The Man Behind the COMO Flooring Brand

When you think of elegance, innovation, and quality in the world of flooring, COMO Flooring might just be the first name that comes to mind. But who is the man behind this beloved brand?

Meet Marco Wagner – founder of COMO Flooring. His journey into the flooring industry was by no means a meticulously planned one -it was, quite literally, a “flook”! Let’s take a peek into his world and see how a stroke of serendipity turned into a national success…

It All Started by Chance

The story begins with a twist of fate. He admits, “It was purely by flook! I knew that I wanted to get involved in imports and exports but wasn’t really sure as to the product line.” It wasn’t until a trip to China in 2005 and a container of flooring for a friend in Port Elizabeth (who later changed his mind) that COMO Flooring was born. What seemed like a missed opportunity turned into a blessing in disguise.

Without hesitation, he took that container and turned his curiosity into a newfound passion for flooring. From selecting designs and décors to obsessing over quality and fine detail, he discovered a love for the product that would fuel his future success. “We’ve never looked back!” he adds.

Starting with laminate flooring – which was still fairly new in the South African market, he and his team were trailblazers, introducing the planked look panels in a market dominated by the traditional 3-strip Maples, Beeches, and Cherry tones. The originality and innovation that would set COMO Flooring apart from its competitors had officially begun!

Scaling Up: From Small Operation to National Supplier

Building a business from scratch is no easy feat, but this man had vision, grit, and a solid strategy. By 2008, COMO Flooring secured the agency for distributing Krono Original Laminates in South Africa, and from there, they started creating their own brand. COMO Flooring began to gain recognition, with vinyl floors and SPC becoming part of their focus. Fast forward to today, and they’re preparing to launch an exciting Engineered Oak Range, too!

Financing was key to COMO Flooring’s growth. “We obtained various finance facilities, which enabled our growth substantially,” he explains. But it wasn’t just about securing funds. Breaking into a competitive market filled with established players was a significant hurdle. Yet, their loyalty, consistency, and stellar customer service earned them a spot as a leading supplier in the Western Cape and, more recently, they’ve set their sights on national and even international markets, including neighbouring African countries.

 Innovation: The Secret Ingredient to Growth

In the fast-evolving world of flooring, innovation is a must. COMO Flooring stays ahead of the curve by keeping strong ties with their international suppliers. “We work with our agents to obtain third-party quality control (QC),” he says, which has led to minimal product issues over the years. That level of commitment to quality is part of what makes COMO Flooring stand out.

But innovation doesn’t stop there. “It’s incredible how fast technology advances,” he remarks. By continuously integrating the latest advancements into their product offerings, COMO Flooring ensures that its customers always have access to the most cutting-edge options on the market.

 Leadership: The Heart of COMO Flooring’s Success

Building a successful brand requires more than just a great product. Leadership plays a crucial role, and the culture at COMO Flooring is a testament to that. The secret sauce? No micromanagement.

“We don’t micromanage our staff,” he says proudly, explaining how the company fosters a culture built on mutual respect, trust, and loyalty. As a result, employees feel empowered, contributing to the company’s growth in an environment that encourages personal responsibility and creative problem-solving.

 The Road Ahead for COMO Flooring

With COMO Flooring continuing to expand nationally and beyond, Marco’s journey from a fateful container in Port Elizabeth to a powerhouse in the flooring industry is nothing short of inspiring. What started as an unexpected opportunity has evolved into a brand built on passion, innovation, and trust.

So, next time you walk across a beautifully installed floor, just remember—there’s a good chance COMO Flooring had something to do with it, and a man with a keen eye for detail and a love for design helped bring that floor into your home.

Contact: COMO Flooring