Ken Walma

I’m grateful for the support and encouragement from Todd Thomas in championing critical discussions around energy efficiency. Sustainable building renovation is a cornerstone for strengthening national security and driving industrial growth across North America. By integrating innovative solutions like vacuum insulating glass, which can reduce energy costs by up to 40%, we can optimize energy distribution while delivering substantial ROI for building owners. To fuel the manufacturing revolution poised to transform North America, we must tackle energy challenges from every angle. Embracing cutting-edge technologies in building renovations is a vital step toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingRenovation #Innovation #NorthAmerica

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Recently Mohawk Group was the Platinum Sponsor for Kay Sargent's talk on the importance of neuroinclusivity in design for the CoreNet Global Atlanta Chapter. It was a privilege to be able to introduce her and provide some context around products that enable these design strategies. Here's what's been rolling around in my head for about a week: - I believe that addressing this, through inclusive design, is one of the greatest challenges for our generation. It really stuck with me that we all figure out how to conform to ADA and it affects a much smaller percentage of the population than neurodiversity. - I think that a lot of people and companies are realizing that this is important and trying to figure out how to address it. This is good! - It seems like a lot of companies are wrapping messaging around it. As I sit with an email from NeoCon in my inbox that points to multiple products that enable neuroinclusive design - I question the validity of those claims from manufacturers that don't back it with some sort of science. Products are not the end-all solution for neuroinclusive spaces. It's about truly having a design strategy to address flow, use and experience. There's a lot about sound, light/glare and temperature that are some of the biggest triggers. I just do flooring. That's part of a space, not a whole space. What I do think about is a sort-of "neuro-washing" from companies is happening. Just because something uses a muted palette, is comfortable or organic in shape does not make it an enabler of neuroinclusive design. HOK has done amazing work to start establishing best practices in this space. Mohawk Group has partnered with 13&9 Design and Dr. Richard Taylor at the University of Oregon to create products that utilize fractal patterns for scientifically proven stress reduction. We've done this for a couple of years now and are just launching our first hard surface collection in the space (link below). Other interiors leaders like Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering are engaging in similar partnerships. This is moving us forward as an industry. In the end, products are the tip-of-the-iceberg when it comes to the big topic of neuroinclusivity. They are enablers of holistic philosophies and design strategies. There is no one magical product that makes a space neuroinclusive. Replacing some items on your finish schedule with better products with claims that are backed by research and science is a start. There's still a lot to learn and a long way to go from here. #neuroinclusivity #design #interiordesign #flooring #productdevelopment #neurodiversity #architecture https://lnkd.in/eqszCCsy

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Over the past year, our Product Development and R&D teams at National Nail have made tremendous strides in building the next generation of fastening and installation solutions for the building materials industry. A major focus has been expanding our innovation pipeline and strengthening our global IP strategy. Several new technologies developed by our engineering organization are now progressing through patent application stages—representing system-level advancements across fastening, installation, and performance-driven product design. These efforts reflect the collective work of an incredibly talented, multidisciplinary team and our commitment to delivering meaningful, jobsite-focused solutions for contractors, builders, and partners. Proud to help lead this next chapter of innovation alongside our CAMO, STINGER, and PRO-FIT brands as we continue pushing boundaries in performance, engineering, and category creation.

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5 Comments

Day 1 at IBS, and the energy is undeniable. Booths are magnificent, stunning displays, multi-level builds, curated offerings. No expense spared and it shows. I think this reflects something bigger: Q4 2025 finished stronger than expected and optimism heading into 2026 is real. But here's the question I keep coming back to: for exhibitors investing $250K+ to be here (numbers climb fast when you factor in booth design, build, teardown, shipping, flights, hotels, dinners), how do you measure ROI? Is it leads generated? Deals closed in the following quarter? Brand visibility? Relationships deepened? Or is the risk of not being here when there's momentum in the air just too high? Booth W6449 if you want to discuss over coffee. ☕ #IBS2026 #KBIS2026 #WestonWoodSolutions #Millwork #SupplyChain #Leadership #NeverStopGrowing #WestonsWay

