The duo behind Geelong’s bathware, tiling and flooring mecca

After 15 years in the tile and bathware industry, Trish Flanjak and Melinda Skoko reflect on the moments that have brought them to where they are now.

Together with their husbands, cousin duo Trish and Melinda established Geelong Tiles & Bathware (GT&B) in 2007.

“When we started, we had the vision to create an immersive design hub with the best tiles, bathware, and timber flooring sourced from around the world,” Trish said.

As Melinda adds, this was a deliberate choice.

“The idea for GT&B was born out of necessity as we were renovating our own homes at the time.

“The product offering in Geelong was pretty sparse, so we found ourselves travelling to and from Melbourne over multiple weekends to the boutique tile and tapware stores to find the best products for our homes,” Melinda said.

With everything you could possibly need to design your home under one convenient roof, the team at GT&B have created a mecca for architects, builders, and home renovators alike.

From exclusive ranges to everyday builder’s and trade products, GT&B’s collections are designed to cater for all styles and budgets.

Built on a culture that encourages creativity, individuality, and pride in its products, Trish explains the key to GT&B’s success is the service they provide customers.

“Customers love the atmosphere in the showroom and the positive vibe among the team. Whether you’re building a brand-new home or renovating a powder room, we really take the time to listen to your needs to give you the best possible outcome for your project,” Trish said.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of GT&B’s signature approach to customer service is the individuals at the helm of it.

In what has historically been a male-dominated industry, GT&B has worked hard to change this narrative since opening its doors.

With a strong team of 25 people, 80 per cent of the GT&B workforce is made up of women.

Every single facet of the business, from design to logistics, marketing, and warehouse management, has a positive female influence and it shows.

“Women have certain qualities that enhance the customer experience,” explains Melinda.

“We play on people’s emotions to help them create a real homely environment for their house.

“You need to know how to pair certain elements together and soften hard materials to create that haven we all crave,” she says while adding, “and I think us females do it better”.

When they look back at the last 15 years, Trish and Melinda are proud of the team they have built and the many relationships GT&B has formed with builders, architects, designers, and the community around them.

With a strong emphasis on supporting local, GT&B is proud to support local charities, sports clubs, and businesses, while also partnering with other female-led businesses such as Greenhouse Interiors and Support Your Girls.

“Our commitment to the community that surrounds us has always been integral to our business. We value relationships and love seeing other businesses thrive, so we’re always looking at ways we can help others achieve their goals,” Trish said.

Discover the GT&B experience for yourself by visiting their showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown.