The Underlay - A Clever Choice Podcast

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt sits down with Clever Choice Flooring Queensland Sales Manager Greg Harvey for a deep dive into one of the most important categories in hard flooring, timber. Recorded in the festive “Christmas studio”, this conversation strips away myths, misconceptions, and outdated thinking around timber floors, replacing them with real-world insight, practical advice, and honest industry experience.

Greg walks through Clever Choice Flooring's newly refreshed timber offering, breaking down the three new ranges, Beauty, Meadows, and Pure, and explaining exactly where each sits in the market. From premium clean-grade boards to rustic, high...

In this special episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael bring listeners an on-the-ground snapshot from one of the biggest days on the flooring industry calendar, the ATFA Flooring Industry Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Positioned right in the heart of the action, The Underlay team were impossible to miss, attracting a steady stream of installers, suppliers, innovators, and long-standing industry leaders throughout the day.

This episode features the best conversations from the floor, beginning with ATFA CEO Phil Buckley, who shares his excitement about the event’s overwhelming turnout, the importance of national collaboration, and why tr...

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael head to Penrith to sit down with one of the most recognisable personalities in the flooring game, Micko from Dream Flooring. What starts as a conversation about flooring quickly becomes an insight into creativity, community, and why being different is the smartest move you can make in a crowded industry.

With more than 20 years on the tools, Mikko has done it all from timber to hybrid and everything in between. But it is his shift into fun, chaotic, attention-grabbing social media that has completely transformed his business. Clearing...

The Underlay Podcast continues its Sydney road trip with a special pop-up episode recorded inside the bustling GMK Logistics headquarters. Hosts Matt and Michael sit down with Sarah Halpin, CEO of GMK Logistics, and Anthony Minuto, NSW State Manager and long-time member of the GMK family, for a lively and insightful conversation about people, culture, and the power of connection in the flooring industry.

What begins as a spontaneous visit evolves into a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of Australia's most respected logistics providers. GMK's operation spans more than 100,000 square metres of warehousing nationwide, yet...

In this episode of The Underlay Podcast, hosts Matt White and Michael Roberts sit down with Geoff Weir, Hard Flooring Category Manager at Carpet Court, to explore his fascinating journey through the flooring industry, from starting out knowing nothing about flooring to becoming one of the most respected voices in the business.

Geoff shares how he first entered the industry nearly a decade ago, guided by a friend who saw his potential long before he did. From humble beginnings as a sales rep to national leadership roles, Geoff discusses the value of curiosity, connection, and consistency, answering...

In this episode of The Underlay Podcast, hosts Matt and Michael sit down with Phil Buckley, the newly appointed CEO of the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), for an open and insightful conversation about the future of the flooring industry.

Phil's journey is anything but typical. Growing up in Sydney, he watched his mother build one of the city's largest timber flooring companies from scratch, spent his teenage weekends on the tools, and then pivoted into education before returning to flooring to build a successful commercial and retail operation. Now, just five weeks into his role leading...

This special episode of The Underlay Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of Project Miriah, a groundbreaking collaboration between Clever Choice Flooring, RLA Polymers, and the FCIA.

Over five intensive days in August 2025, the team came together to deliver a complete flooring installation inside a two-storey townhouse. From subfloor preparation to the final installation, the project showcased not only Clever Choice's premium vinyl and hybrid products but also the expertise of RLA's adhesives and compounds, and the hands-on involvement of FCIA apprentices.

Hosts Matt White and Michael Roberts guide us through the journey, sharing insights...

In this special episode of The Underlay, hosts Matt and Michael are joined by Michael and Matt from RLA Polymers and Fiona from the FCIA to take listeners behind the scenes of Project Miriah, a groundbreaking flooring installation project that's raising the bar for education, collaboration, and craftsmanship in the industry.

Recorded after two intense days on site, this conversation offers a candid look at the planning and teamwork that's gone into transforming a two-storey townhouse, from subfloor prep to vinyl and hybrid installation, including a challenging staircase. What began as a bold idea to create content...

