60 second interview: George Flinn

Quick fire questions with George Flinn from Progressive Flooring.

Name:  George Flinn
Age: 76
Company:  Progressive Flooring
Job Title: Company Director

How did you get into the flooring industry? 
My father, cousins and uncles were all floor layers so I followed in their footsteps and we all worked for a company in East London. I’ve been in the flooring industry for 61 years now and have been joined by my son too – it’s safe to say it runs in the family!

What’s been the biggest change in the industry over the past 10 years?

More and more companies have started up and joined the trade.

Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years? 
I think there will be even more companies opening (and no doubt closing down) – the stiff competition has made this job increasingly difficult and could be interesting in the future.

What’s the worst job you’ve been on? 
The most problematic jobs to be involved in are ones on building sites. On the larger sites, flooring is the last item on the agenda and us contractors are given the task of finishing our work to the original deadline, despite the fact that we are usually given less time to complete the job due to preceding trades. In many cases, the same person runs such sites – we call him ‘Captain Chaos’ as that is what always ensues.

And what’s the best?
I’ve been in this industry for a very long time now and have been lucky enough to be involved in many enjoyable and interesting projects.

Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
We usually use F. Ball floor preparation products and adhesives.

What do you like best about the job? 
I love the variety of this job – no two days are the same and I come across lots of different people, challenges and situations.

What is your least favourite thing about the job?
Being put through to a main contractor by our client and having to chase for payments and retentions.