Congrats to Our Fall 2016 Graduates!

Fibrenew continues to grow and expand our franchise base across Canada and USA. Congrats to the fall of 2016 graduating classes and newest franchise owners. We welcome you aboard the team!

Photo 1 left to right: Michael Carrigan of Fibrenew North Naples and Frank Costantino of Fibrenew Pittsburgh East

Photo 2 back row: Doug Bartsch of Fibrenew Surrey White Rock (left to right) Kristin and Mike Ozmon of Fibrenew South Knoxville / Elliot Rubinsky of Fibrenew Lower Bucks / Elliott Berk of Fibrenew NE San Antonio

Photo 3 left to right: Terry Black of Fibrenew St. Charles / Jeff Butler of Fibrenew Central Arizona / Julie Kapugi of Fibrenew Asheville / Kevin Carlson of Fibrenew Katy / Mike Taylor of Fibrenew Saskatoon

Photo 4 left to right: Jeff and Kim Gebhart of Fibrenew Conroe / Eddie Thompson of Fibrenew Norman-Ardmore

Source: Fibrenew Franchising

Former IT Support Specialist Turned Mobile Leather Repair Man

Since 2011, David Hunter of Fibrenew West Metro Denver has been building his Franchise on a foundation of hard work and exceptional customer service.

Before starting his Fibrenew Franchise, David worked in IT, managing desktop support. That is a far cry from the restoration project on a 5’ tall elephant he recently completed for a client. The diversity of what he does in his Fibrenew business is something he really enjoys – everyday is something new.

He typically starts his days at his home shop and then goes where the day takes him. Some days it’s completing hands-on repair work in the field and other days he tackles sales calls, networking and administrative tasks. Freedom and flexibility were two key components that brought David to the Fibrenew franchise business opportunity, and they are still important to him now.

David recently hired on a technician to help with a particularly large project, 275 pieces to be exact, for the Ritz Carleton Hotel in Denver. He plans to one day have a couple permanent technicians working with him, but he still expects to see another year or two of steady growth before he gets to that point.

David says a willingness to devote time and a commitment are needed to get a new business off the ground. After 4 years into the venture, he feels the investment he made in his Fibrenew Franchise business has been well worth it.

Source: Fibrenew Franchising

Common Misconceptions: How Much Damage is Too Much Damage to Repair on Furniture?

We’ve all had furniture we “just loved” until the dog peed on it or the cat scratch her lovely claws down the upholstery or little Johnny spilled his grape juice all over the cushion. When does the damage from every day life mean it’s time to splurge on new furniture? Is it when the movers knock a leg or two off or when little Maggie cuts a hole in the back with her new scissor skills? Is all damage repairable?

The majority of damage to your furniture can be repaired. In fact, there are businesses that specialize in furniture repair and can even reupholster your furniture to look brand new. However, if you have experienced some of the aforementioned minor damages, you can do the repairs at home.

If you have a stain or spill on your furniture, you can usually remove the stain by using one of the many stain removal products on the market. However, a cheaper and more available option if you don’t keep stain remover in stock is laundry or dish detergent, warm water, and a tooth brush. Simply put some detergent with the warm water (don’t mix it up), dunk the tooth brush in then scrub the stain gently and it will disappear.

For fabric scratches, tears, or rips, it might be best to trust tough ones to the professionals. However, rips in your cushions can typically be fixed easily by removing the cushion from the couch and simply hand sewing the rips or tears. Many couches and cushions utilize covers which makes sewing the holes easier, especially when using a machine.

When furniture is completely broken down and uncomfortable, it may be time to get rid of it. Really the call is yours to make. Professional furniture repairers and do-it-yourself repair projects usually can solve the damages incurred from everyday life. However, if you’re looking for a reason to get a new set and little Johnny accidentally dumps his grape juice all over the cushion, there’s no harm in saying that the damage is too much damage to repair.

Source: Fibrenew

Husband and Wife Franchise Owners with Fibrenew

Today’s spotlight profile is with franchisees Dana and Theresa Davis and their franchise, Fibrenew Folsom.

Before purchasing their Fibrenew franchise, Dana worked in Silicon Valley for 23 years as an electronics engineer, 13 of those as an executive and department head. Theresa was with California Parks and Recreation for 20 years in addition to being a stay-at-home mom and operating her own home-based businesses in floral design and organic artisan bath and body products. Today, they live on a 12 acre farm north east of Sacramento, California where they raise goats, chickens, bees and have a garden.

These two are busy people. On top of running their business, they still make time to visit the family beach house with their three adult children, go backpacking, enjoy fly fishing, golf, woodworking for Dana and making goat cheese and organic bath products for Theresa.

Both Dana and Theresa are working their Fibrenew business and for now they work it together in a single vehicle. They spend the early mornings and evenings on administrative work and during the day they are either on the road doing leather, plastic and vinyl repairs or making sales calls to new clients. They both like the science behind matching color. Theresa employs a more “intuitive” approach while Dana is more analytical. They find the variety of restoration work they perform both fun and challenging and find satisfaction in helping their customers.

