Focus on Leadership: Rusty Joyce thrives on structure and challenge – November 2024

Interview by Kemp Harr

Rusty Joyce, president of Tarkett Commercial, began his career with Milliken & Company in 1987 and spent 20 years with the organization before transitioning to Tarkett’s commercial business as senior vice president of sales for Tandus Centiva–Desso. He left Tarkett to serve three years at Brintons but then returned to lead the firm’s commercial business.

Rusty aligns himself with organizations that line up with his values and enjoys the challenge of each day, which he starts with a good sweat and quiet meditation.

Rusty, his wife Michelle, and their dog Corby Joyce live in a western suburb of Chicago. The couple’s daughter, Alexandra, lives in New York City, and their son, Rusty Jr., is a Naval aviator.

Q: You chose Notre Dame for your MBA. Tell us about that decision.
A: From a young age, growing up as an Irish Catholic on the south side of Chicago, my dream was always to attend the University of Notre Dame. It represented not just an outstanding academic institution, but a community that values ethics, integrity and a commitment to doing well by others.

Attending Notre Dame has been one of the highlights of my life, shaping not just my career but also my personal values and family life. It instilled in me the importance of leading by example and striving for excellence while uplifting others. The lessons I learned there extend far beyond a business degree; they are principles that guide my daily decisions and interactions, both professionally and personally.

My time at Notre Dame has inspired my commitment to ethical leadership, reinforcing the belief that success should never come at the expense of integrity. This passion for Notre Dame continues to influence my life and career, driving me to create a positive impact in everything I do.

Q: What led you to pursue a career in flooring with Milliken? And how did 20 years at Milliken contribute to who you are today?
A: While attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, Milliken & Company visited campus for a recruiting trip. Initially, I approached the interview as a practice opportunity, preparing for interviews with larger, well-known companies like Procter & Gamble, IBM, Xerox, etc. My plan was to land a position with one of those notable firms or potentially join my dad’s business in financial and estate planning.

What I didn’t realize at the time was the exceptional reputation Milliken had in the industry. As a privately held company. I hadn’t fully appreciated its presence in the textile industry. After multiple interviews, I became increasingly interested by the company’s culture and values.

I ultimately decided to accept a position at Milliken, and that choice shaped the course of my career. Over the next 20 years, I held a variety of roles across different locations, including Chicago; LaGrange, Georgia; Indianapolis; Toronto; and New York City. My experiences at Milliken not only deepened my knowledge of the flooring industry, but also reinforced my belief in the importance of integrity and ethical leadership.

Q: Why did you choose to leave Milliken for Tandus (Tarkett) in 2008?
A: Leaving Milliken was one of the toughest career decisions I’ve ever faced. For over 20 years, Milliken was more than just a workplace for me; it was my family, my identity and an integral part of who I was. My boss at the time, Pat Kelly, was not only a mentor but also a close friend. When I shared my decision to join Tandus for a better career opportunity, it was an emotional moment for both of us.

The chance to join Tandus was incredibly compelling. I saw a team led by Glen Hussmann, Ralph Grogan, Len Ferro and Lee Schilling that was building something truly special. They had all the right elements in place to create a unique and impactful company, and I felt a strong desire to be part of that journey.

Ultimately, while it was a difficult choice to leave Milliken, it turned out to be the best career decision I could have made for myself and my family. Tandus offered me the opportunity to expand my horizons and continue to develop my skills. It was a leap of faith that proved to be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally.

Q: After 11 years at Tarkett, you took the president’s role at Brintons, and then Eric Daliere convinced you to go back to Tarkett. What was it about Tarkett that attracted you to come back?
A: My three years at Brintons were invaluable, expanding my knowledge of the flooring industry, particularly in the hospitality sector. Working alongside talented individuals like Duccio Baldi, Mark Oldfield, Johnny Massey, Steve Garbett and many others before and during Covid was truly a memorable experience that deepened my understanding of the business.

When Eric reached out, it was an easy conversation because he is a friend and someone I respect greatly. Eric laid out his vision for Tarkett’s future-both short-term and long-term-which was incredibly compelling. He spoke passionately about the leadership team in North America, including Louise Bianchi, Stephan Coutelen, Marie France, Tracy Scott, Sonia Serrao, Ben Stout, Paul Young, Scott Towler and Frederic Vaillant, highlighting the potential for driving growth.

