The Sydney tour continues on The Underlay as Matt and Michael head to the Northern Beaches to visit Flooring Xtra Mona Vale, where they sit down with young business owner Campbell for an honest and inspiring conversation about flooring, family, and building a business from the ground up.

At just 27 years old, Campbell has already built a thriving flooring business alongside his mum after opening the store right in the middle of COVID back in 2021. Coming from a carpentry background, Campbell explains how a passion for flooring unexpectedly took over his original dream of becoming a builder, eventually leading him into retail, installation and business ownership.

The episode dives deep into the realities of running a modern flooring store, from customer service and team culture, to warehouse systems, installation management and the importance of empowering staff. Campbell shares how the business has grown through trust, hard work and putting the customer first, while also reflecting on the influence his mum's work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset had on shaping his own career.

Floor preparation becomes a major topic throughout the discussion, with the team reinforcing a message repeated across the industry: great floors start with proper prep. From hybrids and timber through to vinyl plank installations, the conversation explores why honest communication with customers and realistic expectations are essential for long-term flooring performance.

The episode also touches on the growing popularity of glue-down vinyl plank flooring, the return to direct-stick systems, and the evolving preferences of homeowners across the Northern Beaches market.

It's a fun, insightful and highly relatable episode about hard work, culture and building a flooring business the right way.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #FlooringXtraMonaVale #FlooringIndustry #NorthernBeaches #FloorPreparation #VinylPlankFlooring #AustralianTrades #FlooringEducation #CleverChoiceFlooring #HybridFlooring

Part Two of The Underlay's massive Clever Choice product deep dive sees Matt and Senior Sales Manager Greg Harvey tackle the category that changed the Australian flooring market forever, hybrid flooring. Alongside that, the episode also explores Clever's evolving timber range and the return of the product that started it all, bamboo.

Greg breaks down why Clever Choice hybrids have earned such a strong reputation across the industry, explaining how product design, QC processes, and real-world installer feedback have helped set Clever apart in the overcrowded hybrid market. From the entry-level Fusion through to premium ranges like Scenic and Chevron, the discussion highlights the importance of matching the right product to the right home, subfloor and customer expectations.

The episode also dives into the aesthetics of modern flooring, from super-matte finishes and natural timber embossing to long, wide board formats that completely transform a space. Matt and Greg revisit Project Miriah as a real-world example of how Clever's ranges can seamlessly work together across vinyl, hybrid and staircase applications.

Timber flooring then takes centre stage, with Greg unpacking the refreshed timber portfolio, including Pure, Meadows, Beauty and Earthlandia. The conversation explains the difference between clean-grade and feature-grade timber, why ash is becoming increasingly popular, and why direct stick installation continues to deliver the best long-term results.

Finally, the boys finish where Clever Choice originally began, with bamboo. Once written off by parts of the industry, bamboo is quietly making a comeback, and Greg explains why proper installation and education are changing perceptions once again.

This is essential listening for retailers, installers and anyone wanting a genuine understanding of modern flooring products.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #CleverChoiceFlooring #HybridFlooring #TimberFlooring #BambooFlooring #FlooringIndustry #FlooringEducation #AustralianTrades #FlooringInnovation #InstallerInsights

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt sits down with Clever Choice Flooring's Senior Sales Manager and product specialist Greg Harvey to break down the full Clever product range in a detailed, no-nonsense overview. With so much value packed into the conversation, this is Part One of a two-part deep dive into what makes the Clever Choice offering one of the most complete in the Australian flooring market.

Starting with laminate, Greg walks through the full suite from entry-level budget options right through to premium long and wide board solutions, explaining the real-world benefits of scratch resistance, water resistance and board construction. The conversation highlights how different products suit different homes, from quick renovation flips to long-term family living, and why understanding the customer's needs is key to getting the right result.

