Insider
One Company, One Plan, One Culture
A MESSAGE FROM RAY MANCINI, JR. CEO
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”– Robin
One of our core values at UCX is to be adaptive to change. Some key thoughts around being adaptive to change are: We don’t get stuck in our ways; we understand that change is the only constant, and that embracing change is an opportunity to evolve. We see being adaptive to change as the key to staying ahead of our competition.
As we continue to move to one company there will be more changes and as Robin Sharma says: change is hard at first. However, we are doing the right things to transform UCX to thrive as the economy turns around. We are not perfect, but we are all working hard to adapt to the changes to get to one company. We appreciate everyone’s efforts and contribution.
As we move forward into the middle of change it will be messy. Everyone will have to get used to the new structure and new processes, but over a period of time we will get much better as we form the new habits necessary to be successful. Our customer experience will improve significantly, and the team will adjust how to work together to ensure we execute well.
In the end, in this case getting to one company, it will be gorgeous. Meaning we will come out of this business slow down much stronger than we went into it. We will take market share and UCX will be in a much better position relative to our competition.
The constant in all this and what does not change is our vision to give the best customer experience, our core values, the idea that our people are our most important asset and our family commitment to the flooring industry.
We firmly believe that our best years are ahead of us and we look forward to seeing UCX evolve over the next several years. We appreciate all you do and are confident that by working together, we will deliver on our purpose which is continually evolving. Thank you for all your hard work as we look forward to finishing the year strong.
“If it is to be it is up to me.”
Ray Mancini, Jr. CEO
Sharma
OUR VALUES IN ACTION
VALUE ICONS
At UCX, we’re more than just a flooring distributor. We’re a team dedicated to empowering our employees, fostering a positive work environment, embracing change, going the extra mile, collaborating effectively, and celebrating our successes. These core values guide our decisions and actions every day.
Take Ownership
We take accountability and personal responsibility in a high-energy, self-sufficient culture. We take action and make things happen.
Be a Good Human
We act with honesty, integrity, transparency, empathy, respect, reliability, and inclusivity.
Be Adaptive to Change
We understand that change is the only constant and that embracing change is an opportunity to evolve.
Values in Action
Go the Extra Mile
UCX’s customer service department recently received a call from a customer praising two UCX employees. She had such a positive interaction with Latanya Davenport-Forde and Doug Wohlfarth, going above and beyond with the service they provided. She works in Commercial Real Estate and had a lot of questions about a product. They answered every question and what they didn’t know they went straight to the manufacturer to get the answers. She couldn’t stop raving about how great they were to work with and their professionalism. They truly went above and beyond what was expected, and she wanted UCX to know about the great people we have working for us.
– UCX Customer
Latanya Davenport-Forde, who runs the Will Call Center in Glen Burnie, has made an extraordinary impact since taking over three years ago. She transformed what was once a chaotic, complaint-ridden department
Go the Extra Mile
We plan to win and maintain market leadership. That determination helps us push through when things get tough or we hit unexpected barriers.
Collaborate & Communicate
We prioritize collaboration and communication because they drive performance, momentum and innovation—and stop us from being complacent.
Celebrate Success
We judge success by what we collectively achieve. By marking our successes, we reinforce what makes us strong.
into a model of efficiency and customer satisfaction, significantly reducing wait times and delighting dealers. Latonya consistently goes above and beyond, often sacrificing her lunch breaks to ensure an “Ultimate Customer Experience.” Her exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to assist—even helping Account Executives with sample pickups—directly contribute to increased sales and productivity. Latanya’s dedication and commitment to our customers make her an invaluable asset to UCX.
– From Shane Burkhardt, Account Executive
Take Ownership
Congratulations to Jazmine Outlaw, Concord, NC, for the outstanding job she did in putting together the customer appreciation day event in Concord, NC. Together. She is also being recognized by her coworkers for her advancement from shipping clerk to taking over the supply counter in Concord. “Your hard work and dedication will never go unnoticed. I would just like to personally say thank you, again.”
– Elliot Franklin, Area Manager
Jazmine Outlaw
Doug Wohlfarth
Latanya Davenport-Forde
Be a Good Human
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Joey Howard. He is always on top of the game—consistently checking inventory, providing accurate pricing, and sharing helpful technical information. The sales process is smooth and stress-free when you have an exceptional rep like Joey. Thank you for all you do!
– From a Google Business Review/Customer
TALKING SHOP
Announcing a new In-Plan Roth Conversion.
I would like to nominate Doug Wohlfarth and Mike Bennett. Doug and Mike's dedication to helping others, their positive outlook, and their commitment to delivering exceptional service are shining examples of what it means to "Be a Good Human" at UCX. Their actions not only create a more supportive and enjoyable work environment but also ensure our customers receive the best possible experience.
