TRAINING IS AVAILABLE

Personalized Training

Back in 1980, my brothers and I paid $5000 to be trained to do bathtub refinishing by a company down in Houston.  What we got was a one-week course in observation with some hands-on experience in the refinishing process (but we also had to buy their refinishing products for a year).

We took notes while we were there, and actually did some spraying, too.  When we got back home, we immediately put everything we learned into practice.  As we began to work, we found ways to fine-tune our skills, because we wanted to excel in this specialized area.

Well, that was over 25 years ago.  Since then, I've learned that when you're the operator of a business, as well as the owner, you have a vested interest in making absolutely sure that you are doing quality work 100% of the time, because that's the only way to ensure the best kind of free advertising there is: word-of-mouth advertising.

Many people have approached me over the years about training them in the refinishing business.  But honestly, I stay so busy, I never gave it any thought.  Then, in 2002, an individual from California called me, first just inquiring about refinishing in general.  Long story short, we began to talk over a period of weeks and months, and he asked me to train him.  Here is the letter he wrote me after he got back home:

"Starting a business, any kind of business, can be somewhat daunting.  So when I was thinking of starting a business in bathtub and tile refinishing, I wanted to make sure that the training I got would not only prepare me for the actual process of refinishing - but also would provide me with a background of setting up a business structure.  So I shopped around - I called several companies just to see what each had to offer.  I must admit that from the start I was impressed with your willingness to share your thoughts, suggestions, and to answer my many questions.  I felt like you were there to help - not to close a deal - and that's why I chose to train with you.  Learning from a company backed by your extensive experience and professionalism took the edge off starting a new business.  Also knowing that you are, as you've reminded me many times, "just a phone call away" is a great comfort.  Thanks, Jim!"

Tim Aranki
Renew Surfaces
San Mateo, CA

Tim and his wife spent 2 weeks here, and we covered just about everything.  He observed me doing the work at first, asking specific questions, taking great notes, and even taking "before" and "after" pictures with his digital camera, all for his reference at a later date.  Very quickly, he began doing the work, like repairing chips, rust stains, and scratches in bathtubs and sinks.  He also refinished bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and wall tile from beginning to end.

We talked about how important customers and customer service are.  We went on estimates together, so he could see how I interacted with customers, both residentially and commercially (we just happened to be finishing up a hotel job while he was here).  We put together bids, talked about marketing, and in general, tried to cover as much as we could while he was here.  FYI, Tim's business is going great!

In my opinion, for any business to be really successful, you must have high work ethics and be very customer-oriented.  If you're that kind of individual, and you're interested in starting a refinishing business, call me.  My initial investment of $5000 not only paid for itself in way less than one year, it has also allowed me to make a good living since then.  Today, despite years of inflation, I am able to pass on my 25+ years of experience for the same price I paid for my training back then!