The episode then shifts into vinyl, where Clever Choice is making a major push in 2026. Greg explains why vinyl is the most universal flooring product in Australia and how the brand is evolving its range to meet demand across both metro and regional markets. From budget-friendly solutions to premium, design-led products like Voyager, the focus is on balancing performance, aesthetics and ease of installation.

A key theme throughout the episode is feedback. From installers to retailers, Clever Choice is constantly refining its products based on real-world input, ensuring every range continues to improve and stay relevant in a competitive market.

This is an essential listen for retailers, installers and anyone looking to truly understand flooring products beyond the surface.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #CleverChoiceFlooring #FlooringIndustry #LaminateFlooring #VinylFlooring #FlooringProducts #InstallerInsights #FlooringEducation #AustralianTrades #FlooringInnovation

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt sits down with the newest addition to the Clever Choice team, Brad Cousins, fresh into his role and already making an impact in Victoria. With nearly a decade of experience working his way up through the retail flooring space, Brad brings a unique perspective as he transitions from the shop floor to the manufacturing side of the industry.

At just 27, Brad has gone from in-home sales to store management, area leadership and beyond, giving him a deep understanding of what retailers need and how customers think. That experience now plays a crucial role in how he approaches his new position, helping bridge the gap between manufacturer and retailer. His insight into both sides of the industry highlights the importance of empathy, product knowledge and real-world experience when it comes to driving sales and building strong relationships.

The conversation also dives into the differences between retail and manufacturing, the appeal of life on the road, and the opportunities that come with representing a growing brand like Clever Choice. Brad shares his early impressions of the Melbourne showroom, standout product innovations and the excitement around expanding the brand across Victoria, especially into regional markets where relationships and reputation matter most.

It's a candid and insightful chat about career progression, industry evolution and what it takes to succeed in flooring today, with a strong focus on growth, opportunity and the future of the Clever Choice brand.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #CleverChoiceFlooring #FlooringIndustry #SalesToManufacturing #FlooringAustralia #TradeCareers #RetailToRep #FlooringSales #BusinessGrowth #AustralianTrades

Floortec 2026 delivered one of the most electric days the Australian flooring industry has seen in years, and The Underlay was right in the middle of it. Recorded live at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, this special "best of" episode brings together the voices of the key players who made the event unforgettable.

Matt and Michael kick things off with Micko and Sam from Dream Flooring, discussing what it takes to run a high-energy flooring business while managing family life, social media, and early morning gym sessions. The conversation quickly becomes a candid look at the hustle behind the highlight reel and why putting yourself out there always beats playing it safe.

Next, the team catches up with Clever Choice's Victorian reps, Rob and Brad, for their first impressions of Floortec. From the camaraderie between competitors to the sheer scale of what floor preparation has become in the modern industry, it's clear this event is about more than just product.

Fresh faces Jodie and Ross, the new Leadership Team at Andersons Flooring, bring an outsider's perspective to a trade steeped in tradition. Three months in, they're already fired up about apprenticeships, gender balance, and serving 54 franchisees across Australia.

Dale from the Quick Step Academy drops some serious knowledge on installation standards, the importance of subfloor preparation, and the next evolution of the Master Installer course, now featuring deliberately crooked walls and all.

Wrapping things up in style is FCIA Chairman Brett Sturgess, who reflects on a sold-out gala, a growing event, and an industry that's strongest when it comes together as one.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #Floortec2026 #CleverChoiceFlooring #FlooringIndustry #FCIA #FlooringAustralia #Apprenticeships #FloorPrep #WomenInFlooring #FlooringProfessionals

This episode of The Underlay comes to you live from Floortec 2026 at the MCG, where Matt and Michael sit down with the event's platinum sponsors, global construction giant MAPEI. Joining the conversation are MAPEI’s General Manager, Marco, and Sales Representative, Kristian, for an insightful discussion about the future of the flooring industry, the importance of education, and why proper installation systems matter more than ever.

