There's A Leather Seat Crisis In The World's Auto Industry

Want leather seats in your new luxury car? Join the crowd.

Even non-luxury buyers have come to expect this amenity, according to Bloomberg.

But there's a problem. Leather comes from cows — and the size of the U.S. herd is dropping to levels not seen since right after World War II.

Bloomberg's Lydia Mulvany cited Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kevin Tynan on the trend.

“You’re seeing luxury content moving down further into lower priced vehicles,” he said. “The buyer is getting more for their money right now, and it’s enabling buyers to stretch a little further and say, I can do a leather interior or a luxury car.” . . . Read More!

There are many reasons why repairing cracked vinyl and plastic or damaged leather in your car, boat, airplane, home or office is good for the environment. leather and vinyl repair servicesFibrenew technicians have the equipment and expertise to make cracks, stains, scratches, holes, rips and fades in leather, plastic, vinyl, fabric and upholstery look new again. Restoration is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to replacement. For more info about leather repair visit us at www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

Toronto Franchise & Business Opportunities Show

Fibrenew Franchising gearing up for the Toronto Franchise Show on Jan 10/11 2015. Fibrenew has exceptional franchise territories available in and around the Greater Toronto Area. We'll be at booth 124 - spread the word and visit us at www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

What Is The Franchise & Business Opportunities Show?

Toronto's largest & best-attended franchise show - 2 days ONLY.

Our Show gets you face-to-face with the hottest franchises and businesses looking to grow in your market. Plus, FREE seminars from industry professionals empower you with the information you need to know to own a business.
Thousands of attendees have realized their dreams by attending our Shows. Now is the time to realize yours!

Source: http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/toronto-january-show/visitor/

Clint Covey Moves from Employment to Empowerment with Fibrenew Franchise

 

 Gray hair and an AARP card are no longer signs of an individual close to the road of retirement. It’s becoming more and more common for individuals reaching their senior years, specifically the Baby Boomer generation, to continue their careers past the age of retirement. For Clint Covey, continuing along with his corporate career wasn’t the right option, but what was his second act going to look like? Covey had no idea.

Covey embarked on his journey from Employment to Empowerment when he quit his job as a corporate accountant in 2006 at the age of 53 thinking that he would have an easy time finding a new job. Covey found a job in consulting and simultaneously started school at Concordia University, getting his bachelor’s degrees in leadership and organizational management in an accelerated program in hopes of going the business route.

How The Entrepreneur’s Source Helped Covey

Covey was open to coaching and enlisted the help of an alternate career coach to help him explore his options. Covey worked with coach, Mike Accurso, at The Entrepreneur’s Source, to identify his Income, Lifestyle, Wealth and Equity (I.L.W.E) goals. He also while explored and learned about various business models, figuring out how they could potentially mesh with his goals, needs and expectations. He even learned about ways to fund a business.

After working with Accurso, Covey had developed a real appreciation for the synergies and systems a franchise can provide and honed in on Fibrenew, a franchise that specializes in mobile upholstery repairs and cleaning. This is nothing like Covey would have expected to become a part of, but by working with Accurso, Covey learned that this model was a mobile franchise that allowed him to make a smaller upfront investment, which helped him move forward while also meeting his I.L.W.E goals. In order to invest in his franchise, Covey decided to finance part of his franchise using a portion of his 401K, a growing trend among the Baby Boomer business owner population. Since opening his franchise in September of 2013, business has been good for Covey and he is planning on beginning partnerships with car dealerships to help clean used cars in the near future.

For more information on how you can own a Fibrenew franchise visit us at www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

Source: The Entrepreneur's Source

Learn about the different kinds of leather

When considering adding to your leather collection, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. What type of leather is best suited to your needs? To assist in some of the research, Fibrenew franchising is showing you the pros and cons of the three main types of leather.

Aniline Leather
Aniline leather is considered the most natural looking leather. Some people refer to it as “naked leather” because of how natural it looks. It is known to be very soft and comfortable. A lot of people enjoy aniline leather because it preserves each marking it receives, making each piece completely unique. While this type of leather can be very visually pleasing, it is a material that is easily strained. If you have a busy family or high traffic in your home, this is a type of leather you may want to avoid.

Semi-Aniline Leather
The main difference between semi-aniline and aniline leather is the light protective coat semi-aniline receives. This protective coat is useful because it makes the material more resistant to strain and stains, which helps it to last longer. The color in semi-aniline leather is also more consistent than in aniline leather. The downside to this type of leather is the protective coat leads to less uniqueness; the leather does not retain markings as well with the protective coat.

Pigmented/Protected Leather
The most durable type of leather available, pigmented leather is covered with a polymer surface coating that contains pigments. This coating gives the leather more resistance to scratching, scuffing or fading. Pigmented leather does not have the unique qualities of other types of leather, as the sealant prevents marks from staying on the material. Pigmented leather is an excellent choice for busy families who have high traffic in their homes. Pigmented leather is easy to maintain and makes for an excellent couch or lounge chair material.

As you can see, there are good and bad aspects to every type of leather available. Being informed about which kind works best for your lifestyle is important when purchasing leather furniture. Happy shopping!

3 Main Reasons Why Leather Furniture Should be Maintained

 Cleaning your leather products can seem unnecessary when you already have a busy schedule. Who wants to spend time wiping down their sofa when they could be doing something fun?

While it’s pretty normal to want to avoid cleaning, there are some important benefits that come from regular leather cleaning. We’ve broken down the top three for you in hopes that it will inspire you to keep cleaning!

Lasting pigmentation: The color and overall look of your leather is bound to be better when it’s been subjected to regular cleanings. It doesn’t need to be anything intense; just wiping down your leather products with a damp cloth on a weekly basis can make a world of difference!

Durability: Caring properly for your leather goods will lead to stronger leather, which will last longer over time. Having to replace a leather sofa or chair can be tedious; regular cleaning and upkeep will keep your fabric strong for many years. And don’t forget, Fibrenew professional leather repair can fix any tough fabric issues you may encounter!