They were introduced to Fibrenew after researching franchise business opportunities. The level of business, technical and IT support from fellow Franchisees and Head office were a big part of their decision to choose a Fibrenew Franchise.

They are very excited about the near limitless business possibilities in their territory and would like to one day have a storefront operation. Right now they are focusing on commercial, restaurant and medical industries but enjoy the personal satisfaction of residential consumer based work as well. They recently purchased an industrial sewing machine and have added upholstery services to their business.

Their advice for someone looking at a Fibrenew franchise is to go in with your eyes wide open and be prepared to always be learning. There are always new techniques, new skills and new products to be learned and adopted in this diverse and challenging industry. You’ll never be bored!

Source: Fibrenew Franchising

US Air Force Veteran Finds New Business Opportunity with Fibrenew

 After twenty years as a pilot and crew chief with the US Air Force, David Underwood decided it was time for him to retire and for he and his wife to move back to North Carolina to be closer to family.

They looked at a few different franchise opportunities but ultimately decided upon Fibrenew. The Fibrenew franchise provided them the flexibility of their schedule and the veteran incentive program, combined with the ride along experience helped finalize their decision. David is excited to be working with his hands and not in a cubicle!

David’s Dad, Craig, also joined him for the initial 2 weeks of training. When the franchise gets busy enough, Craig will help out as an additional technician. Craig attending training is just part of David’s long term goal for his franchise. He would like to see the franchise grow to include a couple technicians, thriving and busy and then sell it and retire.

During training David was really interested in the vinyl siding and plastics repair and looks forward to working within that industry along with Fibrenew’s core services in leather restoration.

David is excited to be part of the Fibrenew family. He says with the great support from other franchisees and from the Fibrenew training and field support from Head Office staff Dan, Jeff, Paul and Kelly, he’ll have his business built up in no time.

Source: Fibrenew Franchising

How to Fix a Peeling Leather Couch

By: Kathy Adams

Peeling or flaking on leather furniture is usually a problem affecting the leather's finish rather than the leather itself. Repair minor issues yourself with a liquid leather and vinyl repair kit that includes several tints so you can match the leather's color. Practice applying the repair solution on a scrap piece of leather or vinyl to hone your skills for an imperceptible repair.

Inspect the Upholstery
Inspect the leather around the areas that are peeling to take note of any forthcoming issues before you begin the repair process; it's more efficient to patch up several problems at once, and it ensures all the repairs will match. Sit on the sofa and note whether the cushions look like they may peel or flake under weight. If you do notice any peeling areas that may be hard to find later, place a small piece of masking tape near them to note where they are.

Clean That Couch
Wipe down the area surrounding each point of damage using a slightly damp, lint-free white cloth. If the repair kit includes alcohol wipes, use those to clean the leather, or you may use a dedicated leather-cleaning solution. Cleaning before the repair ensures the real leather color shows so you can make an accurate color match with the repair solution. Allow the area to dry completely.

Mix It Up
Mix the leather repair liquid with one or more colors in the repair kit in one of the empty containers included with the kit. Test the repair solution on an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the sofa near one of the legs, to be sure the color matches the leather. Use a piece of masking tape to label the container once you're happy with the color, so you can save excess repair liquid for future projects. . . continue reading the steps!

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

From a Background in Manufacturing to Fibrenew Franchise Owner

At Fibrenew we are big on supporting one another. In doing that, we would like to share spotlight interviews with our amazing franchisees. Today we are talking looking at Steve Kostecki and his Fibrenew Franchise of Inland Empire, California.

Steve came to the Fibrenew family after a long and successful career in the plastics manufacturing industry. He spent the last few years in his previous job as VP of Operations, supervising three plants that made plastic bottles for the pharmaceutical and vitamin industries.

The Inland Empire Franchise has been in operation since 2009. Steve says there is no such thing as a typical day for him. Each day brings something new. Some mornings he is in his office, in the afternoon he may be on the road criss crossing his territory which spans the very eastern edges of the greater Los Angeles area . . . more of the story here!

Leather Renovation/Restoration Man of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton : Dick Streever

By: Clare Parkhurst of InSide The Back Mountain

My first meeting with Dick Streever is very memorable for me. Our meeting came about after he phoned me with questions about InSide the Back Mountain magazine. He had received InSide in his Shavertown mailbox and was curious about how our magazine could benefit his business. Our first meeting was early last fall at his business located in Swoyersville.

More than writing about the people, the businesses and the “going’s on” in The Back Mountain, what I find most rewarding is really getting to know about how people arrived here, why they came here and what they find so appealing about our community. That conversational process is the best thing about what I do. I love getting to know new people and their stories. Dick Streever’s story is a special one.

