The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has named Kathy Young the recipient of its Luminary Award, in recognition of the accomplishments she has made in her 45-year career in the floor covering industry. The Luminary Award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 25, at 3:30 p.m. during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, hosted at WFCA booth #2413.
Young, former vice president of marketing services at Shaw Industries, embarked on her professional journey in 1975. Starting in a vocational office training position, she worked through various administrative roles including reception, inventory control, project planner and customer service representative.
In 1988, Young’s career reached a pivotal juncture as she transitioned into sales assistant and product management roles at Sutton Carpet Mills, later acquired by Salem Carpets and Shaw Industries. Throughout this period, Young exhibited exceptional resilience, accountability and reliability, persevering during a male-dominated era in the industry.
Her career progressed into product marketing and as creative director, eventually reaching the position of vice president of marketing for 15-plus years. Young played a crucial role in Shaw’s growth, overseeing retail licensing programs for prominent brands such as Kathy Ireland, Martha Stewart and HGTV. Young recognized the importance of understanding the female consumer in marketing, since women make the majority of flooring purchases.
“I am proud to have been known as an important voice, both for the female consumer and my peers. Contributing to women’s inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated residential flooring market has been an honor. It is deeply gratifying to witness the thriving of diversity and inclusion as I pass the torch after 45 years,” expressed Young.
Her leadership exceeded beyond corporate success, as Young spearheaded Shaw’s efforts in making the company the top sponsor for St. Jude Marathon fundraising, raising more than $700,000.
“I am thrilled to announce Kathy Young, an esteemed female leader within the floor covering industry, has been awarded the Luminary Award by the World Floor Covering Association,” stated Freida Staten, WFCA vice president of marketing, communications & membership. “Kathy’s unwavering commitment, innovative spirit and transformative leadership have shaped companies and left an indelible mark on the floor covering industry.”
Scott Sandlin, former executive vice president residential division at Shaw, also admired Young’s exceptional leadership, emphasizing her impact on the industry and the positive changes she brought. “Kathy was a great leader in our industry. She had it all stacked against her and essentially led through her innate spirit for making great things happen. The details of her early days in the industry were alarming, to hear what she was up against. There was no way she would be held back by tradition. When the rooster crowed, she went to work and used her charm, street sense, intelligence and genuine empathy for our customers as her guiding light. Young is a fighter and made a better future for all. Her impact on me and my family has been a true gift.”
