Why is Dalton, GA the Carpet Capital of the World?

Written by Tony Moore | Nov 25, 2024 4:58:58 PM

Jeremy Tatum - the President of Value Carpets joined Tony Moore from Timpl on the jobTopia podcast to share his leadership wisdom and tells us why Dalton, GA is a unique business community that maintains it status as the carpet capital of the world! Listen or watch the video episode:

- Jeremy's career began in the military, which provided him with leadership skills. He then worked at UPS, rising from dock work to management roles, overseeing delivery operations across Northwest Georgia.
- His transition from UPS to Mohawk Industries came unexpectedly when Mohawk recruited him during a meeting. Initially hesitant due to his lack of knowledge about carpet manufacturing, Jeremy was convinced to join as Director of Logistics Operations, focusing on improving efficiency and safety within Mohawk's operations.
Value Carpets Inc.:
- Jeremy recounts how he came to own Value Carpets, a family business started in 1975 by his great uncle, which specialized in outdoor and marine carpeting. After years of operation, the family decided to pass the business to Jeremy, seeing his background as suitable for leadership.
- The company primarily operates B2B, selling to dealers and distributors with a focus on niche markets like outdoor flooring, marine, and RV interiors which are relatively recession-resistant due to home improvement trends.
Industry Insights:
- Discussion on why Dalton, Georgia, remains the carpet capital of the world, attributing it to long-standing relationships and trust within the community which supports local manufacturing over potentially cheaper foreign alternatives.
AI and Manufacturing:
- Jeremy expresses skepticism about AI's immediate impact on carpet manufacturing due to the tactile and nuanced nature of the work, suggesting human skill and experience still play a critical role.
Management Philosophy:
- Jeremy shares his management approach:
  - Training and Accountability: He emphasizes the importance of training employees to the point where they can perform tasks independently, instilling accountability.
  - Managing by Walking Around (MBWA): He advocates for leaders to be present on the shop floor to understand and solve issues firsthand, promoting a coaching culture over a punitive one.
  - Hiring and Retention: He believes managers should be involved in the hiring process to ensure they select candidates they can effectively train and integrate into their teams. This would reduce turnover by creating a sense of ownership.
Future Plans and Contact:
- Jeremy mentions Value Carpets is expanding into new products like artificial turf for sports, aiming to broaden its market.
- For those interested in becoming dealers or distributors, Jeremy recommends visiting the company's website for more information.

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