Awesome Ann: A Successful Fibrenew Franchise Owner Balances Work & Home Life

Ann Benes 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 14 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...read more of the story here!

Reblog: Driven to Achieve

With a mobile model and flat fees, Fibrenew is differentiating itself in the franchise market

Michael and Dianna Carter, of Loudoun County, Virginia purchased their Fibrenew franchise in 2001 and have since developed strong relationships with car dealerships and thus built a successful business restoring leather, plastic and vinyl materials for the automotive industry.

After moving out of the telecommunications sector into role of driver at UPS, Michael was keen to find the perfect self-employment opportunity. He found it with Fibrenew, a franchise that fit both his lifelong passion for cars and a desire to be able to enjoy his growing family.

“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, riding lessons and concerts at school,” says Michael.

It was the flexibility of Fibrenew’s mobile business model, which allows franchisees to build a business around their schedule, that attracted Michael and his family to Fibrenew. This, along with the flat-fee, no-royalty model secured their decision to begin their new venture with the brand.

Michael recommends that anyone interested in purchasing a franchise clearly understands the financial possibilities and challenges inherent in the system of the franchise they are researching. Fibrenew, because of the flat-fee model, doesn’t penalize growth; the earning potential is, therefore, unlimited and this allows the business to grow easily and in a variety of ways. For Michael, this has included adding a full-time technician this year, lending more flexibility and freedom to the family. It also includes part-time work for his 16-year-old son that fits around his school schedule.

“Fibrenew, because of the flat-fee model doesn’t penalize growth; the earning potential is, therefore, unlimited and allows the business to grow easily and in a variety of ways”

Michael’s expansion now includes branching out beyond automotive into medical offices and upholstery work in the commercial and residential industries. While he’s long been in love with the car industry Michael recognizes that, after a decade of establishing solid growth, there is still financial opportunity and growth in each of his territories by adopting new products and niches that Fibrenew caters for.

“Opportunity grows with us. Fibrenew allows me to build a business where I’m most comfortable, but also fully supports and provides a platform for me to push myself further,” says Michael. Click here for more the continuation of the interview!

Interview With Fibrenew CEO, Michael Wilson

(3 minute read) Fibrenew is a niche service mobile franchise business that specializes in the restoration of leather, plastic and vinyl in the automotive, aviation, commercial, marine, medical and residential markets.

To know and understand the unique culture at Fibrenew is to get inside the mind of CEO, Micheal Wilson. In this sit down interview, he answers questions about his background, Fibrenew’s inception, where the company is today and where it’s headed.

Tell us about the Fibrenew franchise concept.

Michael Wilson: We are a mobile operation that specializes in the restoration of damaged leather, plastic and vinyl. What makes us unique is that we are not a reupholstery service. Our products and techniques have our technicians repair holes, cracks, fades, stains, burns, etc. on any type of leather, plastic or vinyl ‘in situ’. This means that we repair the damaged items without having to remove them. It could be on furniture in a home, office or hotel, it could be on a vehicle’s seats, armrests, dashboard or panels, it could be leather, plastic or vinyl in a boat or plane, it could be medical exam tables or gym equipment, etc. We repair it on location and at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

How and when did you become involved with Fibrenew franchise?

MW: The previous owners of the company were just starting to franchise the concept and I had recently lost my construction company because of the devastating recession that had just happened. In a round about way, I bought my franchise out of an act of desperation – and I’m sure glad I did! It turned out to be one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. My wife and I then had the opportunity to purchase the entire company in 1994. It was shortly thereafter that we pushed hard to expand the business across Canada, into New Zealand, USA, Mexico and Australia. I was the first franchisee, and today, we now have more than 230 locations in 5 countries around the world.

What was your background prior to joining Fibrenew?

MW: I’ve lived a very interesting life. I was born in New Zealand and grew up there spending most of my youth hiking in the southern alps and surfing the local beaches. After leaving New Zealand I spent 2 years in the outback of Australia, and 3 years in the Canadian High Arctic where I worked as a surveyor. I was an international yachtsman sailing my own boat, which I built in England, and other people’s boats around the world. I was a yacht builder and then I became a house builder, (now I am a company builder). I had my own construction company in Calgary just before I bought the Fibrenew franchise. I operated my own franchise for 7 years before purchasing the entire company and franchising it around the world.

What are some of the advantages in being a Fibrenew franchisee?

MW: The ability to generate a great income and if you work hard and stay focused on growing your business, a great income. I think the fact that we run a flat rate royalty system is a big advantage in the eyes of franchisees as well. This means that you really are your boss because there is no financial reporting, no red tape, etc. You you free to make as much or as little as you wish and you are charged the same rate. We are here to support you and guide you, but ultimately you are in control of your success. Another advantage is the fact that in most markets there is little to no competition. We are an extremely niche business and our franchisees appreciate that.

Who is your ideal franchisee?

MW: There are a few ‘hard-set’ criteria meaning that first, you have to be able to distinguish colour adequately. Matching colour is at the heart of out repair process so this is a must. Secondly, you should like working with your hands and using tools to a certain degree. Third, you can’t be afraid to talk to potential customers about how you can help them. Some call this ‘selling’ but it’s really just having a conversation with your neighbour, your kid’s coach, local business owners, etc. about what you do as a Fibrenew technician. The thing is, everyone has leather, plastic or vinyl in their home, vehicle or place of business. That means there’s a never ending list of people who will need your services. You just have to let them know what you do and how you can help them. Prior business experience is a nice to have but it’s not a show stopper. We will teach you those skills. Our business model and programs have been developed over the past 28+ years – it’s very refined and we know it works. If you stick to our template, there is a very good chance you’ll succeed.

Click here for more of Michael Wilson's interview Fibrenew CEO!

Successful Fibrenew Franchise Owner Balances Work & Home Life

Ann Benes 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 14 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...continue reading!

Former Real Estate Agent and Golf Pro Turned Fibrenew Franchise Owner

When Jason Neufeld was growing up, his family owned and operated a service station in downtown Winnipeg. After the family sold their business, Jason moved to Alberta where he worked as a golf pro for a few years. He and his wife then returned to their home province of Manitoba where he worked in commercial real estate until the opportunity to purchase the Fibrenew Winnipeg Franchise presented itself.

Buying an established franchise had the advantage of already having a customer base, but it also came with the expectation that Jason be ready to go to serve that customer base with expert leather, plastic and vinyl restoration services. Thankfully, he has the support of Fibrenew Franchise Head Office, his three full time technicians and his one part time technician to help him...continue reading!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!