In this episode of The Underlay Podcast, Matt and Michael sit down with a true heavyweight in the Australian flooring industry, Courtney Dunn, Director of Master Floors Group. With decades of experience spanning from floor preparation through to delivering multi-million-dollar commercial projects, Courtney shares a story that's equal parts personal, professional, and inspiring.

From the very start, listeners are drawn into Courtney's journey, a career shaped by family legacy, tough lessons on the tools, and an unrelenting commitment to relationships. Courtney recalls how his father's career moves set the stage for his own, and how his early...

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael Roberts, General Manager of Clever Choice, sit down with Richard from GMK Logistics to unpack the critical role transport plays in the flooring industry. The conversation begins with an unexpected sports tangent, comparing the culture and strategic decision-making in professional teams to those in running a successful business. Both agree that, whether in sports or commerce, success ultimately comes down to building the right culture, knowing when to make tough personnel decisions, and planning for the future.

From there, the discussion dives deep into the long-standing partnership between...

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael sit down with Mark Coetzee from Floorworld, a man whose journey in flooring began with Blundstone boots and has evolved into a nationwide role shaping the look and feel of retail stores across Australia.

From his humble beginnings in Tasmania to overseeing the operations and store design of one of the country’s most respected flooring groups, Mark brings sharp insights and plenty of laughs. The trio dive into everything from the complexities of public speaking and flooring industry conferences to the current state of hybrid, vinyl, and la...

In this high-energy return episode of The Underlay, Matt welcomes back Michael Roberts, GM of Clever Choice, fresh from a whirlwind two-month tour across Australia and China. From interstate road trips with Ian Walker to a jam-packed product testing mission in China alongside Sean and Greg, Michael gives us a front-row seat to Clever’s evolution.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what makes Clever tick, from cultural transformations in the Sydney warehouse to the obsessive quality control systems operating in both Australia and China. Michael shares insights into the power of having their own QC te...

In part two of our FloorTec 2025 special, hosts Matt and Michael dive deeper into the future of flooring with candid conversations from industry leaders.

Joining us in this relaxed, post-conference episode are:

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt sits down with Robert Richardson, the newest member of the Clever Choice sales team, covering Victoria and Tasmania. With just two weeks under his belt, Robert reflects on his transition from retail to wholesale, his years at Carpet Court, and what excites him most about joining Clever Choice.

They chat about:

In this episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael sit down with Jamie Keyzer, CEO of Floorworld, to talk all things flooring, franchising, and finding your feet in a new industry. Recorded at Clever Choice’s stunning new Melbourne HQ, this chat is part of our Melbourne Tour series, and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Jamie opens up about his first 16 months at the helm of Floorworld, reflecting on the steep learning curve, the unique passion within the flooring industry, and what it's been like stepping into the shoes of a long-standing industry leader...

In this very special episode of The Underlay, we’re live from Andersens Coorparoo, hosted by Matt Lugo and the team, in a fantastic collaboration between Clever Choice Flooring and Andersens. Our guest? None other than Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Shayna Jack.

Shayna joins Matt, Michael, and Clever Choice product specialist Greg to chat renovations, flooring, and resilience. With her Brisbane townhouse ready for a refresh, Shayna walks us through her flooring journey, from selecting Clever Choice’s stunning Enchanted Hybrid to coordinating trims, accessories, and preparation with the Andersens team.

But this epis...

In this episode of The Underlay, hosts Matt and Michael sit down with Matt and James from RLA Polymers, one of Australia's fastest-growing names in construction chemicals. From adhesives and levellers to waterproofing and moisture barriers, the RLA team reveals what’s really under your flooring and why it matters more than most people realise.

Tune in as the team breaks down the critical role of subfloor preparation, the most common causes of product failure, and why “flooring’s biggest issues usually happen before a plank is laid.” You’ll also hear how RLA has exploded from an $80M to...

In this episode of The Underlay, host Matt sits down with Will Breheny, the energetic new owner of Floor World Hoppers Crossing, for a raw and relatable chat about what it’s really like to jump head-first into the flooring industry. With just seven weeks under his belt, Will shares his story of leaving behind 15+ years in construction to follow a gut feeling—and a great opportunity.

