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Creative Colors International

The Ultimate Franchise Opportunity Specializing in the Repair & Restoration of Leather, Vinyl, Fabric, & Plastic

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Franchise News

Your Guide for How to Start a Mobile Detailing Franchise in 2020

May 6, 2020

Used car dealerships and car rental lots are in regular need of mobile detailing services. In a robust economy, car rentals increase, whereas, automotive trades increase in a slow economy. In fact, a bear market can mean more used cars on the lot – in turn, more need for a mobile detailing business to get them ready for resale. 

The unique feature of a mobile detailing business is its ability to successfully scale, from a single owner-run franchise to a full fleet – in just a few years. Starting any business takes hard work and dedication, but a mobile detailing business offers you a high rate of return on investment in a short timeline.

How to Start an Automotive Mobile Detailing Business

An automotive mobile detailing business provides cleaning and maintenance services to automotive dealerships, rental facilities, and other vehicle fleets. A mobile detailers job includes both, the interior, and exterior. The best mobile detailing services also perform automotive material repair and maintenance, such as leather seat repair and color dye matching.

A mobile detailer works from a custom-fit truck, which enables a single individual to service an entire car lot in a matter of a few hours. For an entrepreneur, a mobile detailing business can be a profitable single-operator business. The startup costs associated with an automotive detailing business depend on whether you are starting from scratch, or buying a mobile detailing franchise. 

Building it from Scratch or Buying a Franchise?

When it comes to the mobile detailing business, buying a franchise has significant benefits over starting your business from scratch. The largest hurdle to starting a business from scratch is the actual startup requirements, like equipment, licensing, and practical training. A franchise opportunity streamlines the startup process, so you can run your business with confidence. 

Becoming a franchisee offers opportunities in expanded services to your automotive detailing. Your franchise can broaden it’s mobile detailing services to include material restoration and repair, such as leather, vinyl, plastic, and fabric color-matching. Mobile repair and restoration open a franchisee to the auto markets for new and used vehicles – instead of individual vehicle owners. 

Benefits of Mobile Detailing and Repair Franchise

The biggest benefit of a franchise is the streamlined client-base. After all, what exactly are you paying for when you buy a franchise? In part, you are buying the peace-of-mind that you have help in building clientele. 

A franchise has standards and procedures by which franchisees are trained to uphold. The benefit of predetermined franchise procedures is that you don’t have to make them up from scratch. You get a manual that, literally, tells you how to do the job. 

Automotive detailing and restoration franchises provide extensive training to any new franchisee. And, once you are open for business, your franchise territory is protected from encroachment. But, the most immediate benefit of franchising is that it comes with all your startup equipment. 

A mobile detailing and repair franchisee receives a van that is outfitted with all your gear. A van will often include a generator, compressor, air hoses and retractors, heat guns, color dye, graining molds, and every other supply you might need. 

What Do You Need to Buy a Mobile Restoration and Detailing Franchisee?

To start an auto detailing business – more than anything – you need to be a self-starter. Success means working hard – even if it is for a short while. A franchise is great because you inherit a clear avenue for success. 

Franchise owners come in all education levels and skill backgrounds. It is helpful to have some experience or background in sales, technology or industrial manufacturing, and supervisory responsibilities.

Most franchisors have a process for approving prospective franchisees. It all begins with an interview and qualification assessment, similar to that of applying for a business loan. The franchisor, upon approval, drafts a franchise disclosure document and franchise agreement for you to review and sign. 

Final Thoughts

Starting a mobile detailing business franchise offers the highest likelihood of generating an immediate profit. Do local area research to discern whether a auto detailing and restoration franchise is in demand and will generate the kind of profit that you want. 

If you are interested in opening a franchise of your own in the mobile detailing and restoration industry, check out these resources to learn more. And, contact us to find out more about how soon you can become a franchisee for CCI.

Creative Colors International Named Top Franchise for Under $100,000

May 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Entrepreneur Magazine Names Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair and Restoration Franchise the #69 Bargain Buy in April 2020 Issue

 MOKENA, IL. – (May 06, 2020) – Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, was recently recognized by Entrepreneur magazine on its prestigious list of the top franchises for under $100,000.

