Swiff-Train Adds Business Unit Manager, Tile Division
Houston, TX: February 2, 2020
Houston, Texas – Swiff-Train Company announces Cole Hood as the newly appointed Director of Sales for Swiff-Train Distribution. In this role, Cole will lead the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi sales teams for all channels.
Hood joins Swiff-Train with over 20 years in the industry, including over 15 years in multiple capacities at Mohawk Industries and most recently at Dream Weaver Carpet. Previous positions held include District Manager, Regional Sales Operations Manager and Director of National Accounts, among others.
“Cole’s experience and passion in the business will bring incredible value to our sales team in both product and sales knowledge, as well as cultivated relationships we look forward to expanding. We eagerly anticipate Cole’s energy taking our team to the next level and further strengthening our position within the floor covering industry, “says Shane Calloway, President and CEO.
Swiff-Train Company is a full line flooring distributor, as well as parent company and headquarters to EarthWerks®, Pinnacle™ and Ground Control™ Surfaces flooring. Celebrating Over 80 Years of Excellence.
Swiff-Train Adds Business Unit Manager, Tile Division
Houston, TX: February 2, 2020
Swiff-Train Company announces Kay Ward to fill newly created position of Business Unit Manager, Tile Division. This role will encompass all aspects of the Company’s tile business, including development, sales and strategic placement and marketing across many Company channels.
Kay has over 10 years of experience in the tile industry, having held positions at EPC America and more recently, Bellavita Tile USA as the Director of Sales in the Pacific Northwest, Western US, South Central US and Southeast. “Kay’s added experience in product development, factory relationships and ability to maintain strong customer relationships are uniquely beneficial to this position. We look forward to Kay bringing her passion and enthusiasm to the Swiff-Train team and Hitting the Mark in our tile business in 2020,” says Joe Reddington, COO.
Swiff-Train Company is a full line flooring distributor, as well as parent company and headquarters to EarthWerks®, Pinnacle™ and Ground Control™ Surfaces flooring. Celebrating Over 80 Years of Excellence.
3rd Generation of Swiff-Train Family Retires
Houston, TX: October 29, 2019
Swiff-Train announces that after a combined 167 years of service, Kenny, L. A. and Jeffrey Train will retire from the Company on December 22, 2019.
The Swiff-Train Company gratefully acknowledges and thanks them for their many contributions they have made to the organization. “We would not be where we are today without their dedication and leadership over these past 59 years. We wish them the very best as they enter the next chapter of their lives,” states Shane Calloway, President and CEO.
Their duties have been transferred to many other qualified associates who we are confident will continue to give the same level of service just as the brothers have provided for so many years.
Swiff-Train Company is a full line flooring distributor, as well as parent company and headquarters to EarthWerks®, Pinnacle™ and Ground Control™ Surfaces flooring. Celebrating Over 80 Years of Excellence.
Swiff-Train names Chief Operating Officer, Joe Reddington
Houston, TX: April 1, 2019
Swiff-Train announces the promotion of Joe Reddington to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.
In his new role, Reddington will be responsible for Operations, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Customer Service, as well as the Product Management and IT initiatives.
“The Swiff-Train strength has been our sourcing expertise through the years, and we are best in class when it comes to customer service & operations. Joe will now help direct this team to bring more efficiencies into the business while providing value-add through the entire channel,” states Shane Calloway, President and CEO.
Reddington’s experience in the industry encompasses over twenty-five years in manufacturing, sales and distribution. His expertise will lead the strategic direction for the Company as it relates to the overall operation to ensure excellent execution and customer experience.
Swiff-Train Company is a full line flooring distributor, as well as parent company and headquarters to EarthWerks®, Pinnacle™ and Ground Control™ Surfaces flooring. Celebrating Over 80 Years of Excellence.
Swiff-Train names new Chief Financial Officer, Rob Baker
Houston, TX: Novermber 2, 2018
Rob Baker accepted a position at Swiff-Train Company on October 22, 2018, as its Chief Financial Officer.
Baker joins Swiff-Train after 12 years with Team, Inc., where he most recently served as their Senior Director of Finance. Previous positions he held within this company also include Controller, Assistant Controller, and Director of Financial Reporting.
Shane Calloway Named President/CEO of Swiff-Train
Houston, TX: May 25, 2018
Company has promoted Shane Calloway to the position of president and CEO.
Swiff-Train Names Joe Reddington to Director Role
Houston, TX: May 8, 2018
Joe Reddington has joined Swiff-Train Company as director of product management...
EarthWerks® Adds Florida Distribution
Houston, TX: July 21, 2016
EarthWerks® is pleased that JJ Haines has extended their coverage of EarthWerks® LVT to the Florida area. “JJ Haines has grown rapidly with our product line and adding it to their Wheeler, Inc. Division will make it even stronger,” said Amy Sadler, EarthWerks® National Sales Manager.