What follows is a refreshingly honest conversation about the steep learning curve, the power of community, and the fast-paced, sometimes chaotic world of flooring retail. From carpet prong misadventures to quot...

Join Matt and Clever Choice’s product specialist Greg Harvey in this revealing episode of "The Underlay," where they dive deep into the world of hybrid flooring. They discuss the innovative 7.5mm Enchanted and 10mm Scenic hybrids transforming the flooring industry with their unmatched quality and design.

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Join us in this enlightening episode of "The Underlay" as we take you inside the first-ever FCIA Floor Tech 2025 event in Melbourne. This special episode, part one of a two-part series, features a dynamic blend of industry leaders, insightful discussions, and a close look at the latest innovations shaping the flooring world.

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Join us in the latest episode of "The Underlay," where host Matt visits the new Melbourne office to chat with three new team members who are making significant strides at Clever Choice. Dive into their personal stories, their roles within the company, and how they're helping to shape the future of Clever Choice from the ground up.

In this detailed episode of "The Underlay," join hosts Matt and Greg Harvey, the Queensland Sales Manager, as they dive deep into the critical aspects of flooring trims and proper installation practices. Set in the newly outfitted Clever Choice Queensland head office, this episode not only celebrates recent achievements and expansions but also tackles the often overlooked details that make or break a flooring installation.

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Join us in this engaging episode of "The Underlay" as we introduce the three newest members of the Clever Choice sales team. Tune in to meet Kai, Thomas, and Charlotte, who are stepping into their new roles as sales representatives covering Queensland and Western Australia. Hosted by Matt, this episode offers a lively mix of personal introductions, career aspirations, and a sneak peek into the personalities that are joining the Clever Choice family.

What we cover:

Welcome to our first recorded episode of "The Underlay" for 2025, where we dive back into the world of flooring with the energy and insight of Paul Bevan, the Sales and Operations Manager for Floorworld. Joining him are Ian Walker, the VIC/SA Sales Manager, and our hosts, Matt and Michael, fresh off a break filled with new beginnings and ventures.

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Join us for a truly amazing episode of "The Underlay" featuring Sid, a stalwart of the flooring industry with a tenure nearing four decades at Andersens. This episode delves deep into Sid's journey and the core values that have shaped his career and Andersens itself.

Join us as we discuss the following:

Join us for the final episode of "The Underlay" in 2024, where we celebrate the year's milestones, share behind-the-scenes stories, and look forward to exciting new beginnings in 2025. Hosted by Matt and Michale, this special episode will wrap up the year with warmth and excitement.

Some of our discussion points

Welcome to The Underlay, where we uncover the stories shaping the flooring industry. In this episode, we sit down with Gabby and Desmond, the dynamic duo behind Andersens’ marketing success. Together, they offer an insider’s perspective on how Andersens has become a trusted name in flooring.

Episode Highlights:

In Part 2 of our Clever Way series, Matt sits again with Michael to discuss how developing a singular handbook has transformed Clever Choice's operation. Simplifying the product offering was a massive step for Clever Choice, a company that prided itself on its diverse product range; it created three distinct product ranges, making the "Clever Choice" even easier.
The whole product offering is now divided into:

Listen to discover the secrets behind the new ranges and how, with some simple yet effective marketing, Clever Choice is now a force to be reckoned with.<...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.
 

The Underlay goes on tour to Melbourne, and for our first episode, we chat with Matt Hadden from Bayside Floorworld. Matt welcomed us into his store, and with the help of Clever stalwarts Ian Walker and Michael Shnider, we gave Matt the Underlay treatment. Matt is a California native but has made Melbourne his home for the last 23 years and has been in the flooring industry for 17 of those. A mix of retail and commercial, Matt is kicking some serious goals, and Clever Choice is helping him along the way.