Dick is a quiet man but certainly not one reluctant to share his story. Dick and I are contemporaries…. baby boomers. We share a lot of the same opinions like the old comments from grandparents and parents who have always claimed, “This new generation is just not the same”. Our conversation interestingly started by talking about what we both call “the disposable generation”. John C. O’Keefe from Creative Commons describes this so well in his blog: “Recently we had an issue with our coffee maker. It refused to make coffee – and, generally speaking, for a coffee maker that’s not a good thing. So, I did what all dutiful husbands would do to keep their wives from destroying the house: I contacted the company in hopes of sending it back to them for repairs. The company was quick to offer us a new one, sent to us at no charge. I thought, ‘Ok, we will send back the old one, they will fix it and sell it online as refurbished.’ When I asked what to do with the broken one, I was told, ‘Toss it out – it’s broken.’ Unfortunately, this is nothing new, we live in a disposable culture, a culture where tossing something away when it breaks is easier, and often cheaper, than it is to get it fixed. TV breaks, get a new one; fan breaks, get a new one; coffee maker breaks, get a new one. Disposable lighters, computers, cell phones, radios – you name it, it’s made to be tossed away, and not repaired – we have moved from a ‘repair culture’, to a ‘consumer culture’. If it is broken, toss it out.” more of the story!

From School Teacher and Engineer to Franchise Business Owner

 

At Fibrenew we are big on supporting one another. In doing that, we would like to share spotlight interviews with our existing Franchises. Today we are looking at Mark Canon and his Fibrenew Franchise in South Orlando, Florida.

Mark joined the Fibrenew family in May of 2012. Coming to Fibrenew from a varied background; he was a Math and Science school teacher in his early to mid 20’s before returning to school and pursuing an engineering degree. Mark worked as a power systems engineer for 12 years before finding the Fibrenew opportunity.

One of the reasons Mark was drawn to Fibrenew was the freedom to control his own destiny and the ability work his own hours. Setting his own hours was important for two reasons. One, the heat and humidity of Florida has Mark out the door so he can complete projects early in the mornings and spend the hot afternoons making follow up calls and knocking on doors to build new connections. The second reason was his children, Mark likes that he is able to be available for school activities, sports, doctors appointments and other things related to his two children. He also appreciates that he does not spend a lot of time behind a desk.

Right now it is just Mark running his Franchise and for now he enjoys it that way, he likes the physical hands-on work that Fibrenew requires. He is not ruling out the potential for a technician down the road, but right now he enjoys working the Franchise alone. “It is good exercise” Mark jokes. He hopes to continue to see his franchise grow, particularly within the small specialty car industry, doing warranty work for local Orlando furniture shops and he would love to add some aviation plastic work to his consistent business... continue reading!

Operating from Vans and Trucks to a Bike and Trailer, Fibrenew Franchisees Make it Work!

UPPER EAST SIDE — It's possible to have almost anything delivered home in the Big Apple, from Chinese food to Christmas trees to karaoke machines.

Now, New Yorkers can add a new delivery option to the list: a personal home visit from a leather furniture repairman.

Saul Shapiro, a longtime bike enthusiast, travels on his 7-speed from his Upper East Side apartment to any Manhattan location to fix clients' worn and torn sofas, chairs and ottomans.

He hauls about 100 pounds of equipment, including an airbrush painting system, behind his bike in a trailer he built by combining three carts, road-ready wheels and a strong hitch.

“I’ve had people stop me and say, ‘I love your cart,’" said Shapiro, a former engineer and public relations staffer who opened the city's first franchise of Fibrenew, a leather repair franchising company that specializes in repairing leather and vinyl upholstery. . .read more!

Buying Leather Furniture

Check out these 10 tips for choosing the perfect leather furniture for your lifestyle.

Want stylish, comfortable furniture that actually improves with age? Then invest in leather, a durable and attractive material that comes in a variety of styles, colors and strengths. Here are things to keep in mind when shopping:

1. Leather is four times more durable than fabric, so don't worry about having kids around it. Just like a leather jacket or shoes, leather furniture gets better with age.

2. Aniline leather is dyed in a drum, which allows the dye to completely soak through for a rich, deep color. No protective coating is added, and it's the softest and most expensive leather.

3. Semi-aniline (protected aniline) leather is also dyed in a drum and has a small amount of coating applied, giving it slightly better protection against stains and fading than aniline leather.

4. For pigmented leather, color is applied to the surface, not dyed through and through. And while the color isn't as rich, it's finished to provide greater protection against scratches, stains and fading. These leathers are less expensive and usually aren't as soft as dyed leathers.

5. Unlike upholstery, the color of your leather piece doesn't make a difference when it comes to regular maintenance. Just use a damp cloth to remove dust.

6. Look for leather upholstery with zippered seat cushions. While the leather can last decades, the seat cushion may not and you'll want easy access to get it refilled.

7. Leather takes on the temperature of your body within 12 seconds, so the notion that leather is cold is a misconception.

8. A leather sofa has to suit your lifestyle first. Is it going to work for the way you're going to use it? What room will it go in? If it's a busy space that gets a lot of wear and tear, go with a little heavier finish and protection so that you can just wipe up a stain.

9. When considering price, remember that a leather sofa will last at least as long as three fabric sofas.

10. Avoid a leather-vinyl combination. While the two materials might look good together, leather will always outlast the vinyl.

