One of my favourite things about working for Flooring Xtra is the variation I have within my role; every day is different and interesting. I look after the store's local advertising, provide sales consulting services in the showroom and visit our customer's homes to measure and quote for new flooring. Having knowledge and passion for interior design is important for the role, as I need to help customer's select the best flooring for their homes, both from a practical perspective and a visual perspective. It's so rewarding to see the difference new flooring can have on the look and feel of a home and to know you've helped your customer achieve their dream interior. Every home is different, so I'm constantly learning about new products and new techniques that can be used, to help ensure the client gets the best possible finish. The same carpet sample can look completely different in different homes depending on the lighting in the space, the colours on the walls and the style of the room and its furnishings. I don’t believe there is a “popular” carpet colour or style as such, it's more about what suits the home's style, lighting on so on. Because of this, it's so important to find out about the customers home and their personalities so that I can find a product that reflects them.

Floor laying is a trade in the construction industry that not many people think of getting into, but it's great, it can take you anywhere and you get paid to learn. As a floor layer you have a variety of work and you're not stuck doing the exact same thing day-in and day-out like some other trades. Whether installing carpet, laying vinyl, hard wood floors, tiles, laminate or floor preparation, there's variety. Every product is different, so you're doing something different everyday and it doesn't get boring. You also don't just have to work on residential homes, there are plenty of commercial jobs such as schools, hospitals, airports, new shops, and the list goes on... So you get to travel a bit and see the country side as well. Having a trade under your belt is one of the best things you can do, and floor laying is a great trade to have under your belt. If you don't mind a bit of hard work and love a challenge have a look into the flooring trade.

I am often asked, 'Why own a Flooring Xtra store'? But that is actually two questions. Firstly, I wanted a flooring store because I am a solutions focussed person and have always had a love of transforming people's homes. There is nothing quite like a customer sending us an email telling us of their delight. It's also rewarding because the products we are selling add to the value of their homes. Many durable products sold today simply depreciate. So, why Flooring Xtra? Because you have both independence being a co-operative, at the same time as support, being a national brand. Like any well run co-operative, I maintain my individuality and equity while working within a well run framework that expects high standards. Whether or not you have a flooring background there is support and expertise across the membership and at the national office to help make your business better. When I chose Flooring Xtra I also looked at being a stand-alone independent and part of a franchise chain. The decision to join Flooring Xtra was easy in hindsight.

I am actively involved in the day to day running of both the Flooring Xtra Warkworth and Silverdale stores north of Auckland. Having joined the team over four years ago after transferring from another Flooring Xtra store as this was closer to my new home, I have never looked back. The team are highly customer focussed, have great values and are a barrel of laughs to work with. With it being a family owned business, I feel as though I am more valued as a team member and my work directly contributes to the success of the business. I have also been given the opportunity to progress, upscale and develop. This has been fostered by my store owners Rachel and John Fox, and been supported by the wider Flooring Xtra group with it's programs and training. It is also good to know that the possibility of taking ownership or a share in a Flooring Xtra store exists should I wish to take that opportunity at some stage in the future. Every day feels different as I am always in different homes, working on new projects and as I share my time between the store and on the road travelling to customers homes, I have variety to my day and my workspace keeping things interesting.