Matt sits with Clever Choice GM, Michael Roberts to discuss the brand-new "Clever Way". 
The last eighteen months have seen a huge change in Clever Choice as a company, and the seventy-eight-page "Clever Way" document is one of the fruits of that change.
Over several episodes, the boys will break down "The Clever Way" and explain the ins and outs and how it will benefit the retail stores and the end user.

Matt chats to the QLD State Sales Manager for Clever Choice about the brand new product, "Vinyl 5mm."
With some great features and benefits that will make this new product a favourite in retail stores and end users alike, Greg is more than excited about this latest range.

In a first for The Underlay, we are holding a "Sales Roundtable". Five of Clever Choice's frontline sales reps and managers join Matt on the podcast to talk about life on the road and their personal journeys with Clever Choice. We get to under the hood of what it takes to manage huge territories and we find out how each territory is unique in its own right.

In a first for The Underlay, we go onsite to Kiepe Hair. A Clever Choice customer who has a home hair salon installed a Clever Choice resilient solution, which still looks brand new. Kellie's daughter, Emma, also joins us to make it a family affair. Between the two of them, we find the secret to building a successful business while juggling clients and family in the same space.

Brett Talbot from Floorworld joined Michael and Matt at Clever HQ to discuss all things "Floorworld." The boys discussed the Floorworld model and where. they are heading in the future. Brett is another lifelong member industry with experience across many facets. The relationship between Floorworld and Clever Choice is a burgeoning one, and we are looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Twelve months ago Matt Lugo decided to make the leap from Installer to Store Owner and now with two Andersens stores under his management, life is busy but a lot fun for the young man. In a similar story to almost everyone we speak to Matt bleeds flooring, straight out of school he entered the industry and hasn't looked back.
We are live on-site at Matt's Coorparoo store where they are just about to unveil a new event space, we meet the team and even get one of his young charges on for a chat. This was a...

It's a year of change for Clever Choice and 2024 will see the inclusion of 4 new ranges in the Resilient Solutions range. Greg Harvey the QLD State Sales Manager joins Michael and Matt to unpack the range and what it means for the end user. 

Michael and Matt welcome Jim Hilston into the studio to discuss all things wood flooring and what it takes to be an "expert witness" in the flooring industry.
Jim's career took off when he served as the Product Manager for timber flooring at Fired Earth Ltd in the UK. His role covered the entire process, from sourcing to the final touches of installing highly sought-after products. This experience sparked his interest in upscale interior solutions, introducing him to innovative flooring designs and finishes far from the ordinary.

Leveraging this experience, Jim established Hilston Wood Floors in...

We start 2024 with QLD Sales Manager Greg Harvey as our resident expert. He discusses the Clever Choice Timber Solutions range and along with Michael explains the quality of the products available.
We also learn a little too much about what floats Micheals boat and Greg explains why he believes the Bamboo is still the hidden gem of the Clever Choice range.

We kick off the 2024 season with a clip show. Some of the best of our episodes all crammed into one show. We have hand picked nine stories from the 2023 year and all with the same thread, a love of flooring.
We hear stories of why people got into the industry, how hard is working with your partner and just how lucky it is to know from a young age exactly what you want to do.
Enjoy!

We finish 2023 off with a special episode.
With the help of Josh from Marques Flooring at Nerang we had the pleasure of spending some time with Olympic Gold Medallist, Sally Pearson. Sally had recently built her dream home and Marques Flooring supplied and installed her amazing new Clever Choice Flooring. We discussed the renovation process and how she decided that Marques Flooring was the perfect partner for her project.
We couldn't spend time with a Gold Medal winner without discussing that amazing moment when she crossed that line in London and all of Australia cheered in unison.<...

Gary has spent what seems an age in the flooring industry. A Butcher by trade, Gary changed to flooring and started as a commission-only salesman. Seeing a builder's sign was a business opportunity and Gary, and his didn't miss many chances to forge a long-term relationship with many builders on the Gold Coast.
Gary has built a business based on quality service and great products by running his commercial flooring business out of the Specialty Flooring Xtra store in Underwood. Michael and Matt discover who he started, how the commercial side differs from residential and also how the...