The news was announced in the magazine’s April 2020 issue. Creative Colors International (CCI) ranked #69 on the list. The list was based on scores received in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list earlier this year. CCI ranked #410 on the Franchise 500 list for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“So many people consider owning their own business but never take the steps to do so because they assume that it takes too much money,” said Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International. “Our mobile, home-based business model allows for low overhead and affordable startup costs, especially when you consider our financing options.”

“Business ownership gives many people the opportunity for greater control over their careers and their personal wealth,” added Bollman. “We make sure to provide our franchisees with all the support they need to be successful.  When you buy a Creative Colors International franchise, you go into business for yourself, not by yourself.”

That support includes initial and ongoing training, an established client base so the franchise begins generating revenues immediately, national accounts, and exclusive and protected territories.

“It is an honor to once again be recognized as a cost-conscious investment by such a prestigious magazine as Entrepreneur,” said Bollman. “It is the industry-leading resource for many people considering the purchase of a franchise.”

To learn more about Creative Colors International franchise opportunities, please visit www.creativecolorsintl.com.

About Creative Colors International

Launched in 1991, the Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise system was created through its affiliate, J&J’s Creative Colors, the original industry leader in refurbishment techniques and systems. Today, both companies continue to be family-owned and operated by the second generation. Catering to the abundance of upholstered items in every home, business, and vehicle, CCI is the ultimate in on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, protection, and dyeing of leather, vinyl, plastic, and fabric. Through proprietary technology, CCI restores damaged material at a fraction of replacement costs, saving customers up to 90 percent. CCI repairs are stronger than the original area and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. In the Automotive, Furniture, and Commercial Markets, CCI offers on-site repair and restoration to all types of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic, and carpeting by repairing and re-dyeing holes, cuts, tears, burns, scrapes, fading, and discoloration. For more information on CCI’s services and franchise opportunities, visit www.wecanfixthat.com.

Media Contact:

Kevin Behan

919-459-3595

kbehan@919marketing.com

CCI Franchisee Helps Local Police Stay Healthy

May 4, 2020

A Creative Colors International Inc. franchisee in Colorado is helping the local community navigate the new normal by protecting police officers on the frontlines from the novel coronavirus.

Police officers spend the majority of every shift in their vehicles, patrolling the community. Vehicles are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Car interiors are more than 2,144 times dirtier than the typical smartphone, harboring an average of more than 200 infectious bacteria per inch, according to a report by CarRentals.com, a division of Expedia Group. Making sure that police officers have a clean and sanitized work environment is an essential service during the pandemic. Mike McNairy, the franchise owner with CCI of Douglas County, started using the company’s new Disinfectant & Sanitizer to clean the Castle Rock Police Department’s patrol cars each week to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Police officers hold a space in my heart. They are frontline warriors who have to be in contact with people who need their help. We want to keep our officers as healthy as possible,” said McNairy.

As part of the cleaning service, technicians use an antimicrobial cloth to wipe down all the frequently touched areas in the car. The crew wears respiratory masks as a safety precaution and focuses their cleaning efforts on high-touch areas, such as steering wheels, door handles, seat belts and electronic controls. The average steering wheel of a car is nine times dirtier than a public restroom, and a vehicle’s interior has 40 percent more germs than a toilet seat. McNairy also disinfected equipment and hand grips of any firearms kept inside the patrol car. Following the spot cleaning, a technician fogs the interior of the patrol car with CCI’s new Sanitizer & Disinfectant.

McNairy’s effort to protect the safety of frontline workers provides a unique service for his business during this unprecedented time. CCI, the leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair, normally helps customers save money by making repairs to extend the life of their products. Denver television stations recognized CCI of Douglas County’s creativity and community support by airing 20 news stories showcasing one of McNairy’s recent trips to the station to sanitize vehicles.

