From Lockdown to Leading Store: Dave & Marcia’s Flooring Design Journey

Opening a new business is a bold move at the best of times. Opening just two days before New Zealand’s first Covid-19 lockdown? That’s a leap of faith.

But for Dave and Marcia Bragg, owners of Flooring Design Whakatane, that leap has paid off in spectacular fashion. Three years later, their store has grown into one of the top-performing locations in the network, achieving a multi-million-dollar turnover — proof that the right mindset, combined with the right franchise model, can overcome any challenge.

Spotting the Right Opportunity

Dave brought decades of flooring industry experience to the table, including time working for Flooring Design Rotorua. He knew what mattered in a franchise partner: quality products, strong operational support, and a culture of collaboration. When a supplier mentioned an opportunity in Whakatane, Dave and Marcia didn’t hesitate.

“The brand ticked every box — from supplier relationships to marketing support,” Dave says. “It just made sense.”

A True Family Business

Marcia joined the business full-time nine months after launch, bringing 20 years of banking and business management expertise. Together, they set out to build their reputation through exceptional customer service and high-quality installations.

As demand grew, so did their team. Today, Flooring Design Whakatane employs a storeman and two full-time staff to handle quoting, installations, and customer service. Even their dog, Indie, has become a local favourite, greeting customers with a wagging tail.

Community Connection

The Braggs made community involvement a priority — joining local business networks, sponsoring sports clubs and events, and running ads on local radio. This consistent presence has kept Flooring Design Whakatane top-of-mind for locals needing flooring solutions.

Residential & Commercial Success

Residential projects drove early growth, but commercial work soon followed. Schools, sports clubs, and local businesses now call on the Braggs for their flooring needs, with builders regularly making them the first choice for projects.

The Flooring Design Advantage

One of the biggest factors in their success? No ongoing royalty fees. Profits stay in the business, allowing reinvestment into staff, marketing, and growth. Head office also handles bookkeeping, saving the Braggs over 20 hours a week.

Add in exclusive supplier partnerships, national marketing support, and a collaborative network of franchisees — and it’s easy to see why Dave and Marcia’s Flooring Design journey has been such a standout success.