In this episode of The Underlay, Michael and Matt speak with Justin Losinski from Master Floors Group. Having recently moved from Western Australia, Justin ran his own successful flooring company after being born into the industry. 
Justin will explain the importance of floor preparation and it is the first time we have had a true expert in this area explain the process of levelling your subfloor in preparation for laying your flooring. 
Master Flooring Group is based out of Yatala on the Gold Coast and comprises Master Floor Preparers an established Floor Preparation company operating since 2004, and Ma...

In a change of pace for The Underlay, Matt spends some time with Clever Choice QLD Sales Manager, Greg Harvey, to talk all things Hybrid Shield. Greg will go through "The Story" of Hybrid Shield and why this particular product is taking the industry by storm
Check out the range of Hybrid Shield on the link below
https://www.cleverchoice.com.au/hybrid-shield/

Is the latest episode of The Underlay, Michael and Matt have a full ouse with Dean Bonutto from Floorworld South Australia and Ian Walker the Victorian/SA State Manager of Clever Choice joining them. 
Dean has been in the industry for over 30 years and owns four Floorworld stores in South Australia. With a huge team behind him, he learnt the importance teamwork as a talented young footballer in the SANFL.
The lessons learnt on the football field has helped him become one of Floorworld's most successful owners.

Check out one of the stores on the l...

In this episode of "The Underlay" we go interstate. 
Matt is alone in the Panic Room but Michael and our guest are in Melbourne. Michael is in Melbourne working on some secret Clever business but our guest is as Victorian as it gets. A lifelong St Kilda fan and in the flooring industry for 47 years, Robert Levin from Inner City Floorworld, Abbotsford, has just about seen it all. Still working at 80 years of age his love of flooring may now be debatable but his passion for the industry is as strong as ever.
Michael and Matt could h...

The latest episode of "The Underlay" is a cracker as Michael and Matt chat with Emma Griffiths from CVT Flooring, Lilydale. Located in the gateway to the Yarra Valley, CVT Flooring is a family business that is a one-stop shop for your home remodeling. 

CVT Flooring was started by Emma's brother and has evolved over time. Emma is an Interior Designer and it was with her input that saw the shop transform from a flooring shop to a whole lot more.
Emma is all about giving your home a unique feel and creating an original piece o...

In this episode of 'The Underlay" Michael and Matt talk to Julie Stratford from Skills Insight.
Skills Insight is a not-for-profit, government funded, industry-led organisation and one of ten Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs). They work with stakeholders who share a passion for improving skills and training across the agribusiness, fibre and furnishings industries.

"The Underlay" is focused on strengthening the flooring industry through education and training, apprentices are the key to the future of the industry, and with help from people like Julie, the future is bright.

Skills Insight, as a Jobs and...

In the latest episode of The Underlay, Michael and Matt talk with Clever Choice business partner, Terry Watson from Watson Trade Credit. Terry's business provides Trade Credit Insurance allowing businesses to protect their invoices from non-payment, all forms of administration and insolvency, and even future preference payment demands brought against you.
Terry has been working closely with Clever Choice and his service is one of the reasons for Clever's steady growth over the last few years. Sit back and hear about a finance solution that could make your good business great.

If you want to hear...

For the first time in The Underlay's history we have a guest returning to the Panic Room. Our very first guest on the podcast, Greg Harvey joins Michael and Matt for the second time.
The "Rodman" to Michael's "Jordan" (that hurt writing, haha) Greg, in only 18 months with Clever Choice has become an integral member of the team and his knowledge of the industry as a whole is second to none.
Settle in as we talk footy, contracts, team work and of course flooring as we hear from the guy on the front line why HYBRID is...

For the first time ever we have a guest that is relatively new to the flooring industry. With only two years as the owner of the Andersens Helensvale store you could be mistaken for thinking Jimmy doesn't know his stuff. To think that would be a mistake. The Helensvale store is truly a family business with his wife, two sons and two dogs all involved in the shop. years spent in the hospitality industry primed Jimmy for the service and ethic required to run a successful flooring shop.
Michael and Matt will learn what it takes to run...