“A&M Supply Corporation has supplied EarthWerks® LVT to the Florida area for years and will continue its support. Under A&M Supply’s Distribution, the EarthWerks® LVT brand has grown significantly and will remain an important part of our network,” said Shane Calloway, EarthWerks® Vice President of Sales.
Swiff-Train Company Helps Houston Storm Victims
Houston, TX: May 11, 2016
Houston, Texas based Swiff-Train Company is happy to announce that the company has initiated a program to donate a portion of sales proceeds during the month of May to the Red Cross – Greater Houston Chapter for Flood Control to support recent storm victim. Swiff-Train Company has been a part of the Houston community for over 30 years and looks to offer directed support in this time of need.
“With the recent storms and flooding that affected residents of the Houston area, we wanted to find a way to create funds that we can funnel to the Red Cross as they assist our neighbors,” said Jonathan Train, President and CEO. Mr. Train stated, “Portions of sales program proceeds will be donated directly to the Red Cross and dedicated to those who need help recovering from the recent storms.”
Swiff-Train Company is a 78 year old firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. As a full service wholesale surfacing distributor, the sales area includes Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Swiff-Train Company distributes a full range of flooring and surfacing products, including: Carpet, LVT, Laminate, Engineered Hardwood, Ceramic, Glass, Countertop Laminate, adhesives, tools, cleaners as well as full lines of tools and sundries for installation professionals. The company owns and operates the EarthWerks® Luxury Vinyl Tile brand, which is sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
EarthWerks® Announces New Vice President of Sales
Houston, TX: August 26, 2015
EarthWerks® is delighted to announce that Shane Calloway has joined the company as its new Vice President of Sales. In this position, Calloway will manage all sales in all divisions of the Company and report to Jonathan Train, President and CEO.
Mr. Train stated, “Don Evans, along with many of our key leaders, have known Shane for many years. We strongly feel Shane is a great fit for our Company. We are all very excited to bring Shane aboard.”
Calloway brings to EarthWerks® nearly 20 years of sales management experience in the flooring industry. He joins the organization after 8 years with Unilin Flooring in Dallas, Texas, serving most recently as their Vice President of Sales. Shane will be based at the company’s Dallas location.
EarthWerks® Announces New Vice President of Sales
Houston, TX: June 10, 2015
EarthWerks® is delighted to announce that Alan Flanagan has accepted the position of Western Division Sales Manager for EarthWerks® LVT. Jonathan Train, President and CEO said, “With the substantial growth we have had nationwide, we see the need to increase our personnel to the EarthWerks® LVT national sales team.” According to Amy Sadler, National Sales Manager, “The two divisions will nationally provide more focus on specific areas of the country.” Alan brings to Earthwerks® extensive experience, with 19 years in the flooring industry at the manufacturing level. Alan will work with our existing sales team and look to increase our sales force over the next twelve months.
The Use of Phthalates in EarthWerks® Vinyl Flooring
Houston, TX: April 30, 2015
There have been various health concerns recently addressed in the media regarding the safety of vinyl flooring products. One of these concerns is an incorrectly circulated claim that Phthalates – a chemical used in the production of LVT – is a health hazard. The information currently circulating does not look at actual exposure to Phthalates, but instead claims that the mere presence of Phthalates in flooring is enough to cause a long list of negative health effects. These reports lack any data or evidence to back up the dangers of Phthalate content in vinyl floors.
Phthalates are used in building and construction applications – including a wide range of vinyl surfaces – to aid in manufacturing longer-lasting, easier-to-maintain products. Certain Phthalates are used to soften vinyl because of their strong performance, durability, and stability. Vinyl manufacturers specifically use Phthalates for the many benefits they provide, investing significant resources to study and test their products on safe exposure levels, and to help ensure their performance meets our customers’ expectations.
Phthalate use in the production of LVT is not a “hidden danger;” in fact, government scientific agencies as well as regulatory bodies worldwide – including the RFCI (Resilient Floor Covering Institute) – have supported the safety of Phthalates in consumer products. The chemical has been thoroughly studied and reviewed by a number of agencies, and they have concluded that Phthalates used in commercial products do not pose a risk to human health at typical exposure levels. The use of Phthalates in vinyl flooring is not restricted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor by any other government agency.
We at Earthwerks® always strive to provide you with the best quality products that you can feel confident using; that’s why we proudly manufacture our products with recycled content, reusing good materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It is possible to eliminate the use of Phthalates in LVT production. In order for Earthwerks® LVT to be completely Phthalate free, we would no longer be able to use recycled content. With this in mind, we work diligently to ensure that our products are always safe and comply with industry standards.