The Tarkett Commercial team, led by Tal Fegan, David Hood, Chris Johnson, and Kevin McGregor, truly embodies the spirit of collaboration. Having worked alongside this team for over 20 years, I have deep respect for their dedication and expertise. Their leadership further reinforced my belief that Tarkett is poised for significant growth.

I felt an undeniable connection to these leaders and a strong desire to return to Tarkett. There was still unfinished business to attend to, and, ultimately, I wanted to be part of something special again. I’m delighted to say that over the last two and a half years, we’ve made great strides in growth and marketshare.

Q: What is your vision for the future success of Tarkett’s commercial business?
A: Our vision is anchored in our dual approach to the market, which positions us to effectively meet the needs of both our current and future customers.

We have a robust distribution model that collaborates with some of the best partners in the industry, enabling us to provide same-day or next-day product availability. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced market. Additionally, our dealer-direct model connects us with top flooring contractors in local markets, ensuring that our customers are not just satisfied-they are genuinely happy with their installed flooring.

Reliability and dependability are at the core of our operations. We don’t just meet expectations, we consistently aim to exceed them. By delivering on our promises and providing tremendous value to our customers and channel partners, we are positioning ourselves for sustainable growth. Our focus will remain on creating lasting relationships, innovating our product offerings and ensuring that we are the partner of choice in the flooring industry.

Our strategy is paying off, as we are gaining marketshare across nearly every category. Our customers recognize that we offer exceptional solutions, high-quality products and outstanding service-all while being easy to do business with. We are equally committed to our employees, striving to cultivate a workplace that promotes a positive and supportive environment.

Q: Growing up, who were your mentors, and what did they teach you?
A: My biggest mentor was my dad. He owned his own business and had a natural gift for sales. He was someone who connected with everyone, and it was clear that people genuinely loved him. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to find solutions that satisfied all parties involved. He taught me invaluable lessons about business and life, particularly the importance of going above and beyond. He would often say, “To be successful, you must do what others are unwilling to do-and do it first.”

Both my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit. They taught me that everyone has a role to play and that when we each contribute, we all benefit.

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. These values continue to influence how I lead and interact with others, reminding me that compassion and consideration are vital to building meaningful relationships.

Q: When you are building your team, what character traits do you look for in a candidate?
A: When building a team, the most important trait I look for is heart. You either have it or you don’t. I seek individuals who possess grit, passion and a strong desire to succeed, coupled with a proven track record of achievement.

People thrive in environments where teamwork is paramount, where individuals rely on one another to achieve shared goals. In this context, honesty, trust, open communication and a commitment to ethics are non-negotiable. These traits are essential-like baseball, hotdogs and apple pie in American culture. Ultimately, we want team members who are not just skilled but also share a commitment to our collective mission and values.

Q: Tell us about the most transformational “aha” moment in your career.
A: The most transformational moment in my career came when I transitioned from being an individual contributor to leading a team. Initially, I assumed that everyone shared my work ethic-constantly striving to win, finding joy in pushing hard through the weekends to get ahead. I had equated my identity with my job and thought others were the same. No, they had a life.

However, I soon realized that not everyone operates the same way. This revelation was eye-opening. I learned that each team member has their own motivations, priorities and needs, and I couldn’t impose my work style on them.

Over the years, I’ve come to understand the critical importance of balance. I now prioritize taking time to appreciate life outside of work-traveling, enjoying downtime and engaging in activities that bring me joy. This shift has not only enriched my personal life, it also made me a more empathetic and effective leader.

Q: What is it about the Johnsonite brand that attracts such loyalty?
A: Our customers know that Johnsonite is a brand they can trust. In fact, according to a comprehensive market study completed in Q2 2024, one of the most significant strengths was the level of trust our customers felt. The people at Johnsonite have been taking care of customers since the early 1960s. I’ve talked to many customers over the years and heard stories about how the Johnsonite team really came through for them on a challenging project. It could have been a tight timeline, a specific color they needed to match, or an installation issue they needed to troubleshoot. Our customers have experienced our values and know that we make high-quality solutions they can’t get anywhere else. And if there’s ever an issue, we’ll make that right, too. We’re kind of like that extra insurance policy that gives customers peace of mind and lets them know there’s a team of people behind them, all working toward the same goal.

