Business Profile
In a time of recession, when many firms are struggling to keep their heads above water, it is always great to see a young man buck the trend with skill, hard work and determination.
Luke Johnson Flooring Ltd, named after its 24-year-old founder and boss, is a fine example of how a young man has managed to build a successful business.
Mr Johnson runs a carpeting and flooring business that has expanded so much in the past year that there are serious plans to take on more staff, to make sure it can deal with the growing demands for its services.
The company, based around a mobile showroom and fitting van, can deal with all kinds of flooring requirements, from a homeowner wanting a new carpet to a business needing solid oak flooring throughout its premises.
He can advise, guide, supply and fit the whole range of flooring, from quality carpets to the very best of oak flooring. This includes the latest range of engineered wood flooring - a top quality hybrid of solid wood and marine ply, designed to prevent movement and distortion.
Mr Johnson, who lives in Newbury, was born and brought up in West Berkshire, going to school at Trinity, where, in the school holidays, he helped his uncle lay floors in the Andover area.
He said, “I fell into the trade by helping him out and picked up the skill as I progressed. I really love the trade and get great satisfaction from the pleasure of people seeing the final product.
“We are usually the last trade on a job, so when we finish, the customer can see it is all ready for them, so we tend to get a lot of the praise. “
Mr Johnson prides himself on personal service where he pays close attention to detail. When he goes on a job, he is able to take a huge range of samples with him so that customers can see how the different choices would look like in their own homes.
Mr Johnson said: “I prefer to do it this way because then it is much easier for the customer to make a decision. I can give them advice and guidance on the best options and the best materials to use.”
The business can operate to a timescale that suits the customer, sometimes working through the night to get an urgent job finished. Mr Johnson said: “Our motto is ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’ and I will work all hours to achieve that.”
All the materials come with manufacturers’ guarantees and Mr Johnson personally guarantees all his firm’s work. The price comes inclusive of everything – including many services normally regarded as extras - such as taking up and removing old flooring, trimming doors and leaving the site immaculately tidy.
“This year we have been really busy, working flat out to cope with the jobs. I’m proud of what I have achieved so far and I’m prepared to work all hours to make a success of the business. I’m proud to have made something of myself,” he said.
Eventually, Mr Johnson dreams of expanding into the property development business, using all the trade connections he has already made through his work. When he’s not dreaming of his business he relaxes by playing for two local football teams.
Part of his success has come through membership of BNI, a trade networking organisation which encourages young entrepreneurs.
However, most of the success has been through hard work, high quality work, straight dealing and good personal service.
Luke Johnson Flooring
12 Gaywood Drive
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2PA
(01635) 600246
0778 672 1219
lukejohnsonflooring@hotmail.co.uk
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