Staff from the corporate team at J&J’s Creative Colors also did several rounds of sanitizing and disinfecting patrol cars and fire trucks with the Mokena and Fire Police Departments.  The CCI family is proud to provide a safe work environment for the officers and first responders who are on the front lines in keeping our communities safe from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

CCI’s New Cleaner Helps Franchisees Boost Bottom Line

The Sanitizer & Disinfectant McNairy used to clean police cars in Castle Rock was recently added to CCI’s lineup of products to give franchisees a new offering to generate sales during the pandemic.

“As part of the new normal, we expect customers to continue to stay vigilant in keeping their possessions clean and sanitized,” said Mark J. Bollman, CCI’s president and co-owner. “Our new Sanitizer & Disinfectant will help ensure the safety of our employees and allow us to provide another vital service to customers.”

CCI Sanitizer & Disinfectant has powerful, long-lasting effects that kill viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew. It is approved to be used to safely sanitize against COVID-19. The antimicrobial cleaner is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It is fragrance-free and also eliminates odors from organics, inorganics and pathogens. The safe and reliable cleaner can be used to kill pathogens on any surface. CCI technicians can apply the product quickly with a spray gun. Technicians have the option to allow surfaces to air dry or wipe them down after 60 seconds. The solution was designed to properly disinfect interior surfaces without drying or fading the material.

To learn more about how CCI supports its franchisees by offering innovative products and services, visit www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities.

Creative Colors International Named a 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchise by Franchise Business Review

April 23, 2020

Independent Research Data Shows Franchisees Are Highly Satisfied with Their Investment in CCI

(MOKENA, IL. – April 23, 2020) — Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, was identified by independent franchise market research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of only 100 franchises to qualify for its 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchises list. Brands on the list had to have high franchisee satisfaction and an investment of under $100,000 at the time their franchisees participated in Franchise Business Review’s survey.

Creative Colors International is a unique mobile repair and restoration franchise business specializing in the repair, restoration, cleaning, protection, and dyeing of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic, and carpeting in the automotive, furniture, commercial, and residential markets.

Franchise Business Review (FBR) provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. FBR publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in quarterly reports throughout the year that rank the top franchises in specific sectors.

More than 9,000 franchisees representing over 153 low-cost brands participated in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction survey between July 2018 and February 2020.

Creative Colors International’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“Many people never consider buying a franchise because they think they can’t afford it. But what they don’t know is that there are a number of very solid business opportunities out there that can provide the satisfaction and perks of business ownership but don’t require a huge financial investment,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “The low-cost franchises that made this year’s list are excellent options for those who are looking to make the leap to business ownership.”

Creative Colors survey data showed the following:

  • Creative Colors exceeded FBR’s benchmark franchisee satisfaction numbers in the areas of Training & Support, Franchise System, Core Values and Overall Satisfaction.
  • CCI ranked highest in the category of Core Values with a score of 4.4 out of 5.0. This measured franchisees’ feelings about the franchisor in the areas of Trust, Respect, Honesty & Integrity and Care about Success.
  • Within Core Values, CCI scored highest in Honesty & Integrity, which rated the franchisor’s corporate culture and the promotion of honest and ethical business practices.

“The Creative Colors franchise is a mobile, home-based business with low overhead and few start-up costs,” said Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International.  “Being named to the Franchise Business Review list is a reflection of our desire to keep the cost of our franchises at a reasonable and attainable level.”

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2020 Top Franchises.

For more information on Creative Colors International repair and restoration services, please visit https://www.wecanfixthat.com/.

About Creative Colors International:

Launched in 1991, the Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise system was created through its affiliate, J&J’s Creative Colors, the original industry leader in refurbishment techniques and systems. Today, both companies continue to be family-owned and operated by the second generation. Catering to the abundance of upholstered items in every home, business, and vehicle, CCI is the ultimate in on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, protection, and dyeing of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric. Through proprietary technology, CCI restores damaged material at a fraction of replacement costs, saving customers up to 90 percent. CCI repairs are stronger than the original area and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. In the Automotive, Furniture and Commercial Markets, CCI offers on-site repair and restoration to all types of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic and carpeting by repairing and re-dyeing holes, cuts, tears, burns, scrapes, fading and discoloration. For more information on CCI’s services and franchise opportunities, visit https://www.wecanfixthat.com/.