Comfort: Sitting on cracked, aged leather is simply not as comfortable as lounging on a pristine fabric. Basic maintenance, such as wiping down your leather, keeping it out of the sun and using a good leather protector, will help keep your leather in excellent shape. You’ll never be worried about company disliking your sofa!

Keeping your leather in great shape isn’t very hard; a little time and effort is all that is necessary! Fibrenew is here to offer tips as well as assistance with difficult maintenance. 

Car and Motorcycle Leather Seat Repair

You may notice that, over time, your soft leather car or motorcycle seats become dry or faded. Many people attribute this to wear and tear, but it is actually caused by heat and light from the sun. Because the leather in your vehicle is likely to be exposed to a lot of sunlight and heat in parking lots, vehicle manufacturers use leather that is highly resistant to sun damage in their seats.

Most car seats are made from fully-finished leather, and it tends to hold up a lot longer in the sun than other types of leather. But, even the strongest of leathers will be damaged by heat and sunlight over time, so it’s a good idea to clean and protect your seats 6-8 times a year to boost their resistance to damage.

You can also try using window shields in a car or covers on a bike to keep some of the light and heat off your leather if you park in the sun for extended periods of time.

It is also a good idea to seek out parking spots in the shade instead of in direct sunlight.

How to fix dried out, faded leather

You can have a leather professional re-dye faded leather for a reasonable cost.  But, once the natural oils found in leather are gone, they’re gone for good.  Leather repair professionals can do a number of things to make it look better, but there is no way to truly restore it to its previous condition.  That’s why preventative maintenance is so important!

How to clean and repair your leather furniture

When it comes to repairing and caring for leather furniture, there are hundreds of options.  Furniture stores and online retailers offer up products that do everything from cleaning to dying leather.  However, you should proceed with extreme caution when you use these DIY products on your furniture.  I’ve heard and seen the effects of horror stories where these products ruined people’s leather furniture, so here are a few pointers on what to look out for.

1. Don’t use any products that contain alcohol or acetone.  Alcohol seeps into and damages the protective surface of furniture leather.  Acetone will remove the dye and color from leather.

2. Be sure to use products designed for upholstery.  Leather used for shoes, jackets and clothing is very different than that used in furniture.

3. Only use products designed for the type of leather you have.  Most furniture is made of aniline, semi-aniline or fully-finished leather.  Because of the differences in finish, it is very important to use only products designed for the leather you have.

4. Dying leather is a highly specialized art.  Professionals receive extensive training on color matching and dying, and it’s not at all likely that any DIY dye kit will produce very good dying results.  So, be very careful with these products – test them on a part of the furniture that no one will ever see before you use it on the visible part of the piece.

5. Stay away from products that say they are for multiple surfaces, even if one of those surfaces is leather.  Most of the time these products contain elements that will damage leather.  It is best to stick with products made specifically for leather.

Also, there are lots of people out there who have heard old wives’ tales about household products to use on leather.  Some of these can be helpful, but there are many that do not work and will ruin your leather furniture.  One example is using olive oil to fix minor dings and scratches on leather.  People also try using finger nail polish remover, shoe polish and window cleaner, among other things, to work on damaged leather.  All of these options can cause major damage to your leather down the road.

Any questions?  Have any experiences with leather products to share?  Post them in the comments!

Reasons: Cracked Motorcycle and Car Leather Seats

Most car interior leather and motorcycle seats are fully finished, and there are a couple of reasons why it cracks. Cracking usually occurs when the protective coating on fully finished leather is worn down or when there has been a manufacturer problem.

1. Body oil and dirt can cause leather to crack -

It is very easy for dirt and oils to collect on the surface of leather.  Together, these act like a fine sand paper, breaking down the protective layer on fully finished leather over time, eventually leading to visible cracks at the surface.  Once the protective layer is broken down, the leather underneath, which is incredibly porous, soaks up the dirt and oil sitting on its surface causing further abrasion and damage.

2. A manufacturer problem can cause leather to crack -

Tanneries put a layer of dye and a protective top coating on cow hide (almost like paint on drywall) to make fully finished leather.  Leather has a lot of give and will stretch and move as people sit and slide around on it, so the manufacturer needs to stretch it properly before they put on the dye and protective top coating.  If they don’t stretch it well, the leather will quickly stretch more than the dye can handle, and the coating will crack.

Once leather is cracked, a leather repair professional can typically fix it, however, it is much cheaper and easier to clean and take care of your leather seats from the start than to deal with cracking after it happens.

We’d be happy to answer any additional questions you have.  Please post questions in the comments below.

Franchising Opportunities

A Fibrenew franchise is a very profitable business, whether you choose to be an owner operator with a single vehicle or expand your business to include multiple technicians and vehicles. For less than the cost of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) you will learn a skill, which when applied, will provide you with an income and give you the opportunity to grow a business.

Fibrenew is a "niche market" business refurbishing and re-dyeing all leather and plastic, offering clients a "GREEN" environmental and cost saving alternative to replacing or recovering damaged pieces. Since 1987 we have expanded our global presence to include over 202 franchise units in 8 countries, 100 of which are located in the U.S.A.

Fibrenew: A Lifestyle Franchise Business

•     Home-based, mobile business
•     Monday – Friday work week, set your own hours
•     Few or no employees to start
•     Low overhead and high profit margins
•     More personal & family time

The Fibrenew market is as broad and diverse as your imagination!

•     Car dealerships, rental agencies, fleet vehicles
•     Offices, restaurants, bars, theaters
•     Medical, dental, veterinary clinics
•     Transportation companies, insurance companies
•     Furniture stores, homes, fitness centers
•     Marinas, commercial and private aircraft

When you are awarded a Fibrenew franchise, you receive:

•     An exclusive protected territory
•     Use of Trade name and Trademark
•     Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
•     Comprehensive training program
•     Complete inventory and equipment
•     Business cards, invoices, statements, envelopes and brochures
•     Ongoing technical support via phone and internet
•     Access to our Technical Library
•     Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

“Hands on training & active involvement of professionals are vital to the success of any business.”