– From Paul Kielar, Senior Human Resource Generalist
The new In-Plan Conversion option allows employees to transfer funds from their pre-tax account to a Roth account within the same plan, where the money will grow tax-free from the time of conversion forward.
There are currently two options to save for your retirement: a pre-tax 401k plan and a post-tax Roth 401k plan. If you have money in the pre-tax 401k, this money is not taxed until you take the money out of the plan. In the Roth 401k option, your contributions are taxed prior to going into the plan and grows tax free (Roth balances grow tax free provided 5 years has passed from the year of your first Roth contribution and the funds are not withdrawn until you turn 59.5 years old or older), so when you’re ready to take the money out in retirement, it’s all yours—you won’t pay any additional taxes because you already did that years earlier.
If you choose this option, you will pay taxes on all the money you’re converting from your pre-tax to Roth. Once you convert the money, you will receive a 1099 form from Principal and you will be responsible for paying the taxes during the year of the conversion.
This new option may or may not be the right choice for you. If you have a tax consultant, you should speak with them. Additionally, you can reach out to our retirement plan advisor Greg Bryant at 877-535-4437.
Click here for more information:
roth-vs-pre-tax-retirement-contributions (003).pdf In-plan Roth Principal conversion flyer (1) (003).pdf
PRODUCTIVITY TIPS
Start Strong: The Power of a Productive Morning
How you start your morning sets the tone for the entire day. A few intentional habits in the early hours can make a big difference in your energy, focus, and productivity. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to plan your priorities, getting in a quick stretch or walk, or simply enjoying your coffee without distractions—those first moments help center your mind and prepare you to tackle the day ahead.
Here are a few quick tips:
` Avoid jumping straight into emails — take a moment to set your top 3 goals for the day
` Move your body — even 5–10 minutes of light movement can increase alertness
` Fuel up — a balanced breakfast supports concentration and mood
` Take a breath — a few deep breaths or quiet time can help reduce stress before it builds
Starting your morning with purpose doesn’t require a complete routine overhaul—just a little intention. Try it out and see how your day shifts!
Joey Howard
Mike Bennett
TALKING SHOP
UCX is expanding its Earthwerks brand distribution in the Southwest! Effective August 1, 2025, UCX has finalized an agreement where Reader’s Wholesale Distributors and Adleta Corporation will acquire the assets of UCX Southwest (formerly Swiff-Train). This strategic move establishes UCX as the exclusive supplier of the Earthwerks brand to both Adleta and Reader’s Wholesale, who will now serve as authorized distributors in their respective Southwest markets.
WELLNESS TOPICS
From Markets to Milestones Preparing for a Prosperous Retirement
You are invited to join The Kelliher Corbett Group at Morgan Stanley for the following virtual educational seminars, which may be helpful to your unique financial goals. All sessions are hosted from 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET.
` The Fundamentals of Preparing for MedicareAugust 21, 2025
` Thoughts on the Market - October 22, 2025
` Social Security Strategies for Pre-RetireesNovember 13, 2025
The power of positive affirmations
“Good job!” It’s a phrase we say to and hear from kids, colleagues and even ourselves over and over. While it’s a simple phrase, its positive effect goes a long way. Since your primary relationship is with yourself, it would seem natural that you are your best friend and biggest cheerleader. However, that’s not always the case. We all have self-doubt and moments of negativity that emerge in our internal monologues or the little voices in our heads.
Change the conversation The negative noise in your head can drown out positive things if you let it. Remaking your relationship with yourself is possible with effort. By doing things like increasing your self-awareness, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and working to stay present, the conversation can evolve. One of the easiest ways to make change is to regularly recite a positive, affirming phrase.
Find your phrase! Find an affirmation or mantra that works for you. Choose words of encouragement that resonate. Tell yourself things you want to hear. Acknowledge your strengths. Choose words that help you reach your goals. Talk to your soul. Say your phrase first thing in the morning. Say it before you go to bed. Say
it when you’re feeling stressed. Write it on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror, in your car or above your desk at work. Seeing a positive reminder directed only to you will help make you feel good about yourself and your life. Positive words bring positive feelings and improved self-image. Allow yourself to choose a new phrase or make up one of your own, with each ebb and flow of your life.
By harnessing the power of positive affirmations, you can give yourself the support to do anything you set out to do.
Eat a rainbow of foods for better health
Nature offers vegetables and fruits in an incredible array of colors. There are the vivid reds of berries and beets, the brilliant yellows of squashes and citrus fruits and the deep purples of eggplant, cauliflower and cabbage. Finding your favorite color should be a breeze. With the bold colors comes important phytonutrients that give plants their rich colors, distinctive tastes and aromas. Phytonutrients strengthen a plant’s immune system. They protect the plant from threats in their natural environment, such as disease and excessive sun. When we eat plants, their phytonutrients also protect us. Research suggests that eating fruits and vegetables helps our immune systems protect us from many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers.