About Franchise Business Review

 Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/. To learn more about FBR’s research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.

Media Contact:

Kevin Behan                                                    Ali Forman

919-459-3595                                                  603.319.4818

kbehan@919marketing.com                        aforman@franchisebusinessreview.com

Annual Franchising Convention Highlights Industry Growth, Customer Focus

March 12, 2020

Creative Colors International Inc. relies on knowledge gleaned from a key industry conference to provide assistance for its franchisees and fuel company expansion.

The International Franchise Association is franchising’s biggest event for business development and personal growth. The conference provides attendees with the latest techniques to support their customers and is a great way to network and chart the future of the industry. Held February 8–11, IFA’s Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, featured more than 4,000 attendees and 50 educational sessions. IFA projects the number of franchised businesses in the United States to increase by 1.5 percent in 2020, to a total of 785,316 local businesses, and marking the 10th year of growth.

“The International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention helps CCI stay in touch with customer trends, enabling us to continue to provide our franchisees with practices that are important to run their business,” said Mark J. Bollman, CCI president. “It also keeps us abreast of legal issues affecting franchise sales and lets us network with our suppliers.”

CCI, the leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair, fulfills the franchising model’s unique promise of a stellar, nationwide reputation paired with a local business owner who supports your community. Getting support and advice from other franchisors at the convention helps the company continue to improve its services and give franchisees the tools they need for success. Sessions at the IFA conference, like “Implementing Systemwide Standards to Improve Performance” or “Veterans Hiring in the Current Business Climate,” help CCI encourage its franchisees to excel as leaders and support the local community they serve.

“The conference is a great place to learn and network with fellow franchisors and their team, as well as meet suppliers that can be pertinent to franchise systems,” said Terri Sniegolski, chief executive and owner of CCI. “We have been IFA members since 1990, when we first converted our family business over to franchising.”

The IFA Convention also provides CCI with the opportunity to share its business success and knowledge with peers in the field. By relying on superior customer service, attention to detail and family values, CCI has established itself as a leader in the franchise community. JoAnn and Jim Foster turned the key in the ignition of their first mobile repair van in 1980. Through proprietary technology, CCI restores damaged material at a fraction of replacement costs, saving customers up to 90 percent. CCI repairs are stronger than the original area and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. As growth continued through the years, and additional mobile units were added, customer demand spurred the necessity for a much larger expansion program. The company opened CCI in July 1991 to fuel franchise expansion.

“I feel that we all have so much to give within the franchise community. We all can provide some form of mentorship, guidance and support. Many of us can also provide their services to one another,” Sniegolski said.

CCI offers a wide variety of services in numerous markets. The company can repair sofas, bar stools, leather clothing and boat interiors for individual customers. At the same time, CCI offers its vinyl repairs to local restaurants and doctor’s offices. The company is aiming to grow its business with moving companies and fast-food restaurants. Networking with potential partners at the IFA convention allows CCI to provide more services to customers.

“Our company fixes damaged material. This includes all vinyl, fabric, and leather material.  We are unique in that we can repair minor tears, scuffs and scrapes on all material and if the material is beyond repair, we can replace it. The beauty of our business is once it’s replaced, we can continue to fix minor repairs saving you on the cost of replacement,” Sniegolski said.

If you are considering entrepreneurship, launch your new career with a company that has a proven track record and is strategically positioned for growth.  For more information on CCI’s franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.creativecolorsintl.com/.

Leap into Franchising With A Trusted Partner

February 28, 2020

Make time on the last day of February to step back and evaluate your career to determine if it’s time to take a leap into franchise ownership with Creative Colors International Inc.

Every four years, an extra day is added to the month of February. The additional 24 hours ensure that the calendar stays in line with the earth’s movement around the sun, Encyclopedia Britannica reports. It takes the earth 365.25 days to orbit the sun, and every four years we add a day to the calendar to accommodate the extra quarter of a day. Take the opportunity of an additional 24 hours this year to step back and evaluate your career. Now is a great time to stop trying to climb the corporate ladder and take a leap into entrepreneurship with CCI, the nation’s leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair.