Click here to request a Fibrenew Franchise Information and a Fibrenew representative will contact you within two business days to discuss the opportunity of owning and operating a Fibrenew franchise.

Tips How to Hunt on Ebay for Old Leather Furniture

Sometimes leather furniture upholstery is way beyond repair. Either that or the repairs will cost more than the furniture is for. Instead, you may decide to go treasure hunting for old leather furniture rather than having it professionally restored. If you have never used Ebay before, you are in for a treat. The website has numerous options where you can search for an item that you are looking for and then either have the option to buy it now or bid on it.

When considering old leather furniture on Ebay, it may take a while to find because it isn’t something that is posted on a daily basis. You need to take into consideration how much you are willing to spend on a piece of furniture. You can’t forget to take into account how much it may cost to have it shipped to you. If you find a piece of furniture that is somewhat close to you in proximity, it may end up being cheaper to go get it and load it yourself after you have purchased it rather than having it sent via freight.

One thing about treasure hunting for old leather furniture on Ebay is that you need to be absolutely sure to know what you are getting. You don’t want another piece of broken down furniture that you will be disappointed in. Instead, feel free to ask the seller numerous questions and even ask for additional photos. If they are sincerely interested in selling the piece of furniture to you, they should be more than willing to accommodate for your needs.

There are a few things that you may want to ask the seller when you have treasure hunted and found an ideal piece of furniture for your home:
• What are the dimensions?
• Is there any damage to it?
• How did you take care of it?
• Does this come from a smoke free home?
• Does this come from a pet free home?
• What color is it?
• What company manufactured it?
• How old is it?
• Why are they selling it?

These are just a few suggestions to you to ask a seller when contemplating making a big purchase of furniture on the world’s most popular auction website. If it doesn’t work out for you, there are other treasures waiting to be discovered elsewhere. Happy hunting and visit us at www.fibrenew-franchising.com for more about leather upholstery and franchising.

Franchising Expo in Brisbane

Fibrenew Franchising is gearing up for the Franchising Expo in Brisbane, July 19-20. For a FREE ticket, visit: http://www.infosalons.com.au/FRANCHISING14/index.php/ and use code: FFE. Come visit our booth: A18

We are the market leader in the restoration of leather, plastic and vinyl. A mobile service that caters to the aviation, automobile, marine, commercial and residential markets. With all these potential revenue streams and opportunities across so many markets, our company and franchisees have grown and thrived through every recession. That really speaks to the fact that there is always a need for our services.

Fibrenew is a low cost, high profit home-based mobile service franchise catering to an executive clientele in the above mentioned markets, as well as a number of other niche markets. The diversity of our opportunity is so large that in every economic down turn, our franchise system has thrived. Providing a foundation to our franchisees, to design a lifestyle, according to their own needs.

For more information visit us at www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

Fibrenew Franchise Opportunity

Liquid Capital Requirement (cash available): $200,000
Total Capital Requirement: $200,000

Training and Support: Yes
Financing Assistance: Yes

"Be in business for yourself, but never by yourself!"

A Fibrenew franchise can be a very profitable business whether you choose to be an owner operator with a single vehicle or expand your business to include multiple vehicles. For less than the cost of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) you will learn a skill, which when applied, will provide you with an income and give you the opportunity to grow a business.

The Fibrenew Market Is As Broad And Diverse As Your Imagination!

• Car dealerships, rental agencies, fleet vehicles
• Offices, restaurants, bars, theaters
• Transportation companies, insurance companies
• Furniture stores, homes, Fitness Centers
• Marinas, commercial and private aircraft

When You Are Awarded A Fibrenew Franchise, You Receive:

• An exclusive protected territory
• Use of Trade name and Trademark
• Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
• Comprehensive training program
• Complete inventory and equipment
• Business cards, Invoices, Statements, Envelopes and Brochures
• Ongoing Technical Support via phone and internet
• Access to our Technical Library
• Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

Fibrenew offers Regional Seminars on a regular basis and requires all franchise owners to attend. Besides their educational value they offer everyone an opportunity to meet, network and share valuable business experiences. . . read more!

Visit Fibrenew Franchising for more information on how to own a Fibrenew franchise!

Reblog: Fully-finished leather furniture and auto upholstery

There are many types of leather, and leather jargon can be very overwhelming to people trying to figure out what kind of leather they have and want to buy. We at Fibrenew Franchising - Best Franchise Business Opportunity shares this tip for you to understand the types of leather.

What makes one type of leather different from another?

Leather is often sorted by the type of finish it has.  The three main types of upholstery leather finish are fully-finished, aniline and semi-aniline.  All of these terms are indicative of the type of dyes and protective layers used on the hide, and each surface reacts differently to cleaning products and damage.

What does fully-finished mean?

When tanneries make fully-finished leather out of hide, they put a dye and protective layer on it that will make it more resilient to damage than other types of leather.  You can think of this process like putting paint onto drywall.  It actually forms a thin barrier between the hide and the air.


What does fully-finished leather look like?

Fully-finished leather is usually glossy with a little bit of a shine to it.

Where will I see fully-finished leather?

Fully-finished leather is one of the most popular finishes for upholstery leather due to its durability.  It is used in almost 100 percent of auto leather and makes up a large percentage of furniture leather.

Furniture brands like Lazy Boy, Palliser, Natuzzi and Elite use a lot of fully-finished leather.

What are the benefits and down sides of fully-finished leather?

