Under the Surface: Why Floor Prep is Everything with RLA Polymers
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 $ 200M+ company in just six years, their commitment to Aussie-based R&D, and why education is the future of the trade.Key topics include:Moisture testing, levelling, and floor prep systems explainedThe rise of private labelling and how RLA supports major retailersThe “Prep Set Go” initiative and why training is a game-changerBehind the scenes of RLA’s Melbourne-based tech and innovation hubHow relationships and education are the real foundations of the industryIf you're in the flooring game, whether you're laying floors, selling them, or specifying them, this episode is a must. Share it with your team, your tradies, and your reps. Let's raise the bar from the ground up.If you want to know more about RLA Polymers, check out the website:https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/Watch the Prep Set Go video series here:https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/docs-category/prep/#TheUnderlayPodcast #RLApolymers #FlooringIndustry #SubfloorPrep #MoistureMatters #AdhesiveExperts #LevelItRight #ConstructionInnovation #AussieMade #TradeEducation
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1:08:49
Will Breheny - Flooring Fast-Track: Will’s Wild Start at Floor World
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 quoting mishaps and borrowing forklifts, Will’s had a crash course in adapting on the fly—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.Key moments include:Will’s path from commercial construction to retail flooring ownershipWhy having the right staff (shoutout to Rachel!) is make-or-breakLearning the ropes fast—thanks to reps, podcasts, and a lot of questionsThoughts on product knowledge, customer trust, and working at paceA few laughs (and lessons) from the world of Crocs, carpet, and campingWhether you're new to the flooring game or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and that unmistakable “fresh to the floor” energy. Will’s story is proof that with the right attitude and support, you can build something great—even if you leave your boots at home.#FloorWorldHoppers #NewToFlooring #CarpenterToRetailer #FlooringJourney #FromToolsToTrade #CleverChoiceCommunity#RetailRealTalk #TheUnderlayPodcast #SmallBizStories #FloorHuntersUnite
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40:43
The Hybrid Evolution: Clever Choice's New Wave of Flooring
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.Segments:Introduction: Matt introduces the excitement surrounding Clever Choice’s new hybrid products and their unique features, which set them apart in the market.Feedback and Industry Reactions: Greg shares the positive feedback from installers and clients, highlighting the exceptional design and functionality of the new hybrids.Deep Dive into New Products: Greg will provide a comprehensive overview of the 7.5mm Enchanted and 10mm Scenic hybrids, explaining their construction, advantages, and the strategic thinking behind their development.Market Impact and Sales Dynamics: Matt and Greg discuss how these innovations are influencing market trends and sales strategies, reflecting the industry’s demand for higher quality and performance.Looking Forward: The episode concludes with a discussion of Clever Choice's future directions for hybrid flooring, including potential market expansions and technological advancements.This episode offers a unique perspective on the latest trends and technological advancements in the flooring industry. Greg offers insights, and Matt leads engaging discussions. Don’t miss this deep dive into how Clever Choice is redefining the standards for hybrid flooring.For more information on the Clever Choice HYBRID range, click on the link below.https://www.cleverchoice.com.au/products/list?id=21#CleverChoiceFlooring #HybridFlooringRevolution #FlooringInnovations #HybridHeroes #FutureOfFlooring #FlooringTrends2025 #DesignMeetsDurability #FlooringSpecialists #UnderlayPodcast #FlooringTechTalk
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40:10
Floor Tech 2025 - Part 1
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.Segments:Introduction to Floor Tech 2025: We kick off with Ian Walker from Clever Choice, setting the scene at this inaugural event, buzzing with over 250 industry professionals. Discover what makes Floor Tech a landmark event in the flooring industry.Industry Leader Encounters: Dive into engaging discussions with familiar faces and new stars, including a catch-up with Brett Talbot from Floor World, exploring the evolving partnership with Clever Choice and the strategic expansions influencing the flooring market.Deep Dives on Industry Challenges: Listen in on conversations about the critical importance of proper floor installation, the role of trims and accessories, and the continuous push for higher standards across the industry.FCIA’s Role and Future Directions: We explore the FCIA's significant impact on the flooring industry, focusing on apprenticeship programs, relationship building, and integrating comprehensive industry standards.This episode is perfect for flooring professionals seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and anyone interested in how deep industry collaboration and innovation can lead to superior results and transformative growth. Join us as we delve into the heart of the flooring industry at Floor Tech 2025.
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44:04
Inside Melbourne: The People Powering Clever Choice
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.Introduction to the New Melbourne Team: Meet Troy, Akila, and Mikayla, who represent the core of Clever Choice's Melbourne branch. They share their backgrounds, what drew them to the company, and their initial impressions of their roles and the workplace.Building from the Ground Up: Explore how these new team members are contributing to the physical and operational setup of the new Melbourne location, transforming it from a construction site into a dynamic office and warehouse space.The Culture at Clever Choice: Discover how Clever Choice's family-like culture and flat management structure enable quick decision-making and create a supportive work environment.Personal Growth and Opportunities: Hear from Akila and Mikayla about how their roles have evolved since joining Clever Choice, highlighting the company's commitment to employee development and empowerment.Looking Ahead: The team discusses their goals for the Melbourne office and how they plan to contribute to the company's success in the competitive flooring market.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of setting up a new office and how a focused and cohesive team can drive company growth and enhance customer service.
There's more to flooring than just laying boards. We take you inside and under the flooring industry and give you a look at what makes Clever Choice Flooring the perfect solution for you.
New Zealand