Franchise industry growth is expected to continue riding the momentum of the United States market boom in 2020, despite an uncertain economy, according to the International Franchise Association, the leader in franchise advocacy. The number of franchised businesses in the United States is projected to grow by 1.5 percent this year, and franchise employment is expected to increase by 2.8 percent, adding a total of 232,000 jobs.

Benefits of Franchising

Opening a franchise business provides entrepreneurs with a variety of advantages.

  • Franchising offers customers a nationally recognized brand providing quality and consistency they trust, as well as proven products and business strategies.
  • Franchisors offer new business owners support every step of the way. They help entrepreneurs pick the best location, facilitate construction and help find financing.
  • Franchisors offer ongoing support in the form of training, advertising, operating procedures and more.

 

“The franchise industry is responsible for creating tens of thousands of opportunities for small business ownership across the country and millions of jobs for Americans,” said Robert Cresanti, IFA’s president and chief executive.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose CCI

CCI specializes in mobile upholstery repair, coloring, cleaning, protection and restoration of leather, cloth, vinyl, velour and plastics on a mobile basis. Technicians repair and restore furniture as well as key components of cars, planes, boats, homes, offices and more. Technicians at CCI’s Mokena, Illinois-based headquarters recently even fulfilled a customer request to restore his father’s leather football jacket as a surprise. CCI saves consumers time and money by repairing everyday wear and tear to extend the life of these products, instead of throwing them away and replacing them.

The estimated initial investment for each CCI business varies, but initial franchise fees start at $49,500. In addition to low start-up costs, CCI offers a host of advantages for entrepreneurs who are ready to take the leap into business ownership.

 Unlimited earnings potential. At CCI, the more you work, the more you earn. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to create a flexible work schedule for servicing customers. Serving a wide variety of markets gives CCI franchisees the opportunity to easily expand their customer base and drive sales.

 Customer-first philosophy. CCI prides itself on being responsive and flexible to meet the needs and expectations of its customers. The company values its work and is willing to issue a refund if a customer is unhappy with the results of their service. CCI’s philosophy enables customers to recognize the value of the company’s workmanship, ensuring a repeat client base and high demand.

Workplace focuses on family values. CCI was started by a husband and wife team, and the business is led by the second generation of the family. CCI makes it a priority to instill a family atmosphere with every franchisee.

Top-notch training. CCI provides training and on-the-job support to ensure the success of each location. Franchisees have access to telephone and online options for questions that arise when they are out in the field.

If 2020 is the year you make the decision to take a leap into franchising, visit www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities to learn more about purchasing a repair and restoration franchise with CCI.

CCI Offers Financial Security Despite Unsteady Economy

January 6, 2020

Top 5 reasons to buy a repair and restoration franchise

Creative Colors International Inc. is encouraging entrepreneurs to consider buying a repair and restoration franchise in 2020 to jumpstart earnings and improve their quality of life.

The deadline for setting New Year’s resolutions is here. Every year, Make Up Your Mind Day is celebrated on December 31. It marks the time when people stop debating future goals and start solidifying plans. As the volatile stock market sparks concern of a potential economic downturn, it’s time to start securing your financial future with a proven business model offering a solid track record of family values. Family businesses outperformed corporations during past recessions, according to The Conference Board, an economic think tank. Unlike their corporate counterparts, family businesses continued to launch new products during recessions, maintained advertising spending and placed an emphasis on corporate social responsibility.

CCI is the leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair. The 39-year-old company works hard to make sure a family atmosphere is instilled in each franchise, and a nationwide team of certified technicians provides customers with seamless repairs. The Mokena, Illinois-based company can repair or restore tears, burns, cuts, scratches, stains, fading and color restoration, seam slippage, and provide replacement parts. CCI saves customers time and money by repairing everyday wear and tear to extend the life of furniture and upholstery in cars, planes, boats, offices and more.

If you still need to “Make Up Your Mind”, here are the top five reasons to make 2020 the year you open a franchise in the repair and restoration industry.

