After experiencing several job losses, Craig Burton, wanted job stability and to be in control of his future. He achieved both goals by purchasing a Fibrenew franchise in Austin, TX in 2011. He explains to Franchise Business Review why he chose the brand and what his franchising experience has been like.
Why did you enter franchising?
After having three jobs in five years, it was evident that stability, security, and loyalty were no longer guaranteed in the workplace. I also didn’t feel that what I was doing was making any material difference, which isn’t very satisfying. These factors combined, made me want to find a career that provided stability, was satisfying, and would enable me to become luckier the harder I worked. I felt being self-employed would enable me to achieve these things, so started researching franchises.
“Fibrenew has a method of doing things, not just with training, but on the products and support side, that is successful.”
What are the benefits of owning a franchise?
I knew I had invested in an established concept that works. Fibrenew has a method of doing things, not just with training, but on the products and support side, that is successful. I was provided with a pre-built set of tools for almost everything I needed to get my business ramped up quickly. In addition to the support I receive from the Head Office, I can phone any franchisee up around the country and get advice or help. The ongoing seminars and workshops that Fibrenew offers enable me to stay sharp in my field and to continually learn new skills.
“I wanted a business relationship that would fit with what my family has established as important including time commitment, availability, and financial reward. Fibrenew fits all this, so was a pretty attractive package.”
Why did you select the franchise you did?
The single most important thing in my life is my family, my wife and two girls. I wanted a business relationship that would fit with what my family has established as important including time commitment, availability, and financial reward. Fibrenew fits all this, so was a pretty attractive package.
Are you happy you invested in a franchise?
Yes. From a business perspective, it’s pretty amazing to think that there is hardly anyone out there who doesn’t need our leather, vinyl, and plastic restoration services at some point. From a personal perspective, more flexibility in my schedule and my family’s schedule means a lot.
Fibrenew Background Information
In 1985 Tom Gallagher founded Fibrenew to offer leather and vinyl repair to customers in Alberta, Canada. Gallagher’s brother-in-law Michael Wilson purchased the first franchise in 1987 and then bought the company in 1994. The company continued to expand in Canada, and began opening franchises in New Zealand in 1996 and the U.S. in 1999. Fibrenew franchisees work from home, offering mobile repairs, restoration and re-dyeing of leather, vinyl, plastic, carpet and fabric in automobiles, boats, planes, medical facilities, homes and businesses.
Craig researched the Fibrenew franchise opportunity prior to investing in it. To facilitate your research, we pulled together the information below about the brand.
To see how Fibrenew’s franchisees rank it in area’s that are crucial to the health of a franchise including leadership, culture, and training, read its full franchisee satisfaction report.
For more information about franchising with Fibrenew call (480) 626 2450 or visit Fibrenew.