The conversation dives into the strong relationship between MAPEI and the FCIA, highlighting how both organisations share a commitment to training, apprenticeships, and improving industry standards. With a shortage of qualified installers still impacting flooring nationwide, the episode explores how initiatives like the MAPEI Academy and FCIA training programs are helping build the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Marco also shares the remarkable story behind MAPEI, from its beginnings in Milan in 1937 to becoming a global leader with operations across five continents and more than 55 manufacturing plants worldwide. The discussion covers how innovation, research and sustainability are shaping the company's future, including reducing environmental impact and developing more durable flooring systems.

Kristian brings a practical perspective as a former installer, explaining how the industry has evolved over the past decade, particularly in substrate preparation, system-based installation, and the growing focus on environmental responsibility. The message is clear: great flooring starts from the ground up.

It's an engaging episode packed with industry knowledge, stories from the field and a few laughs along the way as The Underlay continues its mission of connecting the people who make the flooring industry what it is.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #MAPEI #Floortec2026 #FlooringIndustry #FloorPreparation #InstallerTraining #FCIA #FlooringEducation #ConstructionInnovation #CleverChoiceFlooring

The Sydney road trip continues on The Underlay as Matt heads into Western Sydney to visit the team at Flooring Extra Narellan, sitting down with Tom, Jamie and Anthony for one of the most honest and entertaining conversations of the tour. What starts as a few laughs quickly turns into a real look at what running a modern flooring business actually involves.

The trio share how they each fell into flooring from completely different backgrounds, from growing up in a family carpet shop, to stumbling into retail after school, to coming across from the tiling trade by accident. Despite different paths, the outcome is the same: flooring becomes more than a job. It becomes a livelihood, a family, and for many in the industry, a lifetime career.

A major theme of the episode is professionalism in the flooring industry. The team talks openly about the need for apprenticeships, licensing, and better collaboration among retailers, installers, and suppliers. They explain why great installers are the backbone of the business and how communication between the store and tradesperson directly impacts the customer's final result.

Floor preparation also takes centre stage, with the boys reinforcing a message heard throughout the tour: the quality of the subfloor determines the quality of the finished floor. From managing expectations to walking away from jobs that can't be done properly, they explain why doing the job right matters more than simply winning the sale.

It's a fun, honest and educational episode about culture, teamwork and building trust with customers in a constantly changing industry.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #FlooringExtraProspect #FlooringIndustry #FloorPreparation #InstallerLife #AustralianTrades #FlooringRetail #HybridFlooring #CleverChoiceFlooring #WesternSydney

The Sydney tour continues on The Underlay as Matt and Michael head to the Hawkesbury to visit one of Western Sydney's most unique showrooms, Flooring Extra Hawkesbury. Sitting down with store owner Jennifer, this episode quickly becomes far more than a store profile; it turns into a masterclass in flooring, retail, and understanding what customers actually need when choosing a floor.

Jennifer shares her journey from retail salesperson to supplier representative, and finally to opening her own store in 2017 after more than two decades in the industry. Her passion is clear; flooring isn't just a product, it's about solving problems and guiding customers through an overwhelming decision. The conversation dives into what makes her store different, including a strong focus on design, styling and creating a welcoming space where customers can visualise their home, not just pick a colour.

The episode explores real-world issues retailers and homeowners face every day, from lighting affecting colour choice to why the "house picks the floor" to the critical role of subfloor preparation. Jennifer explains how installation quality, proper preparation and realistic expectations matter far more than marketing claims, particularly with modern products like hybrid and floating floors.

Along the way, the team talks trends, why greys are disappearing in favour of warmer tones, the importance of installers, and how warranties actually work. It's honest, educational and full of practical advice for retailers, installers and homeowners alike.

If you want to understand flooring properly, this episode is essential listening.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #FlooringExtraHawkesbury #FlooringIndustry #FloorPrep #HybridFlooring #RetailFlooring #AustralianTrades #InteriorDesign #FlooringEducation #CleverChoiceFlooring