Green
Rich in beta-carotene and lutein, these boost eye and heart health and help protect against cancer. Try spinach, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce and artichokes.
Orange and yellow Beta-carotene supports your immune system, vision, skin and bone health. Try carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash and apricots.
Pink and red Lycopene, found in crimson-hued delights, fights gene-damaging free radicals, protecting against prostate cancer and promoting heart health. Try strawberries, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, cherries, red onions and red bell peppers.
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS
You work hard, and we want to ensure you’re able to find time to get trusted tips and resources to protect your health. Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, at 12pm ET.
August 13th - Nutrition Myth Busters Don’t fall for the fads. Make better decisions about what you eat, and drink based on real, evidenced-based information.
September 10th - Find Balance: How to THRIVE not just Survive. Wellbeing is not about being perfect but finding your balance wherever you are. Assess your own wellbeing and develop a personalized wellbeing plan.
October 8th - Lifestyle Choices: 6 Tips to Address NOW for a better Tomorrow. You CAN make healthier choices with food, mindfulness, physical activity, & balance It’s up to you.
Mindful Mondays
Blue and purple
Containing powerful anthocyanins, they help keep your blood vessels healthy. Try blueberries, blackberries, plums and radishes.
Brown and white
This diverse group boasts anthoxanthins, a powerful antioxidant. Try onions, garlic, ginger, parsnips, turnips, cauliflower and mushrooms.
Unwind and uplift with 15 minute mindfulness breaks that give you the time and space to de-stress, find focus, and boost your sense of wellbeing! Every 4th Monday of the month, at 12:30 ET
August 25th - Wellness Stretch Break. Take a revitalizing 15-minute stretch break to improve your focus and relaxation.
September 22nd - Self-Care Meditation. This practice will help you nurture a kinder relationship with yourself and enhance your overall well-being.
TALKING SHOP
Finding workouts in everyday activities
There are enormous benefits to staying physically active. It helps improve your brain health, manage weight and make your body stronger. There are few lifestyle choices that can affect you more positively than moderate physical activity. Warmer weather means it’s enjoyable to spend time outside. For some, that means going for a hike, a run or a long bicycle ride. Enjoy the fresh air and sunny days. The following are great opportunities for physical activity that are less strenuous but will still keep you active.
Please note: Before you start any new exercise routine, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe.
Here are 7 “found workouts” in everyday activities:
1. Water Walks: If swimming laps in a pool is not your thing, try walking laps or circles in the shallow end. Grab a friend, and rather than sitting on the side of the pool, add some movement for a resistance workout. If you’re at the beach, walk on the sand. The workout is harder than walking on the sidewalk.
2. Seasonal Decluttering: Deep cleaning your home or garage each season is a perfect way to get moving and get your muscles firing. Who knows, maybe you’ll make some room for a new bicycle?
3. Gardening Pushing: The lawn mower gets you moving. Moving plants, mulch and topsoil around will strengthen your muscles. Seeing the fruits of your labor blooming is good for your mind.
4. A New Commute: Because the weather is warmer and the daylight is longer, add a walk to your
commute. Park your car in the far parking lot. Just a 10-minute walk improves your fitness. The walk can also reset your attitude at the end of the day. If you’re ambitious, leave the car at home and commute on your bike if there is a safe route.
5. Puppy Playtime: Your pets enjoy nice weather as much as you do. Explore local dog parks and lead your furry friends on off-leash chases.
6. Plogging: Considered to be Sweden’s “green sport.” It’s a mashup of jogging and picking up litter. Pack a trash bag and gloves and delitter as you walk at the beach, in a forest or your local park. It’s good for your heart, soul and the environment.
7. Picking Produce: Visit your local farmers market for what’s fresh or in season. Even better, visit berry patches and orchards to pick your own produce. Working
ANNIVERSARY
We’re proud to share this special moment of Brad Fye presenting Manny Vela, Job Site Delivery Driver, Pompton Plains, NJ, with his 25-Year Service Certificate — a remarkable milestone that reflects decades of dedication and hard work.
Manny has been an invaluable part of our team, consistently delivering exceptional work and setting a standard of excellence that inspires those around him. His contributions have helped shape our success, and we are truly fortunate to have him on our team.
Congratulations, Manny, on this incredible achievement! We look forward to many more years of collaboration and continued success together.
RETIREMENT
Tony Polk
Best wishes to Anthony (Tony) Polk, Branch Support/Trainer in our Woburn, MA location, as he retires.
Tony has been in the floor covering industry since 2002, starting as a truck driver for United Distributors Tile Group (UDTG). In 2006, Belknap White Group acquired UDTG and Tony transferred to the customer service department. Tony then moved to a counter position where he excelled at selling tile products along with providing technical support to our customer base. He has been in his current role since 2015 and frequently traveled to other branches when coverage was needed.
