Michael and Matt spend some time at Andersens Head Office in Gatton. The first cab off the rank is the GM of Andersens, Rowan Hodge. This is Rowan's second time on The Underlay, and this time, we discuss leadership and how to build a successful franchise business.
This was a great insight into what it takes to build a multi-generational business and how Country Town values and long-term planning will always be the cornerstone of the success of Andersens.

In our Product Spotlight, Matt sits down with Greg Harvey, the QLD State Sales Manager, to discuss the exciting new product for Clever Choice - the Hybrid Immortal Chevron.
First to market, Clever Choice is very excited about this groundbreaking new product. Greg unpacks the features and benefits and explains why the Hybrid Immortal Chevron will change the flooring industry forever.

In this inspiring episode of The Underlay, hosts Matt and Michael sit down with Fiona and Helen, the driving forces behind the "Females in Flooring" initiative. Together, they explore the motivations behind this groundbreaking movement and the critical need for greater female participation in the flooring industry. Fiona and Helen share personal stories, highlight women's challenges in the sector, and celebrate the successes that have already been achieved through their initiative.

Listeners will gain insights into how the "Females in Flooring" program is working to provide support systems and opportunities for women in the industry while also hearing first-hand accounts of resilience and triumph. This episode is packed with powerful stories and future aspirations for inspiring and empowering more women to join and thrive in the flooring trade.

If you're curious about how the flooring industry is changing or want to hear more about the incredible impact of this initiative, this episode is a must-listen.

As the Melbourne trip drew to a close, we spent some time with the whole Melbourne team in their new warehouse. Together, we reflected on the week that had been, and it gave Matt and Michael a chance to talk further about what they had seen from Clever Choice's service perspective.
The journey that Clever Choice is on in Melbourne is an exciting one. The team is firing and now has the logistics to back them up. A warehouse full of Clever Choice stock ready to service Melbourne is at their fingertips.

In this episode of The Underlay, we delve into the importance of apprenticeships within the flooring industry and how they shape its future. Joining us are two store owners and their apprentices, offering firsthand insights into the world of mentorship and learning. Fiona, the owner of Coffs Harbour Carpet Court, is accompanied by her apprentice Karly, while Dan from Choices Flooring Port Macquarie brings along his apprentice, Jarrah.

Together, we explore the benefits of apprenticeships for both businesses and individuals, discussing the skills that apprentices gain, the challenges and rewards of training the next generation, and the impact of programs like the one offered by the Flooring Covering Institute of Australia (FCIA). Whether you're in the flooring industry or simply curious about the journey from apprentice to professional, this episode highlights the essential role apprenticeships play in keeping the trade strong.

For more information on apprenticeship programs, visit the FCIA website at www.fcia.org.au.

On our last store visit on the Melbourne tour, we headed to Ballarat and met Greg and his wife Kim, who owns the Floorworld Ballarat store. Greg has been in the flooring industry since he was a teenager and has been a business owner since the age of 19. it's a full house as Matt is joined by Clever Choice GM Michael Roberts and the latest Clever Sales Manager, Ethan Karlar, to talk with Greg about the industry's evolution and just how vital the relationship between supplier and store is to ensure a happy customer.

Check out the team at Delta Floorword Ballarat on the link below.

https://www.floorworld.com.au/store-details/delta-floorworld-ballarat

The Melbourne Tour continues as we travel to Lilydale to catch up with an old friend. Emma Griffiths has been on the show before, but this time, we find her preparing for a new adventure with her new business, Elliot Lane. Jackie joins us from Spectrum Curtains and Blinds; she and Emma work closely together to bring a "whole package" mentality to the interior design space.
Matt is back and, along with David from Clever Choice, discuss the future for the two ladies, and we hear again just how important it has been for Clever Choice to have a footprint in Victoria.

Our Melbourne Tour continues as we chat with Fiona from the FCIA. This is the second time we have spoken to Fiona, and with twelve months between appearances, we have plenty to discuss. Fiona discusses the new "Females in Flooring" initiative and how we can champion females in the Flooring Industry.
One of the FCIA's missions is to grow apprentices in the Flooring Industry, and Fiona will explain how store owners are starting to embrace the apprentice model.
It was amazing having Fiona on The Underlay; we can't wait to chat with her again.