Source: HGTV

Fibrenew Welcomes Australian Master Franchisee

Fibrenew International is pleased to announce our new Master Franchisee in Australia, Mr. Dean Carroll. Dean comes from a background in accounting and will now head Fibrenew’s operations in Australia from his office in the Melbourne area.

Fibrenew has exceptional franchise opportunities available throughout Australia. For more information, please visit: www.fibrenew.com.au

Source: Fibrenew Franchising

Re-post: Caring for Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is an investment, so good maintenance is important. Here are some do's and don'ts for getting your leather to age well:

1. Avoid seemingly harmless cleaners such as oil soap; it will stain and darken the leather. And mild soap, though gentle on dish-washing hands, not only will remove the dirt but just might remove the color on the leather as well. Saddle soap may be good for that catcher's mitt, but keep it away from leather furniture.

2. Don't use soap or detergent, no matter how mild. We can use mild soap on our skin because our skin is still alive and will replace the oils that soap washes off, but a leather sofa doesn't have that ability. It will eventually become brittle, dry and damaged. Why not wash with soap and then apply oil? Because the oil will stain the leather

3. Avoid placing leather furniture in direct sunlight. Virtually nothing is safe for long in the light and heat of the sun. Avoid extreme temperatures that would cause leather to dry and crack. If you're too cold or too hot in a room, so is the leather. Don't place leather next to air conditioners or radiators.

4. Blot spills quickly using clean terry cloth towels or paper towels. If you spill grease or oil, use talcum powder or baking powder to help absorb it. There are also leather-furniture cleaners that would work, available from upper-end furniture stores and from some manufacturers of leather furniture.

5. If leather furniture is brand new, protect it right off the bat with a professionally applied leather protector. There are also products available for do-it-yourselfers on the after-market. If the furniture is older, have it cleaned professionally and apply the leather protector. Keep the furniture free of dust and occasionally wipe it with a barely damp cloth.

Source: Caring for Leather Furniture

Reblog: 20 Years in Business and Still Growing

 At Fibrenew, we are big on supporting one another. In doing that, we would like to share spotlight interviews with our franchisees. Today we are looking at Dan Hoffman and his Fibrenew Portland franchise in Portland, Oregon.

Dan has been a part of the Fibrenew family since 1995. Born into a family of mechanics, the automotive industry seemed a likely fit for Dan. But after spending some time as a paramedic/firefighter, he opted to start his own Fibrenew Franchise. Today, Fibrenew Portland is a multi-unit business with a hired technician, Dan’s son, and Dan himself. In the next 5-7 years, once his son is done school, his plan is to add more technicians and expand his business. Even after 20 years of operation in the Portland market, Dan recognizes that there is still plenty of room to grow.

Dan says one of the reasons he selected Fibrenew was the quality of leather, plastic and vinyl restoration products and the proven franchise business model. That and the flexibility of being an owner / operator and what that meant for his family’s lifestyle. . . continue reading!

Another Satisfied Leather Repair Customer

Another satisfied Fibrenew leather sofa restoration customer! From Fibrenew Indianapolis Metro North, check out this 20 second testimonial video. If you want to be the star of your own leather repair business come and join us at http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/.

A Successful Fibrenew Franchise Owner Balances Work and Home Life

At Fibrenew, we are big on supporting one another. In doing that, we would like to share spotlight interviews with our franchisees. Today we are looking at Ann Benes and her Fibrenew Franchise in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Ann and her family were looking for a small business franchise opportunity that would help supplement their farming income. Ann’s husband Pat was initially going to be the one running the business. The plan was to use the flexibility of owning and operating a Fibrenew franchise while he continued to operate the family farm. However, over 13 years later, Fibrenew Lincoln is now operated by Ann while Pat works the farm full time. The flexibility factor is still a huge perk for their family as Ann is able to work around the kids’ school and extra curricular schedules and still have plenty of extra family time.

A typical day has Ann seeing her children off to school in the morning before taking her Fibrenew vehicle out to complete various types of Fibrenew leather, plastic and vinyl repairs for her customers in and around Lincoln. Ann structures her schedule so she’s able to be home shortly after her children arrive home from school. This is when she tackles the day’s paperwork and answers emails and return phone calls. For now, it is a successful framework. When asked what the future holds for the Franchise, Ann says she just takes it year by year. As with any small business owner, their goal each year is to see growth. Down the road, one of their children may want to take part in operation or they will look at the possibility of selling the business.

Ann shared with us a story about her favorite Fibrenew project; It was the restoration of two aniline leather chairs in a psychologist’s office. The chairs were originally a brilliant royal purple color but after years of sitting in a north facing window, they had faded to a pale lavender color. The owner had attempted to re dye them himself but was left with more a blue color than the purple he was looking for. Ann says those chairs were among her favorite pieces to restore as they were so unique.

Ann’s advice to possible new and existing franchisees is to never stop learning. She regularly makes time to keep up on all the new techniques and information. She credits that as well as the Fibrenew training and support with helping make her business successful. Her advice to people looking at a Fibrenew Franchise business opportunity is that they persevere through the initial few months to build a successful business, she says it is not an overnight success, but that it is worth it.