Tony served in the US Army (1976-1981) and served in MA, WA and Germany as a Combat Engineer (MOS 12B). In 1991, Tony joined his local on-call fire department
FINANCE ANNOUNCEMENT
As we continue to move forward together as one company—UCX—we’re pleased to announce the centralization of the Credit and Collections Department. Under Reggie Johnson’s leadership and with a full footprint view, we will work to further streamline and strengthen our financial operations. Effective immediately, Joe Orsi and the Northeast/ Southwest Credit and Collections Team will report
where he was certified as an EMT. Tony retired from the fire house after 25 years of service.
Tony has committed himself to God and country and thankfully to many of us. Tony’s last day was June 20th. He and his wife Linda of 40+ years are heading down to the Concord, NC area. Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy your permanent weekends, Tony!
(Message from Tony )
To my UCX family:
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a fond farewell to all of you. It has been a wonderful 23 ½ years working with you. My wife, Linda, and I hope nothing but the best for each and everyone.
Thank you for the friendship and the memories.
Have a GREAT day!
directly to Reggie, who is based in the Glen Burnie office. This change is designed to drive greater consistency, improve the customer experience, and support enhanced financial performance. Please join us in congratulating Reggie on his expanded role. We’re confident that his strong leadership and the alignment of this critical function will bring meaningful improvements to our back-office operations.
TALKING SHOP
Stephen Santangelo –Financial Analyst
Mansfield, MA
We’re excited to welcome Stephen Santangelo to the team as a Financial Analyst in the Mansfield, MA location. He brings over 7 years of experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for various companies, including Citizens Bank, TriMark USA, and Walpole Outdoors. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, disc golf, grilling, and spending time at the beach.
Edgar Diaz – Sr. Staff Accountant
Mansfield, MA
We’re thrilled to introduce Edgar Diaz, the newest member of our UCX accounting team! Edgar brings over seven years of accounting experience from diverse industries like construction and insurance, offering a comprehensive financial background and a keen eye for detail. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bridgewater State University and an MBA from the University of Arizona. Outside the office, Edgar is a true nature enthusiast. You can often find him hiking trails and spotting wildlife like turtles and squirrels. As a lifelong animal lover, he also enjoys visiting zoos and aquariums nationwide. His ultimate personal goal? To travel to China and see giant pandas in their natural habitat!
Skye Munoz –Inventory Control Coordinator
Glen Burnie, MD
We are pleased to welcome Skye Munoz in her new role of Inventory Control Coordinator working in the Glen Burnie, MD location. She was born and raised in Glen Burnie and now resides in Ferndale with her giant Maine Coon cat named Felix. She has previous experience in the construction industry in both inventory and purchasing. She’s excited to join our team and hopes it will be her forever job.
Donna Hanson –Customer Service Representative
Mansfield, MA
Donna is joining the Customer Service team in the Mansfield, MA office. She comes to us with over 30 years of experience in Customer Service and has worked as a National Sales Administrator and Shift Supervisor/Training Coordinator. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, the outdoors, and watching her favorite sports teams. Donna is a devoted mother of 2 adult children (empty nester) and black lab named Geo.
Michael Patton Jr. –
Warehouse Material Handler
Orlando, FL
Welcome Michael to the crew in our Orlando, FL warehouse. Michael is originally from Detroit, MI and moved to Florida 4 years ago. He is a busy father, and he enjoys sports, video games, music and martial arts. Michael says he’s ready to work hard and advance his career in the company. We are happy to have him on our team.
Emmanuel Jusino –
Warehouse Material Handler
Orlando, FL
We have a second warehouse team member joining us in Orlando, FL –Emmanuel Jusino or Chino as most people call him. He very much likes Corvettes and his dream is to own one himself one day. He currently drives a Nissan 370Z - so safe to say, he enjoys his cars. Chino is a true Floridian, born and raised.
Montrez Harris –
Warehouse Material Handler
Concord, NC
We are happy to welcome Montrez Harris to our Concord, NC location, as a Warehouse Material Handler. He is the father to 3 children – 2 girls and 1 boy. He graduated from West Charlotte High School and
then attended North Carolina A & T State University where he studied physical therapy and early childhood development. When he’s not working, he enjoys coaching youth football and spending time with his children.
Jesse James Stackpole –Warehouse Material Handler Nashville, TN
Jesse James joins UCX in our Nashville, TN location as a Warehouse Material Handler. He comes to us with 6 years of experience installing tile. In his last job he was a warehouse manager. Outside of work, Jesse James enjoys working on his car and working out. We are happy to have him on our team in Nashville.