For LVT, the industry standard is to look at a much greater range of VOC emissions through a testing protocol known as California Specification Section 01350. We work with FloorScore® - an independent certification program - to certify 100% of our products under CA 01350. FloorScore® tests for many potential VOCs, CA 01350 is considered the gold standard for evaluating products in terms of their contribution to good indoor air quality; as such, it is recognized by LEED and other green building programs. Earthwerks® is diligent in ensuring that each and every one of our LVT products is FloorScore® certified. We believe this is the most recognized industry standard and it provides the best condition for our customers and their families.
Just as the proper level of Chlorine in swimming pools is a safe and effective chemical that is used to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your family, so Phthalates are used to provide you with the quality and durability you have come to expect from all Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Planks. Earthwerks® continues to make its customers’ safety and health a top priority, and our products will continue to meet or exceed all standards of health and quality.
Earthwerks® Indoor Air Quality Standards
Houston, TX: March 5, 2015
We at Earthwerks® have received numerous emails about the indoor air quality of our products, due to a recent news feature on "60 Minutes" regarding Chinese laminate flooring. Laminate and LVT are completely different products and are regulated by very different standards. The "CARB" program referenced in the 60 Minutes piece applies only for specific types of wood products and focuses on a single VOC: formaldehyde.
For LVT, the industry standard is to look at a much greater range of VOC emissions through a testing protocol known as California Specification Section 01350. We work with FloorScore® - an independent certification program - to certify 100% of our products under CA 01350. FloorScore® tests for many potential VOCs, one of which is formaldehyde, and the allowable limit for formaldehyde emissions is actually under what CARB permits for wood. CA 01350 is considered the gold standard for evaluating products in terms of their contribution to good indoor air quality; as such, it is recognized by LEED and other green building programs.
Earthwerks® is diligent in ensuring that each and every one of our LVT products is FloorScore® certified. We believe this is the most recognized industry standard and it provides the best condition for our customers and their families. To see our FloorScore® certificates, please visit http://www.scsglobalservices.com/certified-green-products-guide. The easiest way to find our products is to search “Earthwerks”, and you can also add the specific product name if you know it (e.g. Innsbruck, Rapid Clic, Avante, etc.)
If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us. We hope this answers any questions you may have.
Earthwerks® Announces New Distribution Partner
Houston, TX: February 10, 2015
Amy Sadler, National Sales Manager commented “EarthWerks® has been the leader and innovator in LVT flooring for over 3 decades. Our commitment to Style, Service and Availability is the backbone of our excellence, and we saw Longust as a group who shared our passion for excellence.” Longust Distributing, Inc. will cover the area of Arizona, Southern Nevada and Southern California for EarthWerks® stocking product at warehouses in Mesa, Las Vegas, Anaheim, and San Diego.
Earthwerks® is transitioning away from Big D Distribution and JH Freed. There will be an interim period where EarthWerks® will be available through both Longust and our previous distribution partners.
Earthwerks® is diligent in ensuring that each and every one of our LVT products is FloorScore® certified. We believe this is the most recognized industry standard and it provides the best condition for our customers and their families. To see our FloorScore® certificates, please visit http://www.scsglobalservices.com/certified-green-products-guide. The easiest way to find our products is to search “Earthwerks”, and you can also add the specific product name if you know it (e.g. Innsbruck, Rapid Clic, Avante, etc.)
Matt Smith, Western Division Sales Manager for EarthWerks®, “Longust will provide exceptional service and a full team of dedicated outside sales, inside sales and customer service specialists. We feel that our mutual commitment and enthusiasm for the commercial, residential, and retail markets will prove a dynamic partnership.”
For more information regarding this distribution partnership change, please contact Matt Smith – mattsmith@earthwerks.com, ph. 949-230-8379 or Nathan Wohlrab – nathanwohlrab@earthwerks.com, ph. 619-980-5706.
Jonathan Train Discusses the Growth of the LVT Business From Domotex, Germany
Koln, Germany: January 20, 2015
Jonathan Train, the newly appointed CEO of Swiff-Train and EarthWerks®, and Kemp Harr, discuss the growth of the LVT business since they got into it 30 years ago. Listen to the interview to hear more details about EarthWerks®, the Global LVT market, and the value of Domotex as an international show.
EarthWerks® Adds New head of Product Development and Marketing Strategy
Houston, TX: November 4, 2014
EarthWerks® flooring has added an additional position for the company. Lindsey Nisbet will join as head of Product Development and Marketing Strategy.
Lindsey will be focused on designing and developing new LVT products as well as determining the best ways to market and merchandise our line with our distribution and dealer network.
She has an extensive flooring background as well as degree in Interior Design. She has worked with various customer segments within the industry and has a proven track record of making a positive impact in all of her past assignments. Her knowledge and experience will be a benefit to Earthwerks® while we continue to grow our market share. We welcome Lindsey to our team.
