Thursday, September 10, 2026
New Horizons
Brian Preuss reports on AHSG/Commercial USA opportunities
By Sharyn Bernard
[Roswell, Ga.] Brian Preuss stepped into his role as president of American Home Surfaces Group (AHSG) and Commercial USA with a clear focus: Honor the organization’s legacy while finding new ways to move it forward.
Three months into the position, Preuss is bringing a fresh perspective to the buying group, informed by nearly three decades on the supplier and distributor side of the flooring industry. That experience, he said, has given him a unique vantage point as he gets to know AHSG’s members, programs and opportunities for growth.
“I actually joined AHSG and Commercial USA as a supplier [for Uzin Utz] back in 2019,” Preuss told Floor Covering Weekly in an interview in advance of the group’s semiannual convention, to be held in San Antonio later this month. “Growth is a very important factor on that side of the business, so we leaned hard into building relationships through the alliance, and the numbers we grew together were real.”
In fact, he said, that relationship with AHSG is what led Preuss to take the position, which was vacated when Tony Wright left the group to become general manager of Atlanta Flooring Design Group, an AHSG member dealer.
“A lot of [the relationship] came down to [AHSG/Commercial USA CEO] Joe Weber — he was very much there for me in those years, and that kind of support isn’t something you forget. Our relationship only got stronger over time, which made this opportunity feel like a natural next step rather than a leap.”
Preuss said his experience with AHSG/Commercial USA as a supplier allowed him to meet the members, and that was also a key factor in his move. “What really pulled me in was the diversity of the membership, the independence these dealers and contractors have, and an alliance that spans residential renovation, new construction and multifamily, covering all sectors of commercial as well. It’s a membership that keeps growing, backed by a supplier base covering nearly every flooring category, along with subfloor prep, sundries, tools and accessories — plus a strong consortium of technology partners.”
AHSG/Commercial USA’s legacy and foundation are a crucial part of who they are, and Preuss said one goal he has is to preserve that. “One thing that’s really struck me is the legacy behind this organization — Dal-Tile actually encouraged the formation of the group back in 1998, and that founding relationship still carries real weight today. It’s a reminder that this alliance was built on genuine conviction from a major supplier partner, not just a business plan on paper.” And, he added, it’s important for him to use that legacy as a foundation for growth. “My vision starts with strengthening the foundation that’s already here — this isn’t about reinventing what works, it’s about building on it.”
Stability & Growth
Preuss said AHSG/Commercial USA’s foundational business is solid. “I’ve been impressed by the operational excellence on the inside — how well the team manages the day-to-day of serving the membership. From the supplier side, you see the surface. From the inside, you see how much work goes into running this well.”
Preuss said the group’s regional vice president strategy is core to the company’s success, and he will continue to focus on this. “The overall span and experience they’ve built over the course of their entire careers has provided real additional value to this organization. In a business centered around people, that only makes sense. They’re calling on members regularly, and all of that accumulated experience goes right back into the membership.”
He has several initiatives in store as he seeks to strengthen and grow AHSG/Commercial USA’s business. First, he noted, he hopes to expand the group’s membership. “I want to keep growing the alliance itself by bringing in the right new members and supplier partners, because a larger, more diverse membership base strengthens the value proposition for everyone already in it.”
In addition, his vision includes strengthening all of AHSG/Commercial USA’s “pillars.” He explained, “We’re an alliance group of independent dealers and contractors — that’s foundational — but it’s one pillar among several. Supplier programs, technology partnerships, education, peer-to-peer networking, the field support from our regional vice presidents: those pillars together are what make this organization multi-dimensional.”
He noted that the group will continue to invest in members’ showrooms, technology and training while also supporting supplier partners. “That’s the kind of two-way value I want us known for.”
Preuss said that AHSG/Commercial USA operates some pillars behind the scenes. “Our marketing outreach is another one of those pillars, and it’s stronger than people realize.” The group puts out weekly messages from its suppliers, as well as produces a monthly newsletter to examine issues in the industry. And the group’s “What’s Underfoot” podcast focuses on leadership and people in the industry to showcase their strengths.
AHSG/Commercial USA also is formalizing education programs across the organization. “We’re introducing ‘AHSG/Commercial USA Educate 2 Elevate,’ a more structured education platform for our members. Over the next three to five years, I want that kind of investment — in people as much as in programs — to be a defining part of how we deliver value.”
Tools & Technology
Preuss aims to strengthen and grow the group’s supplier network, something he is well-positioned to do given his background. “I know exactly what value looks like from the supplier’s chair, and I want our members to experience the full benefit of what a strong partnership can deliver. My priority is making sure that growth runs in both directions — that the programs we bring to the table translate into real value at the member level, whether that’s margin, training or field support, and that supplier feedback and member feedback are both being heard, not just handed down one way.”
He said the company leans on its technology partners for expertise to help its members maximize technology options, particularly in digital tools. “Storytelling is a vital part of this — a consumer’s purchasing decision often comes down to the story a dealer can tell, and these tools help members tell it better. When the digital side is doing real work — engaging a shopper before they ever pick up the phone — a member spends far less of the day creating demand and far more of it satisfying orders. That’s a meaningful efficiency gain, and it’s one of the biggest near-term opportunities I see for our members,” he noted.
AHSG/Commercial USA is working to provide its 500 members more operational and digital tools to capitalize on opportunities, which is particularly important in this soft economy. “The greatest opportunity right now is what I’d call the digital front door,” Preuss said.
As well, the group is bolstering operations and helping its members navigate the labor shortages facing the industry. “We’re not going to fix the labor issue overnight, so members should be taking a deeper look at what our suppliers offer when it comes to products that speed up application time.”
In fact, this is the focus of the group’s convention — Beyond the Surface. “That applies here too — digging past the surface of a data sheet to find more effective, more efficient ways to cut total install time.”
Future Promise
AHSG/Commercial USA’s future is solid, Preuss said, as the group continues to attract members and suppliers and boost its training and technology offerings. What’s key, he added, is that the business is fairly evenly split among both segments. “What’s notable is how close we’ve gotten to a 50-50 split between residential and commercial. AHSG was formed in 1998, and the Commercial USA division wasn’t started until 2013 — so for that side to have caught up the way it has says a lot about the opportunity there. The next phase isn’t just about growing the numbers; it’s about deepening the service and support behind that growth, from training to supplier programs.”
AHSG/Commercial USA has 500 members with 700 locations across the country, but there is still growth to be had. “I see the biggest opportunities in geographic expansion — strengthening our presence and depth in markets across the country — along with real cross-pollination between our residential and commercial networks, for members who already work across both segments,” Preuss said.
As AHSG/Commercial USA heads into its convention, the message Preuss wants to impart to its members is that the business is solid. “My message is simple: the foundation here is strong, and I’m energized about where we’re headed together. I’m opening the conference Monday morning, but what I’m looking forward to most is the rest of it — seeing familiar faces, meeting plenty of new ones, and getting to know our members and suppliers one-on-one.”
Brian Preuss
