NEWH - Summer 2011 - (Page 36)

cover story walking tall A small carpet company with big ideas By Alia Akkam Above, clockwise from top left: Two of Lexmark’s carpet offerings, Couture II and Eden Rock; and an aerial view of Lexmark Carpet Mills’ facility; Opposite page, from left: The Euphoria II design; designer Esther Dunbar-Cullum and Lexmark’s Sam Burger, VP of sales. t Photos by Oscar Einzig and courtesy of Lexmark Carpet Mills The once freewheeling Baby Boomers, comprising the nation’s largest population segment, are headed towards retirement. So, it was a smart move for Lexmark Carpet Mills, one of the largest suppliers of carpet to the hospitality industry, to set its sights on the healthcare market, concentrating on senior/assisted living facilities. “What is colorful in hospitality is more toned down” in this realm, explains Sam Burger, VP of sales, but in the end, “it’s the same type of product.” It is because of progressive initiatives like these that Lexmark, founded in Dalton, Georgia, in 1993, “has grown tremendously,” according to CEO Todd White. Lexmark, which has forged partnerships with chains like Hyatt, Marriott, Choice, and Wyndham for nearly 20 years, will soon launch a residential division, spearheaded by former Mohawk Flooring talent Ed Williams. As White describes, “We’re looking to diversify into other markets.” Expansion aside, hospitality is at the heart of Lexmark’s mission. Hotels seek out its stain-resistant, solutiondyed nylon products equipped with anti-microbial technology. Unlike topical treatments that can potentially wear off, Lexshield, built into the fiber during the extrusion process, is ensured to last. “This mold and odor prohibition is a big perk,” shares White. 36 summer 2011 www.newh.org tel 800.593.NEWH http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Summer 2011

NEWH - Summer 2011
Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability
Conference: NeoCon
Conference: Regional Tradeshows
Design 101: Hotel Renovation
Have You Seen?
Product Know-How: Flooring
On the Scene
Cover Story: Lexmark Carpet Mills
Project: Hilton Anatole Atrium II
Project: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Project: Wyndham Vacation Resorts
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles

NEWH - Summer 2011