ANNIVERSARIES
Fernando Cantu Martinez, Jr, –Delivery Driver
Pompton Plains, NJ
We are pleased to welcome Fernado Cantu- Martinez to the team in Pompton Plains, NJ as a Job Site Delivery Driver. Fernando holds his CDL A license and joins the team with experience as both a driver and a warehouse worker. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is a big fan of video games and boxing, and stays active on the weekends by playing soccer and basketball. He lives in Clifton, NJ—where he was born and raised—with his wife and children.
Laying a Solid Foundation! Congratulations to all our employees celebrating work anniversaries! We appreciate your dedication and hard work. Your contributions are the bedrock of UCX’s success. UCX proudly acknowledges our employees’ dedication with milestone anniversary celebrations, starting at the 5-year mark.
` Paula Ray, 25 years, Ceramic Picker, Glen Burnie, MD
` Daniel Rohan, 15 years, Commercial Sales servicing the Upstate NY territory
` Robert Clark, 10 years, Warehouse Material Handler, Pompton Plains, NJ
FROM THE MARKETING MILLHOUSE
Sponsorship announcement
` Russell Wilson, 10 years, Warehouse Leadman, Douglasville, GA
` Amber Diehl, 10 years, Customer Service Representative, Glen Burnie, MD
` David Summa, 5 years, Area Manager, Douglasville, GA
` Michael Gombert, 5 years, Account Executive, Glen Burnie, MD
UCX was proud to announce our sponsorship of the Wood Floor Business magazine WFB Outstanding Retailer Awards! These prestigious awards celebrated excellence in wood flooring retail, honoring businesses that demonstrated outstanding showrooms, exceptional customer service, and innovative marketing strategies. Featured in the article was UCX’s customer Hoffman Floor & Home from Westwood, NJ. Our sponsorship also extended to the WFB Design Awards , recognizing the incredible design and craftsmanship within wood flooring projects.
At UCX, we believe in supporting our clients and the broader industry through programs like this, fostering growth and recognizing the dedication that drives success. We were thrilled to champion such high standards in the industry!
Product & Marketing Teams Connect in Glen Burnie!
Our Product and Marketing teams, who are spread out across the East Coast, recently had a fantastic team-building event in Glen Burnie. This get-together provided a valuable opportunity for everyone to collaborate in person, strengthening relationships as both departments navigate upcoming transitions. In addition to productive team meetings, the group also enjoyed a fun outing to a Baltimore Orioles game. A great time was had by all, and these events are crucial for fostering stronger connections within our widely distributed teams!
Exciting news!
Our very own Ray Mancini recently took center stage in the July issue of Floor Focus magazine, a leading publication in the flooring industry (retail, contract dealers, and the architect and design community). In an insightful interview titled “Focus on Leadership,” Ray delved into the importance of effective leadership, UCX's core values, and the unique aspects of running a family business.
Don’t miss out! Click here to read the full interview and gain valuable insights.
Front Row: Becky Carpenter. Back row (L to R) Jane Twombly, Nicole Demchuck, Rosie Villano.
Members of our marketing team stop for a photo op after the game! From left to right: : Jessie Gareis, Becky Carpenter, Nicole Demchuck, Jessie Hansen, Jillian Stworzydlak, Casey Diaz.
Product & Marketing Team Re-alignments
Earlier this year, we restructured the Product and Marketing teams to align under unified management structure to better manage and support UCX products full footprint. As part of our ongoing evolution, we’ve made adjustments to further align our teams and streamline processes across all regions.
The Marketing Team is now structured to support Product Managers across all regions. This has allowed us to identify and work on aligning processes across these regions/systems and working towards one unified, full footprint team.
We also want to take a moment to share some updates within the team:
Marketing
` Jillian Stworzydlak was promoted to Director of Branding & Communications where she has taken a larger role in our Private Label branding initiatives and expanding her impact across broader brand strategy efforts. Her leadership will be instrumental in aligning our teams as we continue to integrate under the UCX brand.
` Stephanie Kieran and Jessie Gareis were both promoted to Senior Marketing Specialists where they are taking greater responsibility supporting their product categories, strategic planning and crossfunctional collaboration. Both Stephanie and Jessie are invaluable members of our team providing ongoing guidance and mentorship to drive collective success.
Product Management –Flooring
` Sarah Garrow was promoted to the role of Product Manager in April and has quickly become a key asset to the team while managing key suppliers within the luxury vinyl and resilient portfolio as well as our entire carpet and trim portfolio. Effective August 1st, Sarah will now be managing our entire ceramic flooring portfolio.
` Jane Twombly has spent the past 10 months on an interim basis managing the responsibilities of Ceramic Product Manager position and will continue to work closely with Sarah as we transition the ceramic responsibilities. The UCX Northeast Commercial business continues to grow, Jane will remain in this key position as Commercial Sales Manager for UCX NE. She will continue to lead this team which consists of the A&D Representatives and Commercial Account Executives while strengthening our relationships with our commercial vendor partners and customers.
