New appointees bring fresh insight, diverse experience, and regional expertise to help shape the cooperative’s future.
Flooring America is proud to announce the appointment of four new members to its 2025 Advisory Council: Kimberly Young of The Home Beautiful Flooring America in Belmont, NH; Char Smith of Gallagher’s Flooring in Grand Junction, CO; Steve Walbolt of MDG Flooring America in Medina, OH; and Michael Barney of Tim Hogan’s Flooring in Lakeland, TN.
These accomplished retailers bring a wealth of industry experience, local market insight, and an unwavering dedication to the cooperative’s growth and strength. They join a council tasked with providing strategic guidance and insight to senior leadership throughout the year.
“The Flooring America Advisory Council plays a critical role in making sure our programs and strategies reflect the needs of our members,” said Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild. “These four new appointees each bring unique strengths, perspectives, and leadership styles that will help shape the path forward. We’re excited about the ideas and energy they bring to the table.”
The Advisory Council meets several times annually to advise senior management, evaluate new programs, and provide valuable feedback that strengthens the cooperative model. Members are selected based on their track record of excellence, innovative thinking, and dedication to the cooperative’s core values.
Flooring America also extends a heartfelt thank-you to Paul Deschenes of Schneider’s Flooring America in Vernon, CT, whose tenure on the council concludes this month. His contributions since October 2022 have been invaluable to the advancement of member-driven initiatives.
Meet the New Advisory Council Members:
Kimberly Young, The Home Beautiful Flooring America
Kimberly Young joins the Advisory Council with a passion for learning, collaboration, and driving growth within Flooring America. Kimberly brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of shared ownership. She recognizes that the cooperative’s strength lies in its members’ collective success and values the importance of open-mindedness and diverse perspectives in decision-making. Kimberly is eager to deepen her connections within the Flooring America network and contribute to its continued success.
Char Smith, Gallagher’s Flooring
Since becoming a store owner in 2009, Char Smith has been dedicated to personal growth and giving back to the Flooring America community. She believes staying open to new ideas is essential for growth and finds inspiration in collaborating with peers who share similar challenges and triumphs. Char is committed to exploring innovative solutions to the ever-evolving demands of the flooring industry and is excited to help shape its future through her role on the Advisory Council.
Steve Walbolt, MDG Flooring America
As the leader of a fast-growing, multi-location flooring business, Steve Walbolt brings a hands-on perspective to the Advisory Council. At MDG Flooring America, Steve and his team prioritize innovation, from refining operations to implementing new marketing strategies—all while staying true to their core values and the CCA vision. With a deep understanding of what it takes to scale and sustain a successful business, Steve is eager to share his insights and contribute ideas that will support the long-term success of the cooperative.
Michael Barney, Tim Hogan’s Flooring
Michael Barney’s journey in his family’s flooring business has given him a comprehensive understanding of the industry, allowing him to connect with members personally. He values staying open to fresh ideas and learning from others’ approaches. Michael is excited to leverage his experience to support the cooperative’s mission of fostering growth and delivering exceptional customer experiences. He looks forward to building stronger relationships and contributing to the shared vision of success across the Flooring America network.