We also pride ourselves in being leaders in this industry-not just for the sake of leading but for the vision that we must give customers an excellent experience. This translates into leading in color by offering more colors than any other manufacturer, leading in inspiration as the first to bring Color of the Year to this market and leading in a full range of products, including Millwork Wall Base profiles, digitally printed Masquerade wall base, stairwell management, rubber tile and accessories.

Q: How do you balance your family life with the demands of your career?
A: Balancing family life with the demands of my career always requires serious attention-something I believe many can relate to. I genuinely love my work; it’s fun and feels like a game to me, much like a sport. The competition drives me, and I often find that I hate losing more than I enjoy winning. Winning feels expected, and I thrive on the challenges.

That said, as much as I love my work, my family always comes first. My wife of 33 years, Michelle, has been a cornerstone in my life, making me a better person and teaching me the importance of prioritizing family. Our daughter lives in New York City, and our son is currently on deployment in the Middle East, and we stay connected daily. Whenever possible, we make it a priority to be together, whether through family gatherings or vacations. Just before our son’s deployment, we spent an unforgettable week in the South of France and Lake Como, Italy.

No matter how busy life gets, we always carve out time for one another. This commitment not only keeps us close, it also reinforces the significance of family in my life.

Q: What advice do you give your kids about building relationships?
A: I emphasize that trust and open communication are essential. Friends and family should be a priority in your life. It’s important to express your feelings and be there for those you care about.

In our family, we make it a point to say “I love you,” share hugs, and express gratitude with “please” and “thank you.” Being considerate of others is vital, as you never know what challenges someone may be facing. If someone isn’t showing up at their best, it’s important to give them the benefit of the doubt.

We also stress the importance of choosing your friends and life partner wisely; these are among the most significant decisions you will make. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Above all, be kind. Kindness creates a foundation for strong, meaningful connections, enriching our lives and helping us navigate the ups and downs together.

Q: What do you do for fun when you aren’t driving Tarkett’s business?
A: When I’m not at work, I enjoy traveling, riding my Peloton and lifting weights. I’m also a big fan of Notre Dame football, which always bring a sense of camaraderie and excitement.

Spending quality time with my family is a priority for me, whether we’re working in our yard or simply enjoying each other’s company. I particularly cherish walks with my wife and our dog, Corby Joyce; those moments are truly special.

These activities not only contribute to a healthy work-life balance, they also keep me grounded amid the demands of my career.

Q: What habits keep your saw sharp?
A: I focus on establishing positive habits that set a productive tone for my day. One key habit I follow is making my bed every morning, inspired by retired U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven, who emphasizes that this simple task can help start the day with a sense of accomplishment.

If my alarm wakes me up, I get out of bed right away to embrace the day. I prioritize breakfast as an important meal, fueling my body and mind for the challenges ahead. I also make it a point to work out before the day gets started as physical activity energizes me and clears my mind.

In addition to these habits, I practice meditation to foster mindfulness and focus. Finally, I strive to engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s reaching out to a friend or helping a colleague, as these connections enrich my life and keep me grounded.

Q: What is your trick for time management?
A: My approach revolves around prioritization and discipline. I find that staying up late and rising early gives me quiet time to focus on my priorities, both personal and professional. I make it a point to keep my commitments front and center.

I rely heavily on writing things down-this helps me organize my thoughts and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. I categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I often think of my responsibilities in terms of rubber balls and glass balls: I prioritize the glass balls, which are fragile and can’t be dropped, while understanding that the rubber balls can bounce back if I need to defer them.

Additionally, I set specific time blocks for different types of work, which helps me stay focused and efficient. I also build in short breaks to recharge, as I find that stepping away for even a few minutes can significantly enhance my productivity. Finally, I make it a point to review my progress regularly, which allows me to adjust my strategies as needed and stay aligned with my goals.

Copyright 2024 Floor Focus 

Related Topics:The International Surface Event (TISE), Tarkett