In the latest episode of The Underlay Michael and Matt talk to Clever Choice business Partner, Zee from MGI Accountants. Despite all the rumours to the contrary about accountants Zee is a lot of fun and has a great outlook on accounting. Zee is more than just the Clever Choice accountant, he helps the whole team with strategy and planning but it's his fluency in Mandarin that sees Zee's value rise. With close ties to China it was imperative that Michael not only find a "clever" accountant but one that is bilingual. Zee ticked all the boxes and a...

Finally we get the man under the microscope as the host becomes the guest.
Michael takes off the host duties and Matt puts him under the spot light. It gets pretty raw in the Panic Room as we discuss Michaels recent change of landscape, having moved from the beach to the bush. We also get an insight into his management strategy and get a great idea why Clever Choice is a successful as it is.
We give him the quick fire 5 treatment as we answer the big questions like, Spray on or Roll on??
Enjoy learning...

Episode 17 - The Underlay Podcast - Fiona Wischnewski

Fiona Wischnewski is the CEO of the Floor Covering Institute of Australia (FCIA) and using her experience in training and education to take the flooring industry to the next level through skills development and quality assurance programs.

FCIA lobbies government & other industry stakeholders on behalf of all members, doing more than any one business or person could do on their own.
One of our key roles is ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of our industry, while continuing to push for innovation and high technical excellence...

Episode 16 - The Underlay Podcast - Bobby Lenz

With 25 years experience in the flooring industry Bobby Lenz has seen it all. Now as a franchise owner of Flooring Xtra at Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast of QLD he is using all of his experience to build a great business and offer a service that is unmatched in the area. Starting as an apprentice, Bobby has flooring in his blood and with a passion that is infectious, Flooring Xtra is the place to be when looking for a flooring solution on the Sunshine Coast.
Michael and Matt...

In this episode, we say farewell to Ian Gust. A great American who moved himself to Australia to finish his studies and ended up running the internal marketing for Clever Choice. To say that he was an integral part of the machine would be an understatement and he grew to become Michael's, right-hand man. 
We dig deep into Ian's motivations for moving to Australia and what he plans to do when he lands back in Houston. 
Thank you for your devotion to Clever Choice and you will be sorely missed.

Episode 14 - The Underlay Podcast - Steven and David from BMS Group

Insurance is a tricky game and many people don't know whether it's the right decision for them. In this episode, Michael and Matt talk to our resident insurance experts in Steven and David from BMS Insurance. With years of experience in the industry, there aren't many situations between them they haven't been across. 
Cyber Security is a very real threat to businesses, in fact in Australia, a company is hacked every 11 seconds. Getting the right advice from experts in the insurance field about how t...

Episode 13 - The Underlay Podcast - Madison Grisdale

With the economy kicking on there is no better place for Maddison Grisdale to be than in the heart of Brisbane living her dream as an interior designer for Plus Architecture. 
Every day is different for an Interior Designer and whether it's for a residential or commercial client Maddison must be prepared for whatever may come at her. Her close relationship with Clever Choice flooring enables her to spec many of the products from Clever with the utmost confidence.

An interior designer plays an important role i...

Episode 12 - The Underlay Podcast

This week we chat with Olivia Lazenkas from Flawless Interiors.
Olivia has a long history in the flooring industry and is using her knowledge and experience to build a flourishing Interior Design business. She has a showroom at the back of the family Thomastown Floorworld shop and provides a unique service to the customers that come looking for a great flooring solution.
Her passion for Interior Design was established at a young age with the regular rearranging of her bedroom becoming a rite of passage more than a chore.
...

Episode 11 - The Underlay Podcast

This week Michael and Matt chat with the NSW State Sales Manager, Austin Bunn.
Austin is a passionate businessman whose commitment to his customers is second to none. He has many years of experience as a salesman, but his keen business acumen sets him apart.
Austin has run many businesses in the past, in fact, he was instrumental in establishing American BBQing in Australia. We enjoyed chatting to Austin and finding out a little more about what makes him tick.

