July 2026 Edition of The Southwind Social

From the CEO’s Desk

One thing I’ve always admired about independent flooring dealers is that you’re expected to do a little bit of everything. You’re running a business, serving customers, solving problems, managing inventory, and somehow finding time to grow at the same time.

That’s exactly why we’ve always believed our job is to make yours a little easier. Recently, retailers across the country were asked what they want from their suppliers. Their answers were straightforward: better communication, dependable inventory, knowledgeable sales support, honest marketing, and supplier partners who make doing business easier.

At Southwind, that’s never been a new strategy. It’s been our philosophy from the beginning.

Every decision we make comes back to one simple question: Will this help our dealers grow?

That’s what ”Dealers First” means to us. It’s the philosophy that guides our products, our people, and every decision we make. Because when our retail partners succeed, Southwind succeeds.

Thank you for your continued trust. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business every day.

– Drew

Drew Hash
President & CEO, Southwind Floors

Many of you are familiar with this annual dealer survey published by Floor Covering Weekly. This year, Southwind was recognized by dealers across the country as one of the best in the most meaningful training and support, one of the top carpet companies, and one of the top LVT and rigid core companies.

Also in the ReCo report, dealers commented on various topics in dealing with suppliers, such as:

Dealers say: Suppliers should STOP creating confusion on pricing changes, freight and surcharges; making it difficult to process claims.

We answer: At Southwind our goal is to communicate pricing adjustments as early and clearly as possible while keeping our freight policies straightforward and predictable. We also continue working to simplify our claims process so dealers can spend less time on paperwork and more time serving customers. 

Dealers say: Suppliers Should START addressing sales practices and channel conflict, particularly online sales.

We answer: At Southwind, independent flooring retailers remain at the center of our business. We recognize the importance of protecting dealer relationships and maintaining healthy distribution channels. At the same time, we continue exploring programs that help dealers compete more effectively in today’s marketplace.

Celebrating Our Premier Dealer Winner: Shane Williams

One of our favorite moments recently was celebrating Shane Williams of Toccoa Flooring, the first winner of the Southwind Premier Dealer Vacation Promotion. It was a great opportunity to recognize one of the dealers who helps make the Southwind community so special!

Have you entered? Don’t miss out! You could win:

✈️ Round-trip airfare for two anywhere in the continental U.S.

🏨 5 days / 4 nights at a 4-star hotel

💳 $500 Visa gift card

Worth Bragging About

Follow Southwind on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more dealer stories, product inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and company updates.

Seen something worth sharing? Tag Southwind in your showroom displays, installations, or customer projects for a chance to be featured in a future edition of The Southwind Social.

(Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn)

The Final Word 

Confidence in the Details

Every successful project starts with listening.

Dealers listen to customers. Customers trust the people who take the time to understand what they need. And suppliers should listen to dealers the very same way.

That’s why research like the ReCo Report matters. They remind all of us that there’s always room to improve, and that the strongest partnerships are built by paying attention, responding thoughtfully, and continuing to earn trust over time.
Thank you for sharing your business, your ideas, and your feedback with us. We wouldn’t be the company we are without it.

–– The Southwind Team