In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Stephen Latham, the founder of J2 Flooring, shares his journey and insights into disrupting the flooring industry. Hosted by Tom, this episode dives deep into Stephen's personal and professional background, how he got into the flooring business, and the philosophy behind J2 Flooring. Here are the key highlights:
**Introduction:**
- The episode starts with a warm welcome to Stephen Latham on The UK Flooring Podcast.
**Getting to Know Stephen:**
- The host asks Stephen to introduce himself. Stephen describes himself as a determined, competitive, driven, and focused individual.
**Stephen's Journey:**
- Stephen shares his backstory, explaining how he became involved in the flooring business. He reveals that his family has a history in the flooring industry, and he began working in the family business during his university days to make some money.
- After university, Stephen initially pursued a career in marketing, but he faced challenges in a highly competitive job market. This led him to work with his father's flooring business.
- In 2008, they started selling flooring online, marking the beginning of Stephen's journey in the flooring industry.
**Setting Up J2 Flooring:**
- Stephen discusses the inception of J2 Flooring in 2011. They identified gaps in the market and aimed to offer a different experience to retailers and contractors.
- The company's focus has always been on providing the best possible product and service to their customers.
**Philosophy of Pleasing Everyone:**
- The host raises the question of how J2 Flooring deals with different customer profiles, such as small installers and large retail outfits. Stephen emphasises that J2 Flooring is inclusive and doesn't pressurise customers to open retail premises.
- They provide display boards and swatches to cater to various customer needs. The goal is to offer an excellent experience to the end user.
**The Changing Dynamic:**
- Stephen believes that the dynamic in the flooring industry is changing, with more contractors understanding the importance of presenting themselves well to customers. This includes having samples and displays, regardless of the type of premises they have.
**Creating Your Brand:**
- The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of creating your own brand and presence in the market. Stephen advocates for a world-class customer experience and providing what customers need.
This episode offers valuable insights into Stephen Latham's journey in the flooring industry and how J2 Flooring is disrupting the market by focusing on quality and customer experience.
For more details, insights, and the full conversation, be sure to listen to the entire episode on The UK Flooring Podcast website.
[Visit The UK Flooring Podcast Website](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/)
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