John Dalla Via from ForestOne

In the ever-evolving world of interior design and sustainable building solutions, John Dalla Via, the National Business Development Manager (Decorative) of ForestOne, emerges as a trailblazer with over two decades of industry experience.

His journey is marked by dedication and a knack for strategic thinking which has significantly contributed to ForestOne’s rise as a prominent player in the field.

THE JOURNEY TO THE TOP

John’s career took a decisive turn after five years with EGGER Wood Products.

Driven by a desire to expand his work, he found a new home at ForestOne which allowed him to continue selling and promoting EGGER products while adding further brands and products to his portfolio.

“The role itself did not exist within the business, so for me and ForestOne, it embarked on a new chapter in my career, but a new role direction for ForestOne,” he says of the transition.

With a keen eye for industry shifts, John has witnessed significant transformations, especially in timber and decorative materials.

The industry’s shift towards a more globalised market has brought both opportunities and challenges.

“We are living in world where product is being sourced from multiple regions across the world,” he said.

“Seeing all the great things that have come to the market is an opportunity, but there is also a dark side of the industry where some companies take shortcuts.

“This has allowed non-compliant product into the country because of cost-cutting.

“At ForestOne, we have adapted a step-by-step verification process in a bid to combat this, and while no company is perfect, transparency and continual improvement is key.”

As the driving force behind ForestOne’s growth in the decorative side of the business, John has targeted national companies in both the design and trade markets.

This strategic move, particularly in segments like education, healthcare, commercial, and retail, has resulted in substantial growth and exposure.

“Some of the key milestones in the past 20 years for me has been working on some of the early Green Star buildings in Australia, and also working with some of the best people in the industry through the good and hard times when the industry was looking for solutions.”

innovation for a sustainable future

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for ForestOne but a company-wide ethos.

From sourcing responsible forest-managed products to reducing their environmental footprint, the company takes a holistic approach in what it calls ‘doing business responsibly’.

“We try to find a holistic solution rather than one part.

“Whether this is through the many decors and products from EGGER, Meganite Acrylic Solid Surface, or the many decorative and structural plywood elements in a project – we are fortunate to partner with brands dedicated to delivering to the market a more sustainable solution.”

This commitment extends to the validation of supply chains, local supply chain evolution, and embracing eco-friendly practices in day-to-day operations like using hybrid trucks for deliveries, installing solar panels on their warehouses and diving into water usage and lighting efficiencies.

“We always need to look further as we transition to a more sustainable practice.”

Leadership and business aside

In his role as National Business Development Manager, John stands out with a unique position—staff don’t directly report to him but he actively collaborates with internal and external colleagues on a national scale.

“Working with all the different areas, I see how the business works and flows.

“I encourage people to make their own decisions and learnings, and I assist where needed – to learn you must succeed and fail.

“I think that it’s through our failures that we learn the most and nobody can expect to have success all the time.”

Beyond the boardroom, John finds solace in his family – married with two daughters and four grandkids.

He jokingly adds: “The grandkids are what I love the most, but don’t tell my wife that!”

His childhood fascination with Marvel comics has transcended generations, shared with his daughters, even if their enthusiasm varies.

Outside of family life, John partners with his wife and brother-in-law in a Black Angus cattle farm near Tatura in Victoria, finding relaxation in the countryside.

As ForestOne continues its trajectory, driven by leaders like John and his strategic vision, it seems poised to become a go-to company for sustainable building and interior design solutions in Australia.

With a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and a willingness to embrace change, ForestOne is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

“One of the challenges we face in the specification, design and joinery industry is that we have to think differently, and we have to be open to all options from the market,” he explains.

“We have some of the best transparent sustainability options in several product categories and market segments, and with the market changes for achieving better embodied carbon construction, I sincerely believe this will be one of our biggest opportunities in the future.”