Pros:

    Fully-finished leather is excellent for pieces that need to withstand some wear and tear.  That’s why it’s so commonly used in cars.  If you have kids or pets, fully-finished leather is probably the way to go with furniture leather as well.
    It is usually less expensive than other types of leather.  Because the layer of dye on top of the leather covers imperfections in the hide, manufacturers can use hides that aren’t naturally as pretty as those they have to use with other finishes.
    It is easy to clean up.  After something spills on fully-finished leather, you usually have time to wipe it up with a damp cloth and dry it before it is damaged from the spill.
    Professionals can usually clean and repair fully-finished leather without much trouble.

Cons:

    Fully-finished leather is not as natural looking as aniline and semi-aniline leather.

Questions about fully finished leather? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!

Source: http://www.fibrenew.com/blog/what-is-fully-finished-leather-cars-andsofas/

How to keep your leather chair last longer

For general cleaning and preservation of leather, you need to use a good quality water-based leather cleaner. You should NEVER use anything containing oils, waxes or silicone. (Most ‘conditioners’ contain waxes or oils and furniture polish contains silicone) . DO NOT use mink oil. A bottle of good quality leather cleaner should do your furniture 1-2 times.

Baby wipes are the worst thing you can use as they will destroy the finish on your leather. They are very strong alkaline cleaners to neutralize urine (acid) on baby’s skin so they are not the right thing to use on leather.

Saddle soap is too harsh to use on today’s leathers and saddles need treating in a different way to furniture. A lot of leather wipes contain chemicals which will destroy the finish or leave residues on the leather which will damage it.

Fairy liquid and household soaps contain more salt these days to get things clean and this will break the finish down on your leather. This has been verified by the manufacturers (as with the baby wipes).

You should also follow cleaning with a good water based leather protector which will act like a ‘scotchgard’ and inhibit dirt and stains from being absorbed and make cleaning easier the next time.

It is important to maintain a regular cleaning regime. Cleaning dirt off the surface regularly and inhibiting the absorption of body oils into the leather with a protector is the best.

Using household products may appear to work but will, in the long run, deteriorate the leather finish quicker and it may then be impossible to restore. It may seem cheaper to use products from the supermarket but if they do not work or damage the leather then it is a short sighted saving.

If the finish or leather has started to show signs of wear or cracking then cleaners will not help you. You will need to call a technician who will be able to do repair/restoration work on it. Do not be tempted by DIY products as they can lead to additional problems.

For more info about leather care and franchising opportunity visit www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

Source: Fibrenew Blog!

The different uses of leather

Leather is a material we see all the time; on furniture, in clothing stores and even on accessories. When it comes to accessorizing with leather, there are a ton of great options for everyone out there. Here are some great ways we have seen leather used recently.

The leather jacket: Since the days of James Dean and beyond, the leather jacket has become a fashion staple. Whether it is in traditional black or assorted bright colors, the leather jacket is a fashionable way to keep warm and make a statement.

Phone/iPad Cases: Leather for phones is a blossoming trend; on Pinterest, tutorials for how to make your own can be found. Since the growth of the smart phone, cases have become more of a fashion statement than a necessity. A quality leather case provides protection for the phone as well as a classic statement of good taste for the owner.

Briefcases: Staying organized at work is something many people struggle with and a briefcase can be an excellent option for keeping things in order to and from the office. Many of the more stylish briefcases are made with genuine leather, giving them a professional and high class feel.

Journals: Leather journals are hardly a new product, but lately there has been a huge revival. Writers can be seen scribbling down ideas for the next great story and artists are often spotted sketching in large leather-covered books. The leather journal is a great way to keep your private thoughts and ideas stylishly safe.

Pillows: A well-placed throw pillow can brighten up just about any decorating scheme. Leather throw pillows have been spotted everywhere lately. The lasting quality of the leather is great for pillows that are likely to get moved around a lot, and there is something undeniably classic about a rich leather fabric in any room. . . continue reading!

Leather Luxury and Affordability for Your Cars

There’s nothing like getting behind the wheel of a car, shifting into gear and heading for the open road cradled in the warm embrace of leather seats with the breeze blowing through your hair.

Though cheaper knockoffs had their day, leather is making a huge comeback in the world of car interiors. It fell out of fashion for a while with the advent of leatherette, a cheaper, more durable imitation. But recently, car makers and customers alike have found that nothing says luxury like genuine top grain leather.

Leather upholstery is an easy way to make an automobile feel like a luxury vehicle, especially for families on a budget, and Volkswagen is leading the charge. For the past few years, Volkswagen has been working to upgrade the interiors of its vehicle lines, offering consumers luxury and affordability; an effort that has seen success. The car maker’s most recent release, the T5 Multivan, has an interior covered entirely with Alcantara, a hybrid material, and leather. Even the cup holders are lined with leather; and all of this is offered for as little as $19,000. Many other automakers are following VW’s lead, with everyone from Porsche to Honda beginning to provide more lavish interior design options with a relatively inexpensive price tag.

Consumers love getting a lot of bang for their buck, and many analysts anticipate that when presented with a more upscale — but still affordable — option, buyers will be more likely to choose leather upholstery.

While leather has its aesthetic advantages, it is a material that requires care. What looks nice as you’re driving off the lot can deteriorate over time. Excessive sunlight and messy pets can contribute to the damage, and leather is not as durable as leatherette, so it cannot withstand spills or scratches the way its synthetic counterpart can. Drying leather can begin to fade and crack, ruining the classic looks of car interiors.
To maintain the luxury look, experts recommend protecting leather regularly to keep it supple and avoid using cleansers or other products not specifically designed for leather on your car’s upholstery. The good news is that for a relatively inexpensive investment, leather enhances the appearance of automobiles, and with some easy maintenance, that effect can last long after the purchase date.

Source!

Avoid Baby Wipes In Cleaning Leather Furnitures

When caring for your leather products, it can be very tempting to use common household cleaning products. Lots of people gravitate towards products they already have around the house, like baby wipes or other types of cleaning wipes. While these seem like an excellent way to keep your leather looking clean, they are actually terrible for leather.