Product Management & Supply Centers
` Tim McAdoo has accepted the newly created position of Business Development Manager – Portfolio Strategies & Centers. Tim will work closely with VPs of Product, Regional Center Managers and their teams, to create paths for profitable sales growth within the supplies center environment. Tim will help develop innovative selling strategies and play an integral role in implementing these ideas to strengthen and highlight all product offerings across our network of centers.
` Sam Safar has accepted the position of Product Manager for the supplies division, backfilling Tim McAdoo as he moves on to his new role. Sam’s 26 years of experience in the floor covering industry, coupled with his proven success in building strong customer relationships and his extensive product knowledge, prepares him well to support and grow this product category.
` Stephen Lindberg has been promoted to the position of Regional Center Manager for the Northeast. In this new role, he will be responsible for all daily sales and operational activities at our centers located in NY, NJ and MA. Stephen has been in the flooring industry for 20+ years with a strong working knowledge of ceramic and supplies.
We also have the below Process Updates for customer Display Orders:
To further align our processes, Tonya Elkins, our Display Specialist, will now manage display orders for the entire company. Northeast AEs – going forward, please send all display order requests to displayspecialist@ucx.com.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on any additional changes as we refine and standardize processes to support our full-footprint strategy.
DISCOVER CAROLINA’S TEAMS
UCX in the Carolinas: Showrooms, Teams, and Southern Charm!
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our locations in the Carolinas – a region bursting with southern hospitality, stunning landscapes, and of course, some of the hardest-working folks in flooring!
From the vibrant energy of Raleigh, NC, and the fast pace of Concord, NC, to the rich history of Wadesboro, NC, and the thriving community of Greensboro, NC, our North Carolina crews are simply crushing it.
Just a bit south, our team in Greenville, SC, is also laying down incredible work in a city known for its beauty and growth. A huge shout-out to all our Carolinas crews! Keep up the fantastic work—you’re making us all proud!
Raleigh, NC: Our Dynamic Eastern NC Hub!
Featuring a 28,000 sf Pro Shop/Supply Center and serving as a Distribution Center for eastern North Carolina’s will-calls and deliveries, this location operates with both a 1st and 3rd shift, and is home to five UCX employees, three Ryder drivers, and six Account Executives in the area.
Did you know Raleigh is the Capital of North Carolina? Our building here has quite the history too, with four name changes before becoming UCX!
Raleigh is a city of many nicknames:
` The “City of Oaks” for its abundant trees.
` The “Smithsonian of the South” due to impressive museums.
` A “Beer Lover’s Paradise”! With its own Beer Trail, annual Brewgaloo, and a Guinness World Record for most beers on tap, it’s a true hub.
Sports fans enjoy a strong college presence with the Duke Blue Devils, NC State Wolfpack, and UNC Tarheels, plus the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
Finally, Raleigh hosts the NC State Fair, one of the largest fairs in the nation.
Norma Register assisting Pat from AB Flooring, ensuring top-notch customer service.
Jazmany “Javi” Gonzalez efficiently loading a pallet of wood for a customer delivery.
Teamwork in action! Javi (left) and Norma (right) with Javi’s mini forklift and pallets, keeping operations smooth.
UCX Concord: A Hub of Activity!
Our UCX building in Concord, NC, is an impressive 500,000 square foot facility, strategically located within the Concord Airport Business Park. This massive space allows us to operate efficiently across three shifts, ensuring
continuous service. We’re proud to also run a supply center directly out of this bustling Concord warehouse! Concord, North Carolina boasts a rich history, settled in the late 1700s by German and Scots-Irish immigrants. Its name, “Concord,” reflects the harmony achieved in resolving a dispute over its original location. The city’s past is deeply rooted in agriculture, gold mining, and the booming textile industry.
Today, Concord is also famous for Concord Mills, which opened in September 1999. This massive complex is North Carolina’s largest outlet mall and a major tourist draw. It features over 200 stores, a 24-screen AMC/IMAX movie theater, and entertainment options like The Speedpark and Sea Life Aquarium.
While Concord itself doesn’t host major professional sports teams, the area is well-represented by nearby Charlotte’s professional franchises: the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Knights (MLB), and Charlotte Hornets (NBA).
Concord’s management and lead staff. LtoR: Erika Torres, Javonte’ Fox, Kevin Melton, Enphynyty Brooks, Gerald Cook, Elliot Franklin, and Joseph Dowe.
Our incredible UCX Concord warehouse and facility team – the true core of our operations here.
DISCOVER CAROLINA’S TEAMS
Greensboro, NC: A Hub of History and Community!
Our UCX Greensboro, North Carolina location, a 10,000-square-foot facility, operates with a dedicated one-day shift and two employees. Its pro shop offers convenient customer order pickup. Historically, Greensboro is famous as the site of the 1960 Woolworth’s sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.
