80 Years of Michael John Flooring: Ashley Parsons

Ashley joined Michael John Flooring as an installer in April 2004 and has been part of the furniture ever since, becoming Installations Manager and a partner in the business in 2022. We sat down with him to find out more.

The early days

What was your very first day like, and what do you remember most about it?
I started in April 2004, learning to fit flooring alongside Phil Smith and Martin Ashby.

How did you end up at Michael John Flooring — was it planned or did it just happen?
I was fitting astroturf for a period, but the job involved a lot of travel, so a friend and I approached Simon for a job here. Thankfully he gave us both the opportunity to join the team.

What was the business like when you first joined, compared to how it is now?
A very different company. We mostly offered carpets and vinyls but not much in the way of hard flooring, and we were pretty much domestic only.

The job itself

What's the part of the job you still enjoy most after all these years?
Problem solving, going out to customers' homes and making a difference.

What's changed the most in flooring since you started?
The industry is much more forward thinking now, with lots of new products and ever improving fitting techniques.

The people

What keeps people here for so long — what makes it different to work here?
The feeling that you're more than just an employee. You're part of a family.

Is there a moment or customer you've never forgotten?
Winning numerous awards for excellence over the years has always meant a great deal.

What are your abiding memories of Michael John Molloy?
A beautifully spoken and genuinely lovely person who told some of the best stories I have ever heard.

Looking back and forward

What are you most proud of when you look back?

Being part of a team that has transformed the company into what it is today and made it one of the most recognised businesses in Leicestershire.

What does the 80th anniversary mean to you?
To last 80 years is testament to all of our team's hard work and dedication. We wouldn't be here without the loyalty shown by our customers either.