Check out the latest BUILD Magazines – Bend, OR  (May 2024)

EPISODE 75: SMALL CHOICES MAKE A BIG IMPACT – SUSTAINABLE FLOORING WITH SHARRON JOHNSTONE

Today Ted speaks with Shannon Johnstone of Strong Roots Flooring in Kelowna BC. Shannon and her husband run their business with the model to save old flooring by refinishing it to look modern. In their store, they focus on educating customers on sustainable flooring options for every budget.

While their business always focused on refinishing, the shift towards sustainability is new and the smallest choices have had the biggest impact. From using the latest technology and low VOC products to a partnership to replant the worlds forests, Shannon and her husband are on a mission. For every 100 square feet of flooring, they’re able to refinish, they partner with a company to plant 10 trees around the world. This initiative has allowed them to not only plant more trees but to save more old floors from entering landfills.

This episode is a lesson on the environment, the choices we can make, and where the industry is headed if we can take the smallest steps.

Through impeccable design and creative architecture, Brian and Patrick have put together a truly special spec home on 20 acres for the discerning buyer. Listen in as Ted gets to the heart of the cross-country duo’s process and what makes this property stand above the rest.

Interested in learning more and working with Brian and Patrick?

TOPICS DISCUSSED

  • [2:00] The start of Strong Roots Flooring
  • [5:30] It’s tough to find good people
  • [8:00] Most floors can be refinished
  • [8:40] How to give old floors new personality
  • [12:00] How has technology changed refinishing?
  • [16:00] Where is the business now vs. when you started?
  • [19:40] Tree planting initiative
  • [30:15] Trying to educate the public on sustainable flooring
  • [35:30] Differences in wood sources and products
  • [40:20] How to be sustainable and thoughtful with hardwood
  • [41:30] Competition in the marketplace
  • [43:55] What keeps you up at night?
  • [46:45] Consideration for the environment is becoming popular

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE 

  • I think the hardest thing to do like you said was it was the slope. It was getting the house up in the highest point that we could and get the best views.
  • It’s funny because, you know, the more we sort of globalize and the more we connect, the less sort of regional differences we see.
  • I always look for that in everything I do is what is the special thing that makes this unique and how do we have to celebrate it, right?
 
About
STRONG ROOTS FLOORING INC

We are a local family-owned flooring store, and since 2006, we have served Kelowna and the Okanagan with quality flooring, hardwood refinishing and custom wood creations.

Website: Strongroots.ca

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Name(Required)
Hidden
State
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Subscribe to receive our print magazine to your door