Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has named Pami Bhullar, vice president – business development at The Dixie Group, as the inaugural recipient of its Luminary Award. The award will be presented at The International Surface Event in Las Vegas in June.
The Luminary Award shines a light on those who have inspirational success in their careers, in their communities and in their impact on others’ lives, according to the WFCA.
“The purpose of the WFCA Luminary Award is to honor excellence and inspirational actions of people for their mentorship, leadership and contributions advancing the floor covering industry,” said Scott Humphrey, WFCA CEO. “Pami is a leader who makes the world around him better. We are proud to celebrate all that influencers do for our industry.”
Bhullar’s background and impact
Always guided by his core values of principles, passion and commitment, Bhullar has created a personal brand built on a genuine desire to help people grow not only professionally but personally. His signature “Friendship Card” reveals a slice of his personality and turns a happenstance meeting from a casual conversation into a friendship in the making.
Bhullar, who recently announced a transition from Invista to The Dixie Group, entered the flooring business over 40 years ago. He began his career with the May Company where he learned the trade and how to impact people, then became the director of the Rug Gallery in Phoenix, Ariz., before he landed at DuPont in 1998. Bhullar was instrumental in developing and building the DuPont Flooring Center (now Stainmaster Flooring Center), an innovative selling system that rapidly expanded into the preeminent flooring retail program in the industry with over 400 retailers in North America participating. He was later a driving force in designing the Stainmaster Showcase Dealer program and has successfully reinvigorated and perfected the “Private Sale” concept for retailers.
Although Bhullar has had a tremendous influence on retail systems and programs, he is most widely known for his contributions to the development of floor covering professionals. Throughout his career, Bhullar has trained more than 10,000 sales professionals. He is an exemplary mentor to anyone he meets and is driven to help others become the best they can be. Whether he’s imparting retail, sales or marketing wisdom, the power of selling through emotional connection is at its core.
“Pami has spent the last 40 years working to make this industry a better place,” said Jeff Dill, former director of mill and retail sales, Invista. “His passion, desire, gratitude and humbleness have enabled him to contribute to the development of thousands of floor covering professionals during this career.”
Bhullar has had a transformative effect on the industry. Whether it’s through his trainings, video series “Pami Talks,” annual New Year’s Resolutions message, books he’s written or speaking engagements, Bhullar’s impact, presence and charisma connects, inspires and motivates. “He is always trying to lift others up and help them be more successful,” said Dan Frierson, chairman/CEO of The Dixie Group. “Due to his ability to communicate and help others without shining the spotlight on himself, he is respected and revered in our industry. There just isn’t another Pami.”
Bhullar has made pro bono work a cornerstone of his career and of his life. He has consistently been active in multiple industry organizations and service to his community. Whether it’s contributions to causes without recognition, foregoing speaking fees to donate to his causes or his effort, his humility shines through. He is steadfast in believing that more can be done.