A Conversation with Luke Bosek of Matter Surfaces
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In a recent interview at a Starnet event, Tanner McHugh sat down with Luke Bosek of Matter Surfaces to discuss how the company is redefining the entryway industry. Matter Surfaces is moving entryways from an afterthought to a critical component of a building’s design and longevity. By focusing on a “system approach” rather than a single product, the company is helping commercial contractors protect their larger flooring investments while creating a powerful first impression for clients.
The Shift from “Throwaway Mats” to Entry-Rated Systems
One of the most significant challenges Matter Surfaces addresses is the prevalence of lightweight, temporary mats that curl, ripple, and fail to provide safety or performance. Bosek emphasizes that Matter Surfaces provides highly graded materials designed for high-traffic environments.
Their “workhorse” products are engineered to reduce curls or flip over, along with reducing trip-and-fall hazards. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the company offers a mix of custom logos, grates, grills, and specialized fibers to meet the specific needs of different facilities, from healthcare to corporate offices.
The “Foot in the Door” Strategy
Matter Surfaces views entryway products as more than just functional tools; they are a strategic “foot in the door” for contractors and sales people. Bosek uses the analogy that entryways are the “French fries with the steak”, meaning the essential compliment of the overall flooring package.
The primary goal is to protect the “big shiny high square footage” materials like LVT and carpet from destructive elements like sand and salt. By offering an end-user a solution that stops their floors from being destroyed, contractors can earn more trust and secure future business compared to simply replacing damaged floors.
Matter Surfaces’ custom logo mats also serves as the “breadth of offerings” that allows a building to tell its story from the moment a visitor steps inside. Matter Surfaces has produced high-profile custom work for brands like Disney and institutions like Kent State. Their process involves using vector files to create custom artwork with a two-to-five-week lead time, providing a high-value add that distinguishes them from generic mat providers.
Educating the Design and Hospitality Sectors
A major focus for Matter Surfaces is closing the education gap within the Architecture & Design (A&D) community and the hospitality industry.
- The A&D Community: Through seminars and CEUs, Matter Surfaces has helped designers move beyond placing a single mat in a vestibule to designing a comprehensive “system” that accounts for inclement weather.
- The Hospitality Gap: Bosek notes that hotels are often the “biggest offenders” of lacking cohesive entryway standards. He frequently highlights these gaps, such as slippery ceramic floors in snowy vestibules, on social media as part of Bosek’s “Sunday Scaries” series to advocate for better safety and design standards.
Looking Ahead
As Matter Surfaces continues to expand, their mission remains making the complex process of specifying and installing complex systems like grills painless and profitable for Starnet members. By involving themselves in facility meetings and listening to the specific pain points of end-users, they are ensuring that entryways are no longer a “failing” part of the building’s infrastructure.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Luke Bosek for sharing these insights. His commitment to “protecting the investment” and elevating the importance of the entryway provides a valuable perspective for the entire Starnet network.