1. Low overhead and start-up costs

CCI offers franchisees a proven business model with a low initial investment. The start-up program includes an equipment package, and each van comes with all the tools and supplies needed to hit the ground running. Operating a home-based business saves the costs and time of renting office space or stocking a storefront. Mobile businesses also build strong customer relationships because they offer repairs on-site, solving problems and building trust.

2.  Build your own schedule

CCI franchisees have the ability to create their own schedules in an exclusive and protected territory. CCI helps franchisees establish their client base. Workplace stress contributes to at least 120,000 deaths each year, according to research from the Harvard Business School. Having the flexibility to make time for important family events can help reduce stress levels and increase job satisfaction.

3.  Unlimited earnings potential
In addition to being able to develop a schedule that will work for your family, CCI’s business model is designed to offer franchisees unlimited earnings potential. The more customers you serve, the more money you earn. Motivated entrepreneurs can generate immediate income and expand their business over a wide variety of industries, including home furniture, automotive, planes, boats and RVs. Many franchisees also service doctor’s offices and restaurants.

 4.  Talented support system to help grow business
New CCI franchisees receive four weeks of initial training to learn the tricks of the trade and to practice the proprietary restoration techniques taught by the company. CCI offers 24-hour online support and a telephone helpline to answer on-the-job questions. CCI also holds an annual conference where franchisees and technicians meet to discuss best practices and new strategies to keep their business operating at peak performance.

5.  Challenge creativity and innovation
Every day is different in the mobile repair business. Each customer offers a new challenge, requiring franchisees and technicians to be creative to deliver superior service satisfaction.

 If you’ve made up your mind to make a change in 2020 and purchase a repair and restoration franchise, visit www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities to learn more about our franchise opportunities.

Army Training Creates Battle Plan for CCI Franchisee’s Success

November 13, 2019

Veteran Frank Earnest, a Creative Colors International franchisee, relies on lessons learned navigating war zones during his successful military career to help his Oklahoma-based business thrive.

“Owning my own business lets me be in charge of my own success,” Earnest said. “Each job is unique and requires us to think creatively to get the job done. In the military, quitting was not an option and I have the same view as a CCI franchisee.”

Attention to detail, dedication and leadership skills enabled Earnest to rise in the ranks of the military. Earnest enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1981 to help pay for college. After graduation, Earnest was commissioned as a second lieutenant and retired as a full colonel after 30 years of service. Early in his career, Earnest traveled to Germany with his young family, where he served as an infantry officer while his wife, Lena, taught classes in the Department of Defense Education Activity school system. Once he returned stateside, Earnest attended the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and his wife continued her career teaching children with special needs. With each promotion, Earnest was consistently tapped for posts in dangerous locations, including Bosnia, Iraq, Columbia and numerous stints in Central America. Earnest’s leadership skills were put to the test when he coordinated land operations with FEMA to evacuate civilians during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in Louisiana.

During his military career, Earnest spent more than 14 years deployed away from his family in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones. After his retirement, he searched for an opportunity that would keep him close to home. “Seeing utter poverty, slavery and lack of freedoms people have in other countries really makes you appreciate how lucky we are in America,” he said.

A CCI franchisee from Texas inspired Earnest to look at the mobile, on-site leather and vinyl repair service as an option for business ownership. “I grew up on a farm and was used to doing things myself and working with my hands. As you get promoted in the military you do less and less hands-on work and more paperwork. I thought working as a technician to make repairs sounded fun,” Earnest said.

CCI is the leader in the leather, vinyl and fabric repair business. Certified technicians come to your location and use proprietary tools and techniques to repair, restore or replace damaged vinyl, leather, fabric or plastic goods. They can make your furniture, car, RV or office look brand new. Hiring CCI’s mobile restoration service can save customers up to 90 percent in expenses by salvaging damaged items.

Currently, Earnest and Lena operate four CCI vans and have five employees. They own exclusive rights to the area north of Oklahoma City, but their vans operate throughout the state and also provide services in nearby Arkansas and Missouri. Earnest fills in as a technician when his employees take vacations and Lena does the company’s books. Placing a special focus on RVs has been a big money-maker for his company, Earnest said. “The military instilled discipline and focus in me,” Earnest added. “It teaches you to look at different options other people might not have considered, which is a great asset for a business owner.”