Source: Fibrenew Blog

Saul Shapiro: Fibrenew Manhattan Central

Saul Shapiro was a materials engineer and a broadcast technologist before he opened his own leather, plastic and vinyl restoration franchise business with Fibrenew. Shapiro’s story is unique because while most of his fellow franchisees operate their businesses from vans and trucks, Saul’s mode of transportation for his on-site service business is a bicycle and trailer. In this 3:40 video, we follow Saul on his bike to a leather repair job in a customer’s home on Manhattan’s upper west side.

Are you looking for a new career where you can be your own boss and take charge of your financial future? Come and join us at https://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/.

Sofa Stories

If your sofa could only talk what secrets would it reveal? To know more about furniture care and repair visit us at http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/.



Sofa Stories Infographic – If your sofa could only talk what secrets would it reveal? By Habitat

Residential: leather furniture repair, sofas, couches, chairs, loveseats and footrests

Damaged leather couches, chairs and sofas, whether torn, worn, ripped, faded, is chewed by a dog, or scratched by a cat, can be restored by Fibrenew. Blemishes on leather furniture such as burns, stains, holes and cuts can also be renewed. If you’re looking to change the color of your leather furniture, turn to our expert color matching and re-dye services. We offer mobile leather furniture repair service to your home or business. Ask us for a quote!

LOCUTIONS OF LEATHER

A cheat sheet on the ins and outs of leather goods. If you are shopping for leather, then it is important to understand the language of the material and goods that are used to construct these quality materials. This will help you become an informed consumer and make wise investments. Also if you want to know about leather repair visit www.fibrenew-franchising.com.

From Visually.

FIBRENEW SUPPORT SYSTEM

With Fibrenew, you are in business for yourself, but never by yourself. We take tremendous pride in dedicating ourselves to helping our franchisees succeed.

About the Fibrenew Support Team

Our highly experienced support staff provides our franchisees with expert field assistance on all aspects of the business. The majority of our support team members are past or present franchisees who have ‘walked a mile’ as Fibrenew repair technicians and business owners. We are here to help by phone, instant messaging, live streaming video, email and/or our online Technical Library. . . read more!

What Goes With Leather Furniture?

If that hide-covered sofa is making you seek decorating solutions, we’ve got just the pairings for you.

Leather chairs, sofas and ottomans tend to be big, comfy and classic — no wonder they’re a popular choice for living room furniture. But too much bulky leather upholstery can make a space look dark, heavy or just … boring. Wondering what to put with all of that brown or black leather? These ideas should help.

Photo by Taylor Jacobson Interior Design - Look for transitional family room design inspiration

1. Rich painted walls and a Moroccan rug. Peacock blue is a bold (but highly livable) choice for walls, especially in a smaller room — the intense hue enhances and uplifts dark leather pieces. Pair it with a goes-with-anything Moroccan rug, an organic wood table and a gallery wall.

Photo by Cory Connor Designs - Browse transitional living room ideas

If you have wood bookcases or cabinetry in the room, consider painting these pieces to match the walls. Or, for a subtler effect, paint only the backs of the bookcases or the interiors of the cabinets. Wild card: peacock blue and orange. Take rich peacock-blue walls up a notch by adding contrasting Hermès-orange accents. Try a pair of footstools or X-benches, or furnish a window seat with bold orange cushions, as shown here.

Photo by Morrison Homes - Look for contemporary living room pictures

2. Black, gray and texture. To keep things interesting in a neutral space, it helps to really play up texture and shine. Try smoky mirrored or reflective furniture (or a mirror on the wall); a soft, low-pile rug; and a plush faux-fur throw. Shades of gray, black and white make easy partners for a brown leather sofa. . . read more!

Fibrenew Latest Franchisees!

Congratulations to our latest Franchisees! Back home today from training in Calgary. Wishing you all the best with your new business. We're here to support you all the way! For more information on how you can join our Fibrenew Franchise visit us at http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/about-fibrenew/

Pictured left to right from top row:
Jim Eng - Fibrenew Firelands (Ohio)
Brian Kagebein - Fibrenew Woodstock-Kenosha (Illinois)
Sy Santos - Fibrenew Layton (Utah)
Evan Friemel - Fibrenew Amarillo (Texas)
Steve Bugg - Fibrenew Clear Lake (Texas)
Patricia Kagebein - Fibrenew Woodstock-Kenosha (Illinois)
Anne Friemel - Fibrenew Amarillo (Texas)
Dean Carroll - Fibrenew Australia
Randy Fuller - Fibrenew Central San Diego (California)
Luis Moraga - Fibrenew Australia

Fibrenew Edmonton: A Customer Service Company That Happens to Restore Leather, Plastic & Vinyl

 

 To operate a successful business takes a lot of elbow grease, products and services that solve people’s problems, and — perhaps most importantly — an understanding of customer service. Don Barnhouse gets it. Spending more than 35 years in a family-run grocery industry, working several different positions and managing a variety of groups means he has a lengthy, proven track record of treating people with respect.

“I’d say customer service is why we’ve done as well as we have,” he comments. “Be honest, upfront. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.”