Food-wise, barbecue is king, especially pulled pork. For attractions, explore the Natural Science Center or the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, commemorating a costly British victory during the Revolutionary War that ultimately contributed to Cornwallis’s defeat at Yorktown.
Greensboro actively supports the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the Greensboro Grasshoppers minor league baseball team. Locally, you might hear the end of a carpet power stretcher called a “pig tail,” or a brewing storm described as “coming up a thunder cloud.” The Greensboro team truly embodies the unique blend of history, community, and industry defining this vibrant North Carolina city!
Greenville, SC: Our Southern Service Hub
This 8,000 sq ft facility features a Pro Shop and customer pickup service. Leonard Heeter is a our one man show down in Greenville, SC!
Our Greenville team is in the heart of a truly vibrant city. While BBQ is a local favorite, downtown Greenville is a culinary mecca.
Greenville was named the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler and one of The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023.” Its downtown is a major draw, with the picturesque Reedy River flowing right through its center, featuring waterfalls and elevated walkways. It’s known for its rich culture, including art galleries, museums, restaurants, and sports venues. You’ll also see old cotton processing mills and the famous Swamp Rabbit bike trail. The walkable downtown’s charm makes it a thriving tourist attraction, and a nearby museum marks a Revolutionary War battle site.
Sports fans will enjoy the Swamp Rabbits hockey team and the Greenville Drive, the Boston Red Sox minor league team, whose stadium boasts a replica of the “Green Monster.”
Ever hear some unique phrases? “Madder than a wet hen” means angry,“fixin’ to” means about to start something, and “bless your heart” is for something unfortunate.
A big thank you to our incredible suppliers who joined us for a customer appreciation event in Greensboro. We value your partnership!
Wadesboro, NC: The Heartbeat Hub of Our Territory Operations
Our Wadesboro, NC office is a critical operational hub, housing our customer service, purchasing, credit, and marketing departments for this territory. This dedicated team plays an indispensable role, providing centralized support and expertise that helps drive efficiency and success across UCX’s presence in the region and our organization. Their comprehensive work is fundamental to our daily operations, ensuring seamless support and strategic coordination.
Wadesboro carries a rich history stretching back to its establishment in 1783. As the county seat of Anson County, it was named in honor of Colonel Thomas Wade, a significant figure from the American Revolution. Historically, Wadesboro thrived as an agricultural center, particularly known for its extensive cotton production throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Wadesboro continues to cherish its past, boasting many wellpreserved historic homes and buildings that serve as tangible reminders of its enduring legacy.
Undefeated and unstoppable! Wadesboro’s finest are off to the DYB World Series for the third year in a row! Playing with heart, making their small town famous!
The Wadesboro team. from left to right: Allan Austin, Charlene Sikes, Deborah Williams, Becky Carpenter, Brittany Soileau, Cathy Jackson, Millie Rowan, Sonya Johnson, Stephanie Williams, Mary Lena Allen, Jeff Rogers and Megan Rogers
IT CORNER
Shared Drives Are Moving to the Azure –Big Step Toward a Unified UCX Network
We’re excited to announce that on Thursday, July 25, all shared drives were moved to Azure (the Cloud). This change marks a major milestone on our journey toward a single, unified UCX network.
Previously, shared drives had been separated by location—one in Mansfield and one in Glen Burnie. With this update, we’ll have one centralized shared drive in the cloud, accessible from any location. It’s a big step forward in making collaboration easier and more streamlined across the company.
Here’s what’s new:
` One folder structure per department – making it easier to find and manage files.
` Same access point – you’ll still reach shared drives through the Team Viewer as usual, but folder names and structures may look a bit different.
` Recent files may need updating – documents opened from “Recent Files” might still point to the old locations. You’ll need to open them directly from the Team Viewer until paths refresh.
` Don’t panic if something looks off – if you don’t see a file or folder after the move, just reach out to IT. All files
are safely backed up and we’ll help make sure you have the right access.
This transition brings us one step closer to a fully integrated UCX network – and we appreciate your attention and cooperation as we take this important step. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!
Sales - UCX Team, Microsoft Teams reminder
Please take a moment to review some important reminders regarding the Sales - UCX Team in Microsoft Teams, specifically within the General Product and Marketing Information channel.
Within the Active Projects folder, you’ll find live working documents that are essential to several ongoing initiatives. These include Weekly Planners, Display Audits, the New Launch KPI tracker, and various other miscellaneous projects. Because these are live documents, it’s critical to follow proper document etiquette. Any changes you make—such as filtering, hiding rows or columns, or deleting content—will be visible to everyone accessing the file. When using filters, please be sure to clear them when you’re finished, so the next person doesn't need to reset the view.
Also, within Active Projects, you’ll find a Custom Samples folder. This folder serves primarily as a reference point for anyone actively working on custom sample
orders with customers. It includes a master sheet showing all open jobs, as well as a downloadable Custom Sample Order Form Template.
