What started as a small flooring shop in Ryde more than 20 years ago has grown into a family business with stores across Sydney and plans to expand into the Northern Beaches. On this episode of The Underlay, host Matt White is joined by Michael and Preanka at Carpet Court St Leonards to hear from Vache about growing the business his father-in-law started and earning the referrals that keep it going.

A customer might go 15 or 20 years before they need another floor, but their friends might ask who installed it over dinner that weekend. Vache explains how that shapes the way his team works, from helping customers choose a floor that suits their home and budget to making sure the installation is an experience they'll happily recommend.

The crew also explains why flooring often becomes an afterthought in a renovation, even though a fresh carpet or a lighter plank can change the feel of a whole home. They talk through what Vache sees on the showroom floor, from carpet holding its own in bedrooms to vinyl and hybrid gaining ground in living areas, with herringbone and chevron giving homeowners more ways to bring pattern into the mix.

Behind every good flooring job is a skilled installer, and Vache wants more school leavers to see floor laying as a trade worth pursuing. The conversation turns to how retailers and installers rely on each other, and why bringing younger people into the industry matters for the next generation of family businesses.

And because it wouldn't be The Underlay without the Fast Five, Vache backs Gladiator, picks Armenia as his holiday destination and settles the spray-on versus roll-on debate, at least as far as Matt's concerned.

Tune in and follow The Underlay for a new flooring conversation every fortnight.

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