Products like baby wipes contain chemicals that can cause the pigment in your leather to peel and crack, completely ruining the finish of your leather products. Nobody likes their leather to look worn down and old! Protect your leather by avoiding products like baby wipes that contain high levels of chemicals.

For general leather upkeep, there are some basic things you can do to ensure your leather products stay in top quality shape.
• Wiping leather down with a damp cloth can re-hydrate the leather and prevent the material from drying out, which eventually leads to cracks.
• Positioning your leather furniture away from any radiators can protect it from heat damage.
• Avoiding direct sunlight keeps your furniture from fading.

Following these simple tips and avoiding harmful chemical cleaning products will help keep your leather in tip-top shape. And don’t forget, Fibrenew leather repair franchise is always available for any leather repairs you may need!

Source: http://www.fibrenew.com/blog/baby-wipes-silent-killer-of-leather/

Leather Repair Company Triples Franchise Sales

Through the brutal economic climate of the past three years, most businesses have found it tough to grow and prosper - but Fibrenew, the world-wide leader in leather and plastic restoration, has grown by leaps and bounds. Fibrenew sold 300 percent more franchises in 2009 than in 2006, the year before the recession. Sales in 2010 are looking even stronger than in 2009, a trend that can be largely attributed to an aggressive approach and a flexible business model.

Instead of cutting costs at the start of the recession, Michael Wilson, CEO continued to invest money into the company and created new revenue streams by expanding into markets previously untouched by the rest of the industry. 

"At first, people kept asking me why take such a big risk when the future is looking so unstable?" said Wilson. "It's people's first inclination to sit on their cash and try to preserve it when they're looking ahead at tough economic times. I chose to invest in something I have some control over - somewhere I could grow the money rather than just let it sit in a bank or dwindle in unpredictable markets."

Franchise Growth by the Numbers

2006: 6 franchises sold

2007: 9 franchises sold

2008: 12 franchises sold

2009: 24 franchises sold

2010: 26 franchises sold since January

New and Untapped Markets

Fibrenew's core business has traditionally been refurbishing furniture and the interior of cars, boats and air planes. At the start of the economic downturn, Fibrenew sought new business from insurance and warranty companies struggling to stay out of the red. Fibrenew began renewing marred leather and plastic parts for these companies that have spent years replacing everything from dashboards to vinyl siding to leather couches. Not only can Fibrenew refurbish these items for a fraction of the cost of replacing them, but they also save tons of plastics and leather from being sent to the landfill. 

Healing Hospital Chairs

Fibrenew also formed a new source of revenue by working for hospitals that have struggled to keep the cost of healthcare down during the recession. When exam room chairs become damaged and worn, the exposed cushiony foam becomes a breeding ground for germs, posing a serious health risk. Traditionally, hospitals have been forced to replace them, but Fibrenew has started to refurbish this equipment, eliminating the health risk at a fraction of the cost without the waste.

Aggressive Moves During the Recession

Fibrenew leaders also:

-Spent a significant amount of time and money expanding its state of the art training facility, as well as their training processes for new franchisees

-Completed extensive testing to ensure that Fibrenew's products, manufactured in the company's own facility to its own formulas, conform to FAA and OEM standards, giving them a leg up in the aviation and automotive sectors

-Revamped and updated their web site and made leaps in search engine optimization with a cyber-marketing company. Traffic increased by 85% the first day following the launch of Fibrenew's refreshed website.

-Expanded its franchise consultant network aimed at increasing US sales and global expansion

-Expanded its US sales team

-Hired 919 Marketing to maximize exposure

-Brought in full-time I.T. support for the corporate office and for franchisees.

"It was a risky move and a scary process, up and changing some of the core parts of our business function, but it's paying off in spades. While other companies were standing still, we kept selling more and more franchises," said Wilson.

Growth Numbers

Since acquiring Fibrenew in 1995, CEO Michael Wilson has grown the number of franchises ten-fold. Impressive franchise growth rates were achieved early on in Canada and New Zealand, where the countries are now blanketed by Fibrenew franchisees. Interest in Fibrenew franchises is accelerating into the United States where the average annual revenue growth rate has exceeded 40% per year over the past four years.

About Fibrenew

Fibrenew, founded in 1985 in Canada, is an international franchise company that specializes in the renewal of leather and plastics, servicing five major markets: aviation, automotive, commercial, marine and residential. There are nearly 200 Fibrenew locations in 9 countries around the world. As a global leader in the environmental movement, Fibrenew prevents thousands of tons of leather and plastics from entering landfills. Fibrenew also supports initiatives that give opportunities to women in third world countries. For more information visit http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com

Sofa Upholstery Infographics

The majority of damage to your furniture can be repaired. In fact, there are franchise business that specialize in furniture repair and can even reupholster your furniture to look brand new. This infographic looks at how you reupholster a couch. Are you the type to DIY reupholster your couch or the DIFM type (Do It for Me). While I’m the DIFM type (things I take apart tend not to go back together real well), this infographic lays out the different paths.

Source: DIY Sofa Upholstery vs DIFM

Alex Baker Helps Kick Off Fibrenew’s Expansion Into The UK

 While studying aerospace engineering at Kingston University in London, Alex Baker never imagined that one day he would be living in California restoring, renovating and repairing leather upholstery and other plastic and vinyl products. After growing up in Somerset and a stint with the Royal Air Force as a civilian contractor, Alex found himself in the south of France and eventually the United States launching satellites for Alcatel Espace.

OPPORTUNITY

No stranger to trying new things, when the time came to settle down with his growing family,
Alex wanted an opportunity where he could manage his work schedule alongside his family and community commitments. Several franchise opportunities were subjected to Alex’s scientific and analytical mind and he eventually picked Fibrenew.

    He explains: “I wanted a hands-on business that had some science behind it and while you don’t have to be a rocket scientist like I was, you do need a hunger for the satisfaction that comes with fixing things and fixing them well.”