Owning his own business puts him in the driver’s seat but having the support of CCI’s corporate office has been invaluable to his success, according to Earnest. One day during a difficult job, Earnest called the company’s support line for advice. When they couldn’t find someone to help solve his problem, Mark J. Bollman, CCI’s president and co-owner came on the line to help out. “Nobody at headquarters has the attitude that they are too important to help you. Everyone gives you advice,” Earnest said. “The support they offer to new franchises is absolutely fantastic.”

Celebrate Veterans Day this month by supporting a company that prides itself on offering great careers to our nation’s military heroes. Get your quote today.

AIR FORCE VETERAN DEPLOYS MILITARY TRAINING TO HELP BUSINESS SOAR

November 5, 2019

vets_profile_-_creative_colors_-_mike_mcnairy.jpgAir Force veteran Mike McNairy applies strategies and skills learned during his 21-year tenure in the military to take his Creative Colors International Inc. franchise to new heights.

“Franchising is a great transition for a military person,” McNairy said. “You learn about the specific skill, but you also get business background and help with marketing, sales and financial principles. It is basically an out-of-the-box business, and for someone who served in the military who is good with structure and organization, the model covers all the bases.”

Determination, confidence, teamwork and grace under pressure were attributes McNairy acquired while working with nuclear weapons and monitoring for inbound threats to North America during his career with the United States Air Force. McNairy joined the USAF in 1989 and retired as a lieutenant colonel from Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He held numerous operational positions at the squadron, wing and command levels.  He was an instructor at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where he commissioned more than 100 second lieutenants. McNairy served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Freedom and was called on duty following the terrorist attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001.

After retiring from the military, McNairy ran a successful auto repair business for approximately eight years. His wife, Lynette, encouraged him to open a CCI franchise in the Denver area. Lynette McNairy serves as the Chief of Operations and lead technician. McNairy manages the back-office operations at the family-focused company, overseeing personnel, accounting and expansion efforts. “We chose CCI because of the company’s team environment and their desire to see people succeed. We immediately noticed the family environment and knew we could make this business a success,” he added.

CCI is the leader in the mobile leather, vinyl and fabric repair business. Certified technicians work quickly to restore vehicles, furniture or other items, and make them look like new. The 39-year-old company has locations in nearly every state and is adding new franchises each year. Low investment, superior training and ongoing franchise support make it an appealing business option for entrepreneurs.

The military taught McNairy how to interact, lead people and manage operations. Advance preparation and contingency plans are key to any military operation and are important tools for running a successful business. The Air Force gave McNairy the opportunity to learn how to deal with setbacks and challenges. “You expect problems, and you learn not to fold as a result of it,” he added.

The military shaped McNairy’s values of duty, honor and commitment, helping make him an integral member of the local business community. McNairy is the Chairman for the Board of Directors of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation. “In the Air Force, we lived by the code, ‘service before self,’ which I now apply to our community by helping whenever I can. We always operate with integrity and I strive for excellence in everything I do,” he said.

www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities

 

Franchising USA Magazine, link to full article:

https://franchisingusamagazine.com/air-force-veteran-deploys-military-training-help-business-soar

 

Make CCI’s Annual Conference Part of Your Game Plan

October 1, 2019

Make CCI’s Annual Conference Part of Your Game Plan

Starting a home-based business as a franchisee with Creative Colors International Inc. develops an ideal playing field for both high profits and flexibility. Tackle your competitors by adding our Creative Colors International Conference & Awards Gala to your annual schedule.

CCI starts entrepreneurs on a path to success by offering them a proven business model. As the leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair, we help new franchisees establish their client base in an exclusive territory and offer them ongoing training and support. New franchisees have access to CCI’s Slack collaboration hub and our annual sales and training conference.

Operating a home-based business has its perks. It’s convenient, affordable and provides great work-life balance. Yet, there is no substitute for in-person meetings. Eighty-five percent of participants believe face-to