“Businesses that don’t prioritise sustainability won’t be in business any more by 2030,” says Ryan Flaxman, Project Floors’ new Business Development Manager.
“That’s what I love so much about this role: the opportunity to bring products to the New Zealand building market that will change the game in terms of sustainability.”
Ryan joined the Project Floors team in early 2024, bringing with him a decade of industry sales experience. “Prior to this, I was working in the plumbing industry with what are referred to as ‘front-of-wall’ products, basically the pretty side of specification including taps, sinks and basins. Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the design aspects of that work. Through roles in sales and merchandising, I gained an eye for detail that is really benefitting me in my new role with Project Floors. It feels like a series of happy coincidences led me here, and everything is just falling into place.”
In his first few months as Business Development Manager, Ryan has enjoyed bringing his design eye to potential clients and building new relationships with the industry. “Project Floors can deliver pretty much any floor covering you can imagine. Within the wider commercial flooring context, I look after our workspace market and deal primarily with designers, architects and specifiers within the office space realm. The first step for me has been to build those foundations, connect with industry, and share the great work that Project Floors can do. I’m here to support our clients with anything they need in terms of technical specification, samples and anything they need to deliver their design vision.”
“Project Floors is committed to being ahead of the curve by embracing and driving change,” Ryan says.
While a design interest was what first attracted Ryan to his new role, he says it’s his passion for sustainability that makes him most excited about the road ahead. “Reuse and recycling, in particular, really resonate with me. These are values and practices that I hold myself to in my personal life and have for many years. I now have a young child at home, which has only increased my awareness of environmental issues like pollution and waste.”
As the only carbon-negative carpet fibre on the market, Project Floors’ revolutionary THRIVE® Matter is directly contributing to a more sustainable New Zealand building market. “Project Floors is committed to being ahead of the curve by embracing and driving change,” Ryan says. “By repurposing 100% post-industrial recycled resin, THRIVE® Matter provides an innovative solution to industry-wide challenges around both manufacturing and waste. With it, we’re pushing the boundaries of environmental responsibility by offering a flooring solution that isn’t only carbon neutral, but carbon negative. We are leading the way with the most sustainable options available in the flooring market.”
Ryan is excited to continue building relationships and to help his clients put sustainable flooring solutions to work in their commercial projects. “I’m such a people person; that’s why I enjoy sales. I love meeting people and helping them solve any challenges they’re facing. As I settle into my role with Project Floors, I would love to work with clients on office spaces that really deliver on carbon reduction and positive environmental impact. With my passion and Project Floors’ ground-breaking product offering, I can offer some meaningful guidance around how they can achieve those objectives.”
The ultimate goal, Ryan says, is to build Project Floors’ profile as a major player in the New Zealand flooring market, allowing them to increase their market share and boost their impact. “I’m committed to getting our name out there so everyone knows who we are and the great work we’re doing. I look forward to connecting with architects and designers to help them implement beautiful, sustainable flooring solutions for a wide range of commercial projects.”
To learn more and connect with Ryan, visit https://projectfloors.nz/ and follow Project Floors on LinkedIn.