Fibrenew Edmonton has been a thriving franchise for over 20 years, and with Barnhouse’s leadership since 2010, has secured a leading spot in the area’s leather, plastic and vinyl restoration and repair market. Serving a region of well over a million people leaves no room for slacking.  

“We’ve got high end stuff and low end — it’s a mix. Some days you see bonded leather and some days you see genuine leather. Sometimes people want to spend a lot of money to get the job done quick, and other days you meet people who are trying to save a dollar but still want quality.”

 With such a diverse demographic — from downtown apartment dwellers to acreage owners an hour past city limits — Barnhouse appreciates each atypical day and does the quoting and scheduling himself, allowing his two technicians the best opportunity to service the franchise’s territory most efficiently. To assist with Fibrenew Edmonton’s service calls, Barnhouse also has a reliable upholstery tech who pitches in when needed, and a skilled contractor who provides his expertise for siding service calls. Throwing another dynamic into the mix: Barnhouse’s wife Karin is a costume designer for a local theatre company, so really knows her way around a sewing machine... read more!

I Don’t Just Repair Your Leather – I’m Also a Car Guy

You may think of me as your friendly leather, vinyl, and plastic expert, but beside that and other hobbies, I’m also a big car enthusiast. Even my Fibrenew vehicle is a showcase of my hobby – it’s a custom built BMW station wagon that started life as a 2003 325i wagon residing in a tiny town in Vermont. I bought it for a song, after the owner told me the engine was shot (it wasn’t – I fixed and sold it).

I then bought the full drive train from a 2005 BMW M3 and with the help of a very kind and knowledgeable friend named Paul, installed all those parts into the wagon.  Everything under the metal shell is from the M3 – the subframes, full suspension (upgraded to coilovers), brakes, steering, engine, transmission, differential, etc.

I’m also attaching some photos here for those who are car enthusiasts. I will have it out at local car events regularly and you should even watch for it to be lapping VIR (Virginia International Raceway) this coming fall with the BMW CCA Tarheel Chapter. Yes, my Fibrenew car will make a fun track car as well! read more!

Fibrenew - Leather, Plastic & Vinyl Repair Franchise

Market Leader in Restoration of Leather, Plastic & Vinyl:
We are a mobile service which caters to the aviation, automobile, marine, medical, commercial and residential markets. With all these potential revenue streams 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.

Experience, Stability and Growth:
Fibrenew has nearly 30 years experience in the development of our superior products and techniques. That, along with our proven support, operation and marketing systems have all contributed to our expansion into 5 countries with over 230 franchises.

Single Operator or Fleet:
A Fibrenew franchise can operate as a single operator or as a fleet. Our flat-fee franchise model and low overhead make it a great fit for budding entrepreneurs.

First-Rate Training and Support:
As a Fibrenew franchisee, you will become part of a global company that offers a premier training program and an unrivaled support network. You will learn the skills necessary to repair and refurbish damaged leather and cracked vinyl and plastic in cars, boats, airplanes, at home and in commercial settings.

An Eco-Friendly Business:
Fibrenew offers a business solution to a serious environmental problem. Our products and services help preserve mother nature by saving damaged goods from ending up in landfills.

If you are prepared to do what it takes to run a successful Fibrenew business, visit fibrenew-franchising.com and download a franchise information kit today.

Specialties
leather repair, plastic repair, franchise opportunities, mobile businesses, on-site repair service, vinyl repair

Website
http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com

Industry
Consumer Services

Type
Privately Held

Headquarters
Unit 102, 450 1st Ave NE Black Diamond, Alberta T0L 0H0 Canada

Company Size
201-500 employees

Founded
1985

Fibrenew Training Program

All Fibrenew franchisees are thoroughly trained at our Calgary training center. The 2 week training session is conducted by seasoned technicians who have all owned and operated their own Fibrenew Franchise. All told, our instructors have 50+ years of combined knowledge.

Prior to coming to the 2 week training session, franchisees conduct a 4 week pre-training program from home. This program involves getting the business set up and ready for successful operation off the hop.

Following the 2 week training session and after returning home, franchisees enter into a 12 week start-up training program. This involves coaching on introducing the business to local customers, getting web presence and marketing underway, a grand opening plan and much more... read more!

Infographics: How Your Couch Is Made

Couches have become synonymous with relaxation, they are an integral part of home decor reflecting the mood and formality of a room. Learn about the different types of couches and how they are made! Know more about couches and how you can take care of them www.fibrenew-franchising.com/photos/.

From Visually.

Leather Furniture Guide: Top Grain to Bonded Leather

Knowing What to Ask For

First and foremost, shopping for quality and value in home furnishings is about knowing exactly what you are paying for. With such a wide range of retail price points for living room furniture, it’s important to see past the commissioned salesman's jargon to know what you are getting for your dollar. Nowadays, cheaper manufacturers have found savvy ways to throw the word ‘leather’ around while meaning something completely different. The best course of action is to find a furniture store near you and always to ask a salesperson directly about the construction, fabric, leather, and warranty. Before you buy, make sure you're getting the straight talk you deserve.