By using proprietary polymers and epoxies to repair deep scratches, tears and cracks in leather, vinyl and plastic products, and then by custom mixing colors to re-dye the damaged area, Alex and other Fibrenew franchisee’s customers only spend a fraction of the money they would have to spend to replace or reupholster a product.

    Now, four years later, Alex joined Michael Wilson, the CEO and founder of Fibrenew, at the British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London to help kick off Fibrenew’s expansion into the UK.

    Born and raised in New Zealand before moving to Canada in the early 1980s, Michael started Fibrenew in 1987 and over the past 25 years has grown the business to well over 200 franchise units in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

LEADER

Now an industry leader in the development of exceptional leather, plastic and vinyl repair products and restoration techniques, Fibrenew has franchisees from all walks of life, united by their desire to repair things rather than throwing them away. Accountants, bankers, engineers, teachers, salespeople, tradesmen and those from many other professions have all become successful Fibrenew franchisees by finding opportunities in the numerous market segments where ‘Fibrenewers’ find their services needed.

    In the UK Fibrenew is looking for well capitalised master franchisees, regional developers and individual franchisees who have a passion for protecting the environment from unnecessary waste, enjoy helping people solve problems and want a flexible lifestyle while running their own business.

    New Fibrenew franchisees will become part of a global company that offers a premier training programme and an unrivalled support network. Franchisees will learn the skills necessary to repair and refurbish damaged leather and cracked vinyl and plastic in cars, boats, aeroplanes, at home and in commercial settings.

THE INDUSTRY

The ever growing consumer driven need for the repair and restoration of leather, plastics and vinyl represents a huge opportunity for anyone involved in this sector.

    Especially relevant in times of economic belt tightening, repairing instead of replacing becomes the first option when faced with damaged materials in one’s home, office, clinic, vehicle, boat, car or aircraft.

    The leather, plastic and vinyl restoration industry is as broad and diverse as your imagination and includes:

■ Offices, restaurants, bars and theatres.
■ Medical, dental and veterinary clinics.
■ Furniture stores, homes and fitness centres.
■ Marinas and commercial and private aircraft.
■ Car dealerships, rental agencies and fleet
vehicles.
■ Insurance claims: vehicles, vinyl sidings, boats
and more.

    Fibrenew is the leader in the industry, with more than twice the market share than its closest global competitor. The products the company researches and manufactures, the support systems it’s created and the vast network of franchise owners around the world are but a few reasons why Fibrenew maintains this position.

ABOUT THE FRANCHISE

■ Flat fee franchise model.
■ Low start-up costs, low operating costs and
simple operation.
■ Established in 1987, Fibrenew now has over
200 locations in five countries.
■ High margin, successful, home-based mobile
service business.
■ Multiple profit centres, including automotive,
aviation, marine, residential, commercial,
insurance and medical markets.
■ Opportunities for repeat business in exclusive,
protected geographic territories.
■ Operate as a single owner/operator, with a
fleet or as a master franchise.
■ Recession resistant business.
■ Fibrenew manufactures and develops its own
products and techniques.
■ First rate training and ongoing support
network via phone, email and online.
■ Mentorship programme, with an assigned
senior franchisee to help get you started.
■ In-house, easy to use proprietary software, all
from an iPad.
■ Operate Monday to Friday with few or no
employees to manage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
email: info@fibrenew.com or visit
http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com

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Franchise Business Opportunity For Australian Territories Now Available

Does this describe you?

• Are you ready to be your own boss?
• Do you like to work with your hands?
• Do you enjoy relationship selling?
• Can you distinguish colours adequately? (not colour blind)

We are looking for partners throughout Australia. Come join our franchise team!

Fibrenew is the market leader in the restoration of leather, plastic and vinyl. We are a mobile service that caters to the aviation, automobile, marine, commercial and residential markets. With all these opportunities across so many markets, our company and franchisees have grown and thrived through every rise and fall of the economy. That really speaks to the fact that there is always a need for our services.

Fibrenew, a recognized and respected global brand:

Since 1987, Fibrenew has been the industry leader with the development of exceptional leather, plastic and vinyl repair products and restoration techniques. The combined knowledge and experience of our 225+ franchisees around the world is unparalleled. We have expanded our global presence to include franchise units in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

When you are awarded a Fibrenew franchise, you will receive:

• An exclusive protected territory
• Use of Trade name and Trademark
• Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
• Comprehensive training program
• Complete inventory and equipment
• Stationery and marketing package
• Personal website and online marketing support
• Ongoing Technical Support via phone and internet
• Access to our Technical Library
• Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

A Fibrenew franchise in Australia offers:

• Flat-fee franchise model
• Low overhead, home-based mobile business
• Cutting edge research & development
• Exclusive service and product line
• Flexible lifestyle and work schedule – you set your own hours
• Being part of winning team with a proven business model

 To receive more information, click this link and complete the form!

Fibrenew Franchise Business THE EXPERT in Leather & Plastic Restoration

Fibrenew specializes in the restoration of leather and plastics, servicing five major markets: Aviation, Automotive, Commercial, Marine, and Residential. A Fibrenew franchise can be a very profitable business whether you choose to be an owner operator with a single vehicle or expand your business to include multiple vehicles. For less than the cost of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) you will learn a skill, which when applied, will provide you with an income and give you the opportunity to grow a business.

We are a low cost, very successful, home-based mobile service franchise, catering to an executive clientele in the above mentioned markets. The diversity of our opportunity is so large that in every economic downturn, our franchise system has thrived.

Fibrenew is a global leader in the environmental movement. We prevent thousands of tons of leather and plastics from entering our landfills.

 "Be in business for yourself, but never by yourself!"

 The Fibrenew market is as broad and diverse as your imagination! 