In this episode, Michael and Matt have some female flair in the Panic Room as Cindy and Nicole join the Podcast. Both ladies are long-term employees of Clever Choice and we talk to them about their roles within the business and where they think Clever is headed for 2023 and beyond. The flooring industry historically has been male-dominated and Cindy and Nicole are bucking that trend and their influence on the upward trend of Clever Choice can't be understated.
Cindy ensures that the warehouses are full of stock so that Clever Choice can continue to provide the exceptional customer...

For the first show of 2023 we chat to Jake Bowcock from One Global Logistics. As a preferred freight partner of Clever Choice we discuss the global freight challenges faced by not only freight forwarders but import businesses as well. Jake plays a key role in Clever Choice's ability to continue to deliver to the public by ensuring that stock is sitting in the warehouse's and not a ship at sea.

Josh Marques spends some time on The Underlay discussing what flooring means to him and his family. Josh was born into flooring, and his father started Marques Flooring back on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. All those years later Marques Flooring is a premier flooring business on The Gold Coast and Josh's passion for flooring is evident.
Not only is Josh committed to ensuring that Marques Flooring is at the top of the industry he is always a passionate philanthropist. For many years now Josh has been building houses for the less fortunate in Cambodia, each year he...

Rowan Hodge, CEO of Andersens joins us to discuss the future for Andersens and the synergies that his company has with Clever Choice. From their origins in the Lockyer Valley, QLD, Andersens has built a reputation forged on country towns values and service. With franchises in Brisbane and Sydney and opportunities in Victoria, Tasmania and Perth they are taking their country town values to the cities and it's the consumer that's reaping the rewards.
You can find out more about Andersens at https://andersens.com.au/

Floor It Logictics is a bespoke flooring installation company that provides an installation service like no other available in the Brisbane area. A fully trained carpenter, Phil has years of experience in the industry and the boys peel back the layers to get to the heart and soul of Phil's business. Along the way they also discover he's more than just a handy golfer.

If you want to get in touch with Phil and his team check out the links below.

https://floor-it-logistics-pty-ltd.business.site/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Floor-It-Logistics/100063982062984/

Michael and Matt chat to Ian Walker and discover how looking after 3 states is a dream come true. Ian has over 14 years experience in the flooring industry with the last 8 being with Clever Choice. During that time he has seen a lot of change  but he thinks the changes that Clever have made to their systems, makes Clever Choice the perfect solution. 
Michael dials in from Mackay after a 14 hour commute and sounds as chipper as ever, how many GM's do you know that drive that far to look after his customers?

Michael and Matt spend some time with Randy from ATFA and discover the good work they have been doing in the industry.
The ATFA, Australasian Timber Flooring Association is the peak body for timber floors and those in pursuit of a beautiful, durable surface. They represent contractors, manufacturers or suppliers to this industry throughout Australia & New Zealand with their singular focus on high quality services delivered solely by members who are also committed community builders through social contributions such as volunteering initiatives within your local schools' communities where they volunteer time each week helping students learn life skills...

Clever Choice Flooring and Straight Up Digital are a match made in heaven. SUD is the marketing arm of the flooring business and has taken the Clever Choice to the next level with the "Agency as a Service" model. Matt also hosted Michael at his home to discuss what flooring solution would work best for his family.

Doug Hawkins from Pancare Australia joins the show and discusses the role that they play with people living with upper GI cancers. 
Pancare Australia has a great partnership with Floorworld and they are more than just a charity partner. Doug explains the strategic business relationship that they have built to ensure the long term success of the charity.
Michael also commits to a 4 day trek in the Victorian Alps and there will be no getting out of it now.
Check out the website to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.

In this first episode we introduce Michael Roberts the GM for Clever Choice Flooring who will be co hosting The Underlay with Matt. They Interview the QLD State Sales Manager - Greg Harvey and discuss his journey to that role and the experienced he gained in almost every role possible in the industry. Starting as an installer and working his way up the ranks, Greg has a innate knowledge of everything flooring and will go the extra mile for his customers. 
We also discover the personal favourite ranges of both Michael and Greg and who is best suited t...