It’s often said that the best businesses start with passion, and Ken Secombe's journey is no exception. He isn’t just the owner of a flooring company; he’s a man who found his calling in the unlikeliest of places: beneath layers of concrete.
Ken’s story began long before KENTECH Flooring Solutions came into existence. For over two decades, Ken purchased, renovated, and sold properties. With every project, he experienced that profound sense of satisfaction of seeing a transformation take shape. But amidst all the renovations, one aspect intrigued him more than anything else—the concrete.
“Every slab of concrete is different and has a story to tell,” Ken explains. “Unearthing the inner beauty of concrete has always been the most satisfying part of my projects.” It’s this fascination with the uniqueness of concrete that eventually led Ken to start his own business. Four years ago, KENTECH Flooring Solutions was born, driven by a passion for creating something beautiful and long-lasting out of the ordinary.
Starting a business is never easy, and Ken’s journey was no exception. He didn’t have a background in flooring or even in construction—just a deep-seated love for what he was doing. But what he lacked in formal experience, he made up for in determination and a willingness to learn.
“I knew that if I was going to make this work, I needed to understand the industry inside and out,” Ken recalls. He threw himself into the task, learning everything he could about epoxy flake floors, plain epoxy coatings, and decorative concrete resurfacing. These are the bread and butter of KENTECH Flooring Solutions today, but at the start, it was a steep learning curve.
Ken didn’t shy away from the hard work. He invested in the right tools and technology and, most importantly, listened to his customers. “Getting to know our clients and understanding what they want is key,” he says. “From there, I can offer solutions that meet their expectations and budget. That’s what keeps them coming back—and referring us to their friends and family.”
In just four years, KENTECH Flooring Solutions has gone from a fledgling operation to a trusted name in the industry. The business is based on the Gold Coast but services South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, and Ken is always willing to travel further if needed.
The range of services KENTECH offers is impressive—whether it’s a garage floor, a commercial kitchen, or a driveway, Ken and his team have it covered. The business has found a niche in epoxy flake floors and decorative concrete resurfacing, but Ken is eager to expand into new markets.
“A lot of our work has been in the domestic market, but I’m keen to break into the commercial sector,” Ken shares. “I’m working on that part of the business now, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
Running a successful flooring company isn’t just about delivering a great product—it’s also about efficiency and staying organised. For Ken, this means relying on technology to keep everything running smoothly. “One tool I can’t do without is a Job Management App,” he says. “It helps me keep track of customer details, invoicing, and scheduling. It’s made a world of difference in how we operate.”
But it’s not just technology that keeps KENTECH on track. Ken also attributes his success to the support and advice he’s received from others along the way. “If there’s one piece of advice I wish I’d known when I started, it’s to find yourself a mentor,” Ken reflects. “Having someone to help you navigate the journey ahead is invaluable.”
Running a business can be tough, and there are days when the grind gets to Ken—whether it’s a scorching hot day on the job or spending hours on his hands and knees edge grinding. However, he stays motivated by focusing on the end result and the job satisfaction that comes with it.
Ken is also a big believer in listening to his body. “If I’m feeling tired or mentally drained, I know it’s time to take a break,” he says. “Sometimes that means taking a day or two off or even just knocking off early and going fishing. It’s all about balance.”
As KENTECH Flooring Solutions continues to grow, Ken remains optimistic about the future. “It’s a competitive market out there, and you never know what’s around the corner,” he says. “But I always make sure to do a great job and keep my customers happy. That’s what will keep us going.”
One of Ken’s favourite memories is a job that started with a simple request to resurface a concrete patio. “The customer was so happy with our work that they ended up asking us to do the concrete pathways, reseal the driveway and deck, and do epoxy flake for the garage,” Ken recalls with a smile. “When they start inviting you in for smoko and lunch, you know you’re doing something right.”
Ken Secombe’s journey with KENTECH Flooring Solutions is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. From unearthing the beauty in concrete to building a thriving business, Ken’s story is one of inspiration for anyone looking to turn their dreams into reality.