• Car dealerships, rental agencies, fleet vehicles
• Offices, restaurants, bars, theatres
• Transportation companies, insurance companies
• Furniture stores, homes, Fitness Centers
• Marinas, commercial and private aircraft

When you are awarded a Fibrenew franchise, you receive:

• An exclusive protected territory
• Use of Trade name and Trademark
• Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
• Comprehensive training program
• Complete inventory and equipment
• Business cards, Invoices, Statements, Envelopes and Brochures
• Ongoing Technical Support via phone and internet
• Access to our Technical Library
• Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

"Hands on training & active involvement of professionals are vital to the success of any business."

Fibrenew Franchising provides excellent training!

• Training includes classroom and field instruction
• Certified training staff
• All aspects of business are explained, demonstrated and practiced thoroughly
• Class size is limited
• Two weeks of intensive training at our facility in Calgary, Canada

Fibrenew offers Regional Seminars on a regular basis and requires all franchise owners to attend. Besides their educational value they offer everyone an opportunity to meet, network and share valuable business experiences.

"Ongoing assistance is provided to the franchises by Fibrenew International Support Team - F.I.S.T. "

Fibrenew presents F.I.S.T. members!

• F.I.S.T. are competent and experienced professionals
• F.I.S.T. are dedicated to helping you succeed
• F.I.S.T. provide immediate responses to your questions
• F.I.S.T. are only a phone call away
• All F.I.S.T. members are volunteers

What our franchisees are saying about Fibrenew Franchise Training:

“Greetings fellow Fibrenewers. I figured it was about time I send a message to toot our horn up here in the Northeast USA (New Hampshire). It's coming up on one year now for me with Fibrenew. It took the business a little while to get some name recognition and exposure, but Man, the last five months have really been great, better than I had anticipated. My calendar is booking three weeks in advance! Many, Many, Many thanks to Al Michaels, Dan, Jake, Michael Carter, and all my Fibrenew family for your knowledge, support, and advice. I wouldn't be where I am today without all your help."

Michael Sanford
Fibrenew of Southern New Hampshire
Make An Intelligent Decision!
A Fibrenew franchise offers:

• Membership on a winning team
• Exclusive protected territory
• Low overhead, mobile business
• Cutting edge research & development
• Exclusive product line
• Comprehensive training
• Ongoing technical support
• Flexible lifestyle and work schedule

Fibrenew is committed to helping people help themselves!

Fibrenew supports men and women worldwide into owning and operating a successful home based mobile service business.

SUPPORT & TRAINING PROVIDED

• Financial Assistance Provided: No
• Site Selection Assistance: Home Based
• Lease Negotiation Assistance: N/A
• Co-operative Advertising: No
• Training: Two weeks of off-site in Calgary. We follow up with a 2 day Field visit in their 3rd month of operation.

To receive more franchise information, click this link complete and send the form. A Fibrenew representative will contact you within two business days to discuss the opportunity of owning and operating a Fibrenew franchise. We look forward to hearing from you!

Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, Windsor Franchise Business Opportunity

Does this describe you?

• Are you ready to be your own boss?
• Do you like to work with your hands?
• Do you enjoy relationship selling?
• Can you distinguish colours adequately? (not colour blind)

We are looking for a partner in Chatham-Kent / Sarnia / Windsor.
Come join our franchise team! 

Fibrenew is the market leader in the restoration of leather, plastic and vinyl. We are a mobile service that caters to the aviation, automobile, marine, commercial and residential markets. With all these opportunities across so many markets, our company and franchisees have grown and thrived through every rise and fall of the economy. That really speaks to the fact that there is always a need for our services.

Fibrenew, a recognized and respected global brand:

Since 1987, Fibrenew has been the industry leader with the development of exceptional leather, plastic and vinyl repair products and restoration techniques. The combined knowledge and experience of our 200+ franchisees around the world is unparalleled. We have expanded our global presence to include franchise units in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

When you are awarded a Fibrenew franchise, you will receive:

• An exclusive protected territory
• Use of Trade name and Trademark
• Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
• Comprehensive training program
• Complete inventory and equipment
• Stationery and marketing package
• Personal website and online marketing support
• Ongoing Technical Support via phone and internet
• Access to our Technical Library
• Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

A Fibrenew franchise in Chatham-Kent / Sarnia / Windsor offers:

• Flat-fee franchise model
• Low overhead, home-based mobile business
• Cutting edge research & development
• Exclusive service and product line
• Flexible lifestyle and work schedule – you set your own hours
• Being part of winning team with a proven business model

Source: https://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/chatham-kent-sarnia-windsor-fibrenew-franchise-business-opportunity/

Franchise Collaboration Helps You Develop Your Business

The appeal of a franchise might stem from the fact that working systems are already in place; that the product or service has been tested, tweaked and perfected; and that the brand is already known and established. But often lost in the shuffle, there’s one aspect of a franchise system that may be as important to your success, if not more so: the franchisees.

Beyond the knowledge and resources available to you from the franchisor, you have a whole network of franchisees who have forged the way and are ready to help get you up to speed. They are experienced, skilled and can even add to your work force when extra hands are needed. Take Fibrenew franchise business, Bill Metropol and Stan Zawko, for example. The two are banding together to tackle a project that would have been too big for either of them to do alone.

So how do you tap into your network of fellow franchisees? We asked franchise insiders to share some pointers on how to successfully benefit from the wisdom of other franchisees.

Before buying, investigate existing franchisee relationships. Ask the franchisor for examples where franchisees worked together, ask franchisees about their interactions with other franchisees in the system, and examine the quality of the relationships in the franchise that you’re considering. Ollie Parker took two trips to visit franchise locations before he opened his own Speedpro Imaging studio. “That helped me better understand the business,” explains Parker. “But more importantly, it helped me develop relationships with other owners so that when I have a problem, there is a wide range of talented and experienced owners I feel comfortable calling.”

“One of the marks of a good franchise system is how collaboratively the franchisees work together,” says Brian Miller, COO and President of The Entrepreneur's Source, a career and franchise business coaching company. “Whether it is informally or through a franchisor sponsored program, the more the franchisees work together, the greater the chance to grow the brand and market presence.”