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A lot has changed since attending the INNERGY Summit last year. The conversations were different — because Columbia Woodworking is different. Last year, we were just getting started. Today, we have a fully integrated system that touches every part of our business. We now have real visibility into scheduling, production flow, project performance, and risk — from preconstruction and engineering through manufacturing and installation. The goal was never software. The goal was clarity. Clarity of scope. Clarity of schedule. Clarity of risk. Clarity on where we excel. Clarity on where we need to improve. Clarity for our teams. Clarity for our customers. Our project managers now have real-time information that allows them to communicate proactively instead of reactively. Another reason why Columbia Woodworking is Made for the Challenge. #MadeForTheChallenge #ArchitecturalMillwork #CommercialConstruction

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Earth Week at Mohawk Group 🌍 Believe In Better At Mohawk Group, we believe design has the power to build a better future. That’s why we continue to invest in innovations that reduce emissions, reclaim materials, and rethink the lifecycle of every floor we make, all of which have been achieved since our 2010 baseline. ✔️ 36% reduction in GHG emissions ♻️ 44.9M lbs of flooring reclaimed 💧 42% reduction in water usage 🌲 99% responsible wood sourcing Sustainability isn’t a goal—it’s a responsibility we act on every day. See how we’re moving beyond commitments to real, measurable change, and learn more about our commitment to sustainability: https://bit.ly/3w1Am7c

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What does it truly mean to build with a conscience? It’s a question we were honored to explore in a recent feature by the industry-leading Closets & Organized Storage magazine. The article, "Luxury with a conscience," puts a spotlight on the very heart of our mission at @Vicaima. For us, it's about proving that you never have to choose between two core principles: 1. Sophisticated Design 2. Environmental Responsibility Our work on the Greens Vilamoura project was the perfect case study. As we shared with the author, Michaelle Bradford, a key part of sustainable luxury is creating healthier interiors. We believe wood, as a natural material, "fosters a sense of warmth and comfort, making it a meaningful element." Being featured is like having a spotlight on our blueprint; it validates our team's commitment to this philosophy. A huge thank you to Closets & Organized Storage magazine and the @Woodworking Network for sharing our story. What does "sustainable luxury" mean to you and your industry? Link for the full article in the comments below. #LuxuryWithAConscience #ClosetsMagazine #OrganizedStorage #SustainableDesign #Vicaima #GreensVilamoura #Leadership

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The HVAC market's heating up. We're seeing U.S. demand jump from $25.6B to $35.8B by 2030, thanks to more building, higher efficiency standards, and comfort expectations. For manufacturers like us, that means moving faster and smarter. Whether it’s big ductwork or small louvers, volume is up. Automation and new roll forming tech help us deliver at scale. If you’re in this business, now’s the time to step up your game. Work with people who get modern materials, lean production, and flexible supply chains. In this market, quality and speed win. What trends do you think will drive HVAC next? Modular parts? Greener materials? Smarter systems? #IndustryInsights #HVAC #Refrigeration #Manufacturing #Innovation #EnergyEfficiency #ConstructionTrends

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With real-time visibility. 🤯 Brandon Matthies, Head of Product with Watts Digital, introduces us to Nexa by Watts. On our latest episode of Tech Talk, we dive deep into how Nexa is changing the game for facility engineers and building owners. Check it out: https://ow.ly/AEVy30sO9kb #TechTalk #Nexa #SmartAndConnected

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A few thoughts on the market: Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) Pricing: SYP is currently quoted at +$50–60 over print. Participation: Producers report active participation across the entire industry, including treaters, big-box retail, distribution, and wholesale channels. Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) Market Movement: While overall SPF prices haven't surged yet, specific dimensions like 2x4 and 2x6 (104 5/8") are trending upward. Supply: Inventory for 9' lengths is tightening; historically, when these sizes tighten, the broader market follows.   Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Sales Activity: Some sellers are still discounting 7/16" 4x8 panels to move contracts quickly. Control Shift: Mills are beginning to gain more control over inventory levels. Trend: Significant upward pricing pressure is anticipated in the coming weeks. Industrial & Low-Grade Lumber Availability: Low-grade industrial lumber is extremely tight across all species. Stock Status: Most volume is being sold before it even hits official offer lists. Logistics & Freight Universal Pressure: All regions and product categories are facing severe freight cost increases. Outlook: There is currently no projected end to these logistical challenges. ps://www.gulfcoastshelter.com/ #siding2nds #flooring #pavers #buildingproducts #closeouts #liquidation #siding #shingles #OSB #lumber #SYP #SPF #studs #LVP #palletparts #pallets

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