this video, join Spartans Phil Carey, Joe Blodgett, and special guest Tim Dormer, in the Bald Bros of Flooring Episode 1 as they break down market trends, growing segments, and the future of the flooring industry.
A Glimpse into our Hosts’ Lives: Beyond Flooring
While the “Bald Bros of Flooring Episode 1” primarily focus on industry trends and insights, it also provides listeners with a light-hearted look into the personal lives of the Joe and Phil.
Weekend Shenanigans and Family Life
A room full of girl dads, the hosts discuss their experiences with their daughters’ soccer tournaments, sleepovers, and the challenges of modern parenting.
The Social Rituals of American Legion Events
The conversation veers into a discussion about the culture of American Legions – oyster nights, cheap beer, and the camaraderie found in these community spaces. Joe and Phil explore the idea of joining the Legion themselves.
Airport Observations and Public Etiquette
Joe and Phil also share their observations on public behavior, particularly in airports, the optimal spot to people-watch for modern travelers. This discussion covers a range of topics, from the casual dress code people adopt while traveling to self-awareness (and lack thereof) in public spaces.
Dry January and Lifestyle Choices
Dry January, a popular trend where people abstain from alcohol for the month of January is discussed. They share the challenges of maintaining the commitment and the impact on their social lives.
The Taylor Swift Debate: Pop Culture in the Mix
In a surprising twist, we venture into pop culture, debating the merits of Taylor Swift as a musician and cultural icon (hint: she is, in fact, an icon and the moment). The conversation touches on her impact on the music industry, her talent as a songwriter, and the phenomenon of her fan base, the “Swifties.”
Market Segments to Watch in 2024
One of the most significant discussions on the podcast centered around the key market segments that are expected to see growth in 2024 and beyond.
Healthcare and Senior Living: A Growing Opportunity
Healthcare and senior living facilities represent two of the most significant growth opportunities in the flooring industry. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, there is an increasing demand for healthcare facilities and senior living communities. This trend is expected to accelerate over the next decade, making it a crucial market for flooring products.
Healthcare and senior living facilities have unique flooring requirements:
- Flooring must be durable, easy to clean, and slip-resistant.
- It should withstand heavy foot traffic and support wheeled equipment without damage.
- Investing in specialized flooring for these needs can help companies capitalize on growing demand in this segment.
Multifamily Housing: Challenges and Opportunities
Multifamily housing has been a strong market for the flooring industry, especially in urban areas where population density is increasing. However, it’s currently facing challenges due to rising interest rates making it more difficult for developers to finance new projects.
To stay competitive in this market, flooring companies should:
- Focus on offering cost-effective flooring solutions that appeal to developers and property managers.
- Prioritize products that are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install and maintain.
- Highlight the popularity of vinyl flooring in multi-family housing due to its affordability and versatility.
Education and Community Colleges: An Emerging Segment
The rising cost of university education is leading to an increased interest in community colleges as an alternative for higher education. As more students choose to attend community colleges, these institutions are expanding, leading to new construction and renovation projects.
In educational settings, flooring should ideally be durable, easy to clean, and able to withstand heavy use. Products with acoustic properties that reduce noise levels are in high demand for educational facilities.
The Expansion of Spartan Surfaces
Spartan has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Originally focused on the East Coast and Midwest, the company has expanded its reach to include the West Coast, including states like Washington, Oregon, and California.
One of the challenges associated with such rapid growth is maintaining the company culture while expanding into new territories. Spartan Surfaces has managed to navigate this challenge by emphasizing the importance of relationships and local expertise.
Flooring Trends for the Next Decade
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape the flooring industry over the next decade. These trends include:
- The increasing demand for sustainable flooring options.
- The rise of smart flooring technology.
- The continued popularity of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and other resilient flooring products.
Sustainable Flooring: Meeting the Demand for Eco-Friendly Products
As environmental concerns become more pressing, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable flooring options. This trend is expected to grow, with more manufacturers focusing on producing eco-friendly products made from renewable materials.
Smart Flooring: The Future of Connectivity
Smart flooring technology is an emerging trend that could revolutionize the industry. They can integrate with other smart home devices, providing features such as underfloor heating, lighting control, and even health monitoring. While this technology is still in its early stages, it has the potential to become a standard feature in homes and commercial spaces in the coming years.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): The Continued Rise of Resilient Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the flooring industry, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. LVT offers a combination of durability, affordability, and design flexibility, making it a popular choice for commercial applications. As the technology behind LVT continues to improve, we can expect to see even more innovative designs and features in the future.
Staying Ahead in the Flooring Industry
The flooring industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and market segments emerging regularly. By staying informed about these changes and adapting to the needs of different markets, flooring companies can position themselves for success in 2024 and beyond.
Check out the Bald Bros of Flooring Episode 1 on Spotify, and don’t forget to follow us for Episode 2!
About Spartan
Spartan Surfaces, a subsidiary of Floor & Decor, is a specialty flooring supplier headquartered in Bel Air, MD. Employing over 150 team members, Spartan holds warehousing and offices in Maryland and Minnesota with showrooms in D.C. and Chicago. Its geography encompasses seventy percent of the United States, with continued expansion on the horizon. Taking a human-centered approach, Spartan prides itself on great people dedicated to great products, great families, great friendships, and great happiness.