Be proactive in meeting other franchisees. Make an effort to get in contact with other franchisees early on so that you can better be prepared later when you need advice and assistance. In Northern California’s Bay Area, five Floor Coverings International franchisees have united to form the Bay Area FCI Association. Meeting monthly, they help each other with staffing, discuss pricing, and recently signed a lease together on a shared warehouse that will allow them to buy in bulk and, therefore, be more competitive.

Jake Johnson, Director of Franchise Support at Fibrenew recommends meeting others in any way possible even if it’s just inviting franchisees in your area out for coffee. Meanwhile, Miller of The Entrepreneur’s Source says attending regional and annual meetings and conventions, as well as participating in conference calls and webinars, are great ways to establish relationships with others.

Use the tools that the franchisor has in place to foster and build relationships between franchisees. Speedpro Imaging has a buddy system that originally helped connect Parker, whose Speedpro franchise is based in Boston, with Scott Schoner, based in New Jersey. Parker relied on Schoner to process about 50 orders over a six-month period while he scouted out a location and got the necessary equipment in place. “I would not have been able to start my business without Scott’s help,” says Parker.

At Fibrenew, franchisees actively ask questions and connect with other franchisees via forums on the franchise’s intranet. “Use the resources available to you,” says Johnson. “That is the single biggest strength of the franchise model.”

Be willing to learn from other franchisees. A huge benefit of investing in a franchise system is the fact that you do not have to reinvent the wheel. Look to other franchisees to help steer you clear of any pitfalls along the way. “When you're starting up a franchise location, don't underestimate how much there is that you don't yet know,” says Johnson. “Other franchisees can serve as an excellent source of knowledge, and those near you may even step in and lend a hand when you need it down the road.”

Knowledge, ideas, and resources can be found everywhere, even from franchisees belonging to other systems. “There are a large number of franchises out there, so don't limit yourself to talking to folks just within your own organization,” says Todd Lafrentz, a member of the Bay Area FCI Franchisee Association. “Other franchises also have systems in place and processes that can easily be adapted to your business.”

Find strength in numbers. “I think it is vitally important in today's marketplace that we work together collaboratively,” says Lafrentz. “Our collective sum, from both a financial and experience perspective, makes [our franchisee group] exponentially more effective than individual owners. We are already starting to pool resources to provide a larger presence in the online marketplace, which has started to pay dividends to each of us after a very short time. In the future, I think we [will] have additional opportunities in more of traditional media outlets such as radio and television that, as individuals, would be difficult to swing.”

Collaborating with fellow franchisees gives your business an edge, so take advantage of the network of support that’s available to you.

Source: http://www.allbusiness.com/franchises/15079056-1.html

Tips to Rejuvenate Marine Vinyl Seating

Vinyl is surely an unbelievably resilient materials, and it holds up well to help h2o direct exposure. Due to its sturdiness, almost all padded vessel seating are made of vinyl. While vinyl was designed to support well to help wear, it does have got it's limitations. Time themselves can take an important toll upon vinyl in the event you don’t look after that adequately. It is important to fresh your own vinyl well often, not only along with h2o, however that has a vinyl cleaner.

Things to do

• Cleanser: Many marine stores market in a commercial sense manufactured vinyl products. We propose making use of one in your vinyl seating. Lots of people seek to employ different household products these people believe will save these a little dollars, however, products made designed for vinyl usually are far better for the seating. For instance, many individuals use chlorine bleach, however it is actually too tough with regard to vinyl and may cause it to breakdown after a while, becoming more readily destroyed through every day wear. Together with chlorine bleach, additionally you work danger connected with bleaching virtually any fabric close by as well as carpet in your vessel.

• H2o: Make use of fresh, new h2o to clean your own seating. Distilled h2o is best since it falls short of impurities that will stay in your seating after you complete cleansing. In the event that distilled h2o is not available, be sure to no less than employ faucet water more than river, river as well as sodium h2o. Your filth along with vitamins and minerals obtained in body connected with h2o will, such as the little debris connected with filth in your seating prior to fresh these, wear out your own seating just like very good sandpaper. Even as it may get virtually any apparent filth down your own seating, it is going to harm these ultimately.

Tips on how to freshen up marine vinyl seating

It is best to look at guidelines in your vinyl cleaner, however, usually, the particular ways to repair vinyl seating usually are the following:

1. Make use of fresh h2o with a humid rag to help remove virtually any apparent filth as well as chaos down your own vinyl seating. only two. Set a little vinyl cleaner with a fresh, humid organic cotton rag.

3. Lightly remove almost all vinyl areas within your vessel. You'll want to include every area, especially people that are used frequently along with remove out virtually any excess cleaner.

Just how typically to clean your own vinyl seating

The idea is a great idea to help remove lower your own vinyl seating between works by using. The idea doesn’t acquire very long in any way and may guide these keep going longer. Also, be sure to tackle virtually any spills as well as interferes quickly, because vinyl can spot. Get particular see connected with woods sap along with form:

• Get rid of woods sap quickly. Sap through overhanging woods can easily sink directly into your own seating, possibly as a result of tiny holes throughout vessel protects. The warmth on the sun can easily melt the particular sap into your vinyl. Thus, when getting your own vessel away, check out sap spills along with remove these in place swiftly that has a citrus-based cleaner. If you need some thing more powerful, try methyl hydrate, along with always be sure to check almost all products in a inconspicuous location before making use of in a eye-catching location.

• When you have mildew, don’t let it sit on your own seating. In a short time, that will quickly smell bad and may breakdown your own vinyl seating. To eliminate form, start using a form killer along with cleaner – you should buy these from virtually any farming retail store.

If you have had particularly good luck with a vinyl cleaner or have any good tips, share them with us or visit  www.fibrenew-franchising.com.