“Everyone has their responsibilities now. It’s streamlined the day-to-day, and things are running really smoothly.”
Sam grew up on the South Coast with a passion and flair for photography. He had plans to head to Sydney to study it after school, but life had other ideas. With his mum facing health challenges, Sam chose to stay close to home.
While still in school, he’d worked part-time with a local videographer, so after graduation, he naturally gravitated toward that field. But it wasn’t long before his dad, a builder known for his work on Federation-era home restorations, tapped him on the shoulder with another idea to join the family business.
Sam tried his hand at horticulture for a while but ultimately found himself back working with his dad. Eventually, he started a carpentry apprenticeship. “Dad said, ‘You’ve been doing this long enough. Let’s go to the apprenticeship board, see if they’ll credit your time, and you just need to finish the theory to get your trade.’”
On weekends, he picked up extra work laying floor coverings with a friend, Warwick. Sam stayed in his dad’s business for 12 years and rose through the ranks to become Head Carpenter.
However, Sam was ready for something new and tried something that didn’t work out. By this time Warwick and his wife Charlene bought their own business, Choices Flooring Nowra South, and they asked Sam to come on board as their second employee. In a new business, everyone wears multiple hats, and Sam was no exception.
“They needed someone in the office to help with plans, quoting, dealing with subcontractors, ordering plus a bit of sales in the early days as it was just the three of us,” Sam recalls.
Charlene and Warwick saw the value in Sam’s transferable skills: his construction knowledge, ability to read plans, strong rapport with tradespeople, and adaptability with technology. “I’d already been working with Warwick, and I’d laid plenty of floating floors. I’m usually pretty quick with picking up new software, too.”
Years on construction sites gave Sam a deep understanding of quality flooring installations. “I’m the kind of person who watches how others work. I pick up on things, think about how I’d do it myself, it sticks with me.”
Over the past 12 years, as the business grew, so did Sam’s role. With the recent addition of new team members, things have become more structured.
Chris joined just over six months ago and has taken on many responsibilities related to retail client plans and quotes. Though he came from a window manufacturing background with no flooring experience, his quoting skills transferred well. “He’s so committed. Always researching, learning. I’ve been really impressed. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Now, Sam manages scheduling, oversees installers, and liaises with builders, architects, and designers, whether it’s for residential, industrial, or government projects. He also handles issues that may arise during or after installations.
Karen also joined around the same time, initially focusing on sales. “Now she handles most of the ordering and invoicing,” Sam explains. “It’s taken a lot off Warwick and Charlene’s plate.”
Sam says the team has found a new rhythm. “Everyone has their responsibilities now. It’s streamlined the day-to-day, and things are running really smoothly.”
Sam’s journey is a testament to adaptability, teamwork, and the value of transferable skills. From laying floors to leading operations, his story mirrors the growth and success of Choices Flooring. With a dedicated team and a strong sense of purpose, the business continues to go from strength to strength here on the South Coast.