What Is Bonded Leather?

"Bonded leather" is a cheaper manufacturer’s first line of attack in selling you the look and feel of leather for a “great deal.” Unfortunately, bonded leather is hardly leather at all—by definition, it has to be only 17% leather. So leather is to bonded leather what chicken is to chicken McNuggets (or pressboard to wood, or dryer lint to fabric): In other words, it's processed beyond recognition.

When a leather cowhide is taken into manufacturing, cookie-cutter-like shapes are cut out of the hide to make panels that will eventually make the seat cushions, backs, arms, and sides of quality leather furniture. When you are cutting cookies, there will always be scraps outside the cuts of these panels that are too small to use whole. This is where bonded leather begins. These scraps are ground up in a machine into even smaller pieces that are laid out in a long, thin layer and then adhered together with a thicker layer of polyurethane (plastic).

While bonded leather, being merely a "leather product," prices out (foot for foot) similar to a fabric—and in the sense may be more economical—it is, unfortunately, used all to often in misleading customers, as retailers may try to pass it off as the real thing in order to inflate the perceived value of their product.

In reality, a person sitting on bonded leather is not sitting on leather at all, only plastic. And unlike real top-grain leather, the ground-up hide and plastic will never acclimate to your body temperature or get better with age.

What Is Bicast Leather?

Bicast leather (also known as bi-cast, bycast, or PU leather) is what most people consider the next step up in quality.

Before a hide is put into production, it is cut horizontally into layers. These layers consist of the top grain (the top layer that maintains the actual surface of the cow's hide where the pores and hair follicles used to be) and then every split below that.

Bicast leather is a layer of split which was too thin or flawed for normal use and that, like bonded leather, is completely sealed on top with a layer of polyurethane. Like bonded leather, no actual point of contact is possible between the natural leather and your skin and, therefore, bicast doesn’t demonstrate any of the same wear or comfort attributes of top-grain.

That being said, bicast can still serve as an economical alternative for people wanting the look of leather without the price. Another benefit might be that bicast and bonded leather wipe up easily (since they have plastic surfaces) and you won’t run into many of the food/drink stain issues you may experience with upholstered furniture. . . continue reading!

Oconomowoc’s Fibrenew Handles Leather, Plastic and Vinyl Restoration and Repair

 

OCONOMOWOC — Entrepreneur Keith Stewart and his wife, Laurie, are fading and ripped upholsteries’ worst enemies.

The Stewarts recently became the new owners of Oconomowoc’s Fibrenew, an upholstery repair and restoration service. Fibrenew repairs, re-dyes, restores and cleans leather, plastic, vinyl and fabric. Basically, if there’s faded or ripped fabric, Keith Stewart will do everything he can to bring it back to life.

Stewart works with furniture, cars, boats and even planes. There was even a time he had to reupholster 61 chairs for a Cousins Subs that was reopening. He had a little bit of help from Laurie Stewart and his father-inlaw on that one.

Keith Stewart became an entrepreneur after spending his entire post-college life in the metal industry, where he commercially heat-treated metal.

 A leather chair that was ruined by a dog

 The same chair after restoration

He enjoyed his time doing it, but after several years of doing it he realized there isn’t a lot of change or innovation in the field.

“We used to joke that heat treating is the second oldest profession,” Stewart said. “It goes back to the Middle Ages if not earlier. There isn’t anything going on and frankly, it was just boring. It was more interesting to try and do something new.”

So he tried something new. With the help of a franchise coach, Stewart spent a year researching businesses he wanted to be a part of. The business coach found Fibrenew and presented it to Stewart.

Along with Laurie, Keith Stewart spent time talking to the local development person in Hartford about the company. He spent a day shadowing a franchisee in Chicago and when he decided the business was right for him, he approached the former owner, who was looking to retire... read more!

An Adventure Every Day: Fibrenew Tampa Franchisee is Living His Dream

Sam Torres had high hopes for his family’s financial future, despite being massively underemployed during an economic recession of 2008. He knew he was smart. He knew he was a hard worker. He knew his strength was connecting with people and solving their problems. So when he and his wife Penny came across the opportunity to own a Fibrenew franchise, they pounced.

Opening Fibrenew Tampa was the best decision the couple has made. Even through the struggling economy they worked diligently at forming a customer foundation that has grown steadily through every economic high and low. The franchise has not only provided Torres with a job for the past nine years, but has exceeded their financial goals, allowing the family a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle. “My wife said I am never allowed to give the business up!” Torres laughs.

Being a Fibrenew franchisee suits Torres well. “What I do for a living is not ordinary. It’s like an adventure every day,” he grins. His daily adventures include appointments with clients from a variety of industries: from moving companies and furniture stores to warranty companies and marinas. Fibrenew Tampa has been so accomplished with its performance Torres recently added Tesla to his client list. The secret to his success? “People skills,” he says. “If people like you, it makes them more comfortable.”

