Honoring:
Ralph J. Boe
President and COO of Horizon Industries, Inc.
FCIF held its tenth banquet on January 27, 1990 at the Imperial Ballroom of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Our honoree that evening was Ralph J. Boe, then-President and COO of Horizon Industries, Inc.
Ralph Boe, currently serving as President of ArrowStar and a consultant, boasts over 40 years of experience in the carpet and fiber industries. His extensive career includes pivotal leadership roles, such as CEO of Beaulieu America from 2001 to 2014 and managing director of Carpets International, the largest carpet manufacturer in the UK, prior to that. Boe's expertise spans several major companies, including Diamond Rug and Carpet Mills and Horizon, where he led as president. Notably, during his 15-year tenure at E.I. du Pont de Nemours, he managed a $500 million fiber business. With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Boe has been recognized for his industry contributions, including receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at Surfaces in 2011.
Boe’s leadership is defined by his remarkable ability to revitalize companies. At Horizon Industries, he restructured the organization, modernized its operations, and steered the firm’s transformation, growing its sales from $85 million to $300 million over seven years. This success culminated in the sale of Horizon to Mohawk Industries in 1992 for $105 million. Following this, Boe orchestrated another turnaround at Diamond Rug and Carpet Mills, making it a prime target for acquisition. His strategic expertise also extended to Beaulieu of America, where he led a successful company overhaul by cutting inefficiencies, reducing SKUs by 60%, and optimizing the workforce. Beyond his business acumen, Boe also founded FLEX, the industry’s consumer credit program, and has held leadership roles in the Carpet Foundation, the European Carpet Association, and the Carpet & Rug Institute.
Boe’s legacy, however, extends beyond business. At Beaulieu, he spearheaded health initiatives such as the “Ralph Boe Million Mile Walking Challenge,” encouraging employees to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Personally leading these walks, Boe exemplifies his commitment to improving the well-being of his team, demonstrating that his impact reaches far beyond the boardroom.
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