Andersens Warwick is one of over fifty Andersens retail flooring franchises. Located 130 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, the store is managed by Mike Smith who with his wife Christine, have owned and operated the store for over 29 years.

Andersens is one of the oldest of the flooring groups or franchises currently servicing Australian consumers, predominantly in Queensland, New South Wales and ACT but with plans to expand into other states. Founded in Gatton, Queensland in the late 1950’s by Rod Andersen as originally a furniture store, the group has established a standing over the last 60-odd years for honesty and integrity, with a reputation of being ‘the respected name in floor coverings.’

Mike Smith joined the group at only 22 years of age when the Warwick franchise became available. He’d not long returned from a backpacking tour of Europe when the opportunity came up to operate the store in Warwick. His parents operated an Andersens flooring and furniture store in nearby Stanthorpe and Mike, like most children of flooring store owners, had worked there during weekends and school holidays.

Mike recalls the interview with Jack Andersen well, and admits the family tradition of retailing floor coverings, then in its second generation, and Mike’s knowledge and enthusiasm of the industry, possibly had something to do with getting the franchise. Now with 30 years’ experience in the industry and 29 years at Warwick, Mike has repaid Jack Andersen’s confidence many times over.

Mike says, “I grew up in the industry and I enjoy what I do. I’ve seen a lot of changes and trends over the years and there has been quite a few challenges but as part of Andersens we don’t feel like we are alone, help is only a phone call away. What I love about Andersens is that we all work as one and this is demonstrated by the fact that anyone in the group can pick up the phone at any time and even talk to our CEO Rowan Hodge about any issue.

Andersens has a family feel, a culture of helping each other. Mike calls it ‘country town values’ derived from a business that’s grown out of those country town origins. Mike said, “If we have a concern it’s likely someone else in the group has faced that already and overcome it. Andersens is about building relationships. As Jack Andersen once said, ‘people buy from people’ and ‘treat your customers like your best friend’s mum.’ and we really believe that.”

Of being an Andersens franchisee Mike says, “It’s hard work at times but no one goes into business thinking its going to be easy. Working with Andersens is immensely satisfying and the effort you put into your people and your customers pays off. The average tenure of our people is 14 years compared to a franchise industry average of seven, and for many, working for Andersens has been a lifelong pleasure. We’ve never been a group focussed only on turnover, we’re more like a family.”

Mike says the next 12 to 18 months may be a challenge because of the flow-on from the building industry but comments, “We don’t participate in recessions. We’re focussed on our customers; our suppliers; on meeting challenges and being Australia’s premium flooring supplier.” Mike believes in keeping things new and is excited about Andersens new ‘2025 store design’ focussed on customer experience, that is being rolled out across all Andersens outlets.

Mike says, “In the last 25 years we’ve experienced many changes in the flooring industry and witnessed it flourish to the popular designer market it has become.” His wife Christine loves working with their customers in the Design Centre to help them bring their project to life utilising the latest interior colours, textures and tones. With the Andersens warehouse able to provide product at the right price and guarantee of supply, Andersens Warwick is truly ‘working as one.’

Flooring Magazine – Jun/Jul 23