The majority of Torres’ projects are leather, plastic and vinyl repairs on furniture. But every once in a while he gets a special request. “Sometimes it’s about things that have memory, and I get to be part of that memory,” he says. A woman approached Fibrenew Tampa with the request for a restoration to her grandfather’s old, beaten up leather satchel. It involved a thorough cleaning, a leather re-dye and the construction of a new liner along the inside bottom. “She was thrilled,” Torres recalls. “It was a total transformation.” read more!

Reblog: Fibrenew restores, repairs leather, vinyl and more

The cat ripped the leather couch. The dog chewed up the boat seat. Hail smashed holes in the vinyl siding on the house. Does one have to replace these things, or live with a repair that doesn’t match the rest of the object?

Shane and Trina Hickman, new owners of Fibrenew of Great Falls, offer another option: they will restore and repair the item, and then dye it to match perfectly.

“Anywhere there’s leather, plastic, or vinyl, if it’s repairable, we can repair it,” says Hickman.

They bring a new-to-Great Falls franchise called Fibrenew. The products and techniques were developed and tested in Calgary, Alberta, and have been used since 1980. Although there are presently 350 franchises across North America and in five countries, people from Great Falls will see them for the first time at the 2016 Home and Garden Show and Sale.

Hickman is enthusiastic about the environmentally-friendly possibility of helping individuals and businesses repair their items rather than send them to the landfill. He can’t promise that they will come back looking like new, but he says it will be close .... read more!

Freedom To Be His Own Boss

 When asked; Why Fibrenew? Franchisee Henry Garner responds; Because being a Fibrenew franchisee means you’re your own boss, you’re part of a supportive head office, and no two days are alike.

Since opening Fibrenew Alpharetta in 2012, Henry Garner has become the go-to guy for leather, plastic and vinyl restoration in the area. How does he know he provides solid service using top-of-the-line products? “The only time I ever really hear of my competition is when they’ve screwed up and someone calls Fibrenew to fix it!” he says.

There were a few components of Fibrenew that drew him to the franchise in the first place. First, the freedom to be his own boss was compelling. Garner admits this is something he appreciates every day. “If I had someone telling me what to do or looking over my shoulder it would drive me crazy!”

Leather Furniture Redye By Fibrenew Second, he immediately recognized the encouragement for success from head office. When recalling his early exploration into the company, Garner says, “I was really impressed with the support Fibrenew had. I remember before I purchased the business I was talking to the support team about the process and they genuinely cared about me being part of this.” And even after opening the doors to Fibrenew Alpharetta Garner received the same support from the franchise team. “One of the many things I appreciate is how quickly you can get somebody on the phone and how there is always someone there to answer questions.” read more!

From Banker to Business Owner, Fibrenew Franchisee Takes Charge

Josh Colwell admits he felt stuck in his former career. As a banking professional, his days were habitual, standardized routines where he was confined to his office. “I enjoy people, but the banking system isn’t really about that,” he explains. For 10 years he plugged along, supporting his wife as she started her online retail business. Colwell looked here and there for new opportunities that would allow for more interaction with people, and after reconnecting with an old friend he finally found what he was looking for.

Daniel Sheetz owned a thriving Fibrenew franchise and invited Colwell to join the business as his technician. Wanting to return to his farming background, Sheetz was looking for someone with passion and drive to take over Fibrenew Central Iowa as leader in leather, plastic and vinyl restoration. Colwell found the hands-on, creative problem solving elements of his technician’s role as a welcome surprise. “It was something that was missing from my day-to-day life. I really enjoyed it.”

Ten months into his technician’s role, Colwell purchased the business. “It was the right time. I knew it was an opportunity that doesn’t come along often, so I figured, ‘Let’s go.’” With the support of his wife, he has earnestly embraced his new role as entrepreneur, setting — and achieving — high standards for his Fibrenew Central Iowa franchise. The quality of the brand is something Colwell takes pride in being part of. “I am a big believer in our products and what we do. The [Fibrenew] trainers and support team help push me to another level of proficiency and raise my standards.” read more!

Sofa Psychology Infographics

Sofa Psychology Infographic created by Consignment Northwest

Do you know that choosing your sofa tells something about you? Do you prefer loveseats? Chaise lounges? Reclining sofas? Sofa beds? Leather couches? What about colors? Red? Black? Yellow? White? See this infographic and find out! Know more about leather furniture repair in http://www.fibrenew-franchising.com/.

Fibrenew: The Franchise that Drives A Family Business

Michael & Dianna Carter purchased their Fibrenew franchise in 2001 and have driven their success by restoring leather, plastic and vinyl materials in the Loudoun County, Virginia area ever since. By first cultivating strong relationships with car dealerships in their local market, the Carters quickly built a successful family business.

After shifting careers from telecommunications to a driver at UPS, Michael was seeking the perfect self-employment opportunity. He knew he found it with Fibrenew, a franchise that fit both his lifelong passion for automobiles and his desire to be able to enjoy his growing family.

Fibrenew Franchisee Michael Carter“When my wife and I first considered a Fibrenew mobile franchise, we realized we could have both the financial freedom we sought and the flexibility to be available to our kids’ little league schedules, horseback riding lessons and concerts at school,” says Michael . . . read more!