Michael Leopold has been with the company for over 30 years and is part of our team that was responsible for addressing the Innovus new brand, 10 years ago. Today, he is responsible for the southern part of the federal North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the largest federal states in Germany and the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

What does Innovus mean to you?

Innovus is a very innovative collection that is very well received by our customers. We have taken a big step forward in the last few years. And I am particularly happy about the new decors and finishes, such as Innovus Feel Light Grey | Cosmos. So I also particularly enjoy presenting the collection. We are on a par with our most important competitors. I like that.

Are there other advantages that help you in your daily work?

Even if we can still optimise one or two aspects, Innovus is a diverse collection that convinces. That makes things a lot easier in our daily work. In addition, our current sample book is a perfect sales tool. I am not exaggerating when I say that we are leaders in this field. The 2-board service (paired delivery of decor thicknesses, even those we don't have in stock) is also an enormously strong advantage and I am very happy we can offer it even in these difficult times.

What is your favorite decor / finish?

At the moment it's Feel Light Grey [smiles because he knows he's not the only one who thinks this]. It's a genuinely new development and really something outstanding. Although it’s a coated chipboard, you can see and feel felt. That‘s simply clever.

Innovus in the next 10 years … What are your wishes?

I hope that we’ll continue to innovate and present highlights that make us unique - just like Feel Light Grey. And of course, I hope that we will be able to gain more Premium Dealers and thus become even more successful. And not only for Innovus and Sonae Arauco, I wish that the world’s current situation eases down.

Any special “story” you would like to share with us? Your best story…..

The launch of Innovus at Marta Herford (Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in the German city of Herford) was a real highlight for me - and a milestone for the company. With the Innovus launch, we had a meaningful collection in our portfolio and could offer our customers a coherent overall concept. Last but not least, the presentation was also very successful - with an Innovus truck in front of the entrance... I like to think back on that.

What’s your favourite project?

I'm always happy when I see Innovus products in stores such as Lindt & Sprüngli or Fressnapf (a large store for pet supplies) - after all, these are very well-known brands, especially in Germany. The last Interzum appearances were also gigantic. Yes - I am quite proud of that.