Additionally, a new document has been added to the General Product and Marketing Information channel and is pinned to the top for easy access. This is a Master Price Increase Dates document that outlines upcoming price increases by manufacturer and their effective dates. Please review this document regularly to stay up to date on current and future changes.
If you have any questions or feedback about how Teams is organized or how it’s working for you, please feel free to reach out to marketing@ucx.com. We’re always open to suggestions that can help improve usability and collaboration.
Thank you for your continued attention to detail and for helping keep our shared tools efficient and effective for everyone.
WHATS EVERYONE CAULKING ABOUT
UCX Customer Appreciation Events
We're excited to share a glimpse into the success of our Customer Appreciation Events held earlier this year! These events, co-sponsored by our fantastic manufacturing partners, were a wonderful opportunity to connect with our valued customers, showcase product innovations, and simply say thank you.
Take a look at some of the highlights from our 2025 gatherings. We truly enjoyed hosting these special days filled with product demos, great food, exciting giveaways, and valuable conversations.
We're already looking forward to our next events and continuing to build strong relationships with those who make UCX possible.
Customer Appreciation Baseball - Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards Orlando Customer Appreciation Day
Nashville Grand Re-Opening & Customer Appreciation Day
& J Interiors, commercial trade show, “Inspire”
WHATS EVERYONE CAULKING ABOUT
Vote Now for UCX’s Funniest/Cutest Pet Photos!
We're excited to launch a brandnew feature in our newsletter: "UCX's Funniest or Cutest Pet Photos!" This is our very first round of entries. We all know our pets are family – they bring so much joy, laughter, and comfort into our lives with their silly antics and loving snuggles.
Below you'll find a special section dedicated to some truly hilarious and heartwarming moments featuring your furry friends. Get ready to smile and laugh!
Check out the photos here and then email your vote for the funniest one to Insider@ucx.com! Please, one vote per team member.
The winners will be published in an upcoming newsletter and will win a UCX prize!
Loved what you saw? We want more for round two! For the next issue, get your cameras out and get snapping! Send us your pet's funniest moments in action. Share those candid, comical photos that perfectly capture their unique personality. We can't wait to see them!
Pet Entries:
1. Hanna Dailey (Mansfield, MA), Za’ji - Kitty
2. Doug Wohlfarth (York, PA), Great Dane “Mason”
3. Millie Rowan (Wadesboro, NC), 4 kitties
4. Rosie Villano (Albany, NY), Mia the Burmese Mountain Dog
5. Tony Scuderi (Mansfield, MA), Molly (12-year-old golden doodle. She’s been a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital in Boston for about 10 years now.)
6. Joe O’Keefe (Mansfield, MA), Knuckles the bulldog
7. Mary Ellen Henderson (Douglasville, GA), Browning the Weiner dog
8. Shane Burkhardt (Glen Burnie), Phoenix the Boxer
9. Keri Palacios (York, PA), Macy
10. Jill Dawson (Glen Burnie, MD), Dawson the Whippet
11. Bill Luke (Pompton Plains, NJ), Louie the long-haired Chihuahua
12. Bill Luke (Pompton Plains, NJ), Christopher the Chihuahua
13. Leslie Corneau (Mansfield, MA), French Bulldog “Lily”
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Ready to Play? Dive into Our Word Search Challenge!
Here’s your mission: tackle our awesome Word Search puzzle! You can either print it out and grab a pen (the classic way!) or make it super easy and solve it online right here: https://wordsearchlabs.com/view/1013726
Once you’ve conquered the puzzle, snap a quick photo or screenshot of your triumph and shoot it over to Insider@ucx.com. Why, you ask? Because all you brilliant puzzle solvers with correct answers will be entered into a random drawing to win one of three cool UCX branded prizes!
We’ll announce our lucky winners in the very next issue. Good luck, and happy hunting!
UCX Locations
UCX Locations
AlbanyNY
GlenBurnieMD
BuffaloNY
ColumbusOH
ConcordNC
DouglasvilleGA
GreensboroNC 8. GreenvilleSC
MansfieldMA
NashvilleTN
NewCastleDE
OrlandoFL
BristolPA
PomptonPlainsNJ
RaleighNC
RichmondVA
RochesterNY
WadesboroNC
WoburnMA 20. YorkPA
Crossword Challenge Winners!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent “Location” crossword puzzle challenge! We received many completed and correct entries. We've randomly drawn five winners, and each will receive a UCX branded prize! Congratulations to our winners, and keep an eye out for more puzzles in future newsletters!
Cesar Rivas (Douglasville, GA), Amber Diehl (Glen Burnie, MD), Casey Diaz (Glen Burnie, MD), Travis Edwards (Raleigh, NC), John Kussmaul (Mansfield, MA)