Name: Matthew Graves
Age: 45
Company: Puma Floors Ltd
Job Title: Commercial Director
How did you get into the flooring industry?
I was a quantity surveyor for a building firm and I was looking for a new position. I applied for and got a job with a national flooring contractor as a QS. That was about 15 years ago.
What’s been the biggest change in the industry over those 15 years?
The speed with which people want things done, to the extent that sometimes they start to cut corners too much. It can be hard to convince them that certain timescales or practices need to be followed to make sure the job’s right.
Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 15-20 years?
I’m hopeful that initiatives like BIM will help to reinforce the need for planning and doing things the right way, for example, getting main contractors to engage with flooring contractors earlier in the process and take on board the professional advice we can provide. Other changes will no doubt revolve around more technology being introduced into the products we use.
What’s the worst job you’ve been on?
I can’t really single one out, but every job has its challenges and difficulties. That’s a part of what we do, it’s a case of how you get over them.
And what’s the best?
We’ve done a few prestigious jobs that we’re quite proud of such as the Swansea University campus in SA1, Cardiff City Stadium and the Cardiff and Vale College, which was a difficult 14 week project, but very rewarding when it was finished.
Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
Probably anything in a yellow bucket, but I’d single out F44 as being one we always go for. I’ve also been impressed with Stopgap 1200 Pro.
What do you like best about the job?
Dealing with the lads and clients; we’re all pretty straightforward, people know what they’re going to get from us.
What is your least favourite thing about the job?
People who take too long to pay, especially when you’ve done a good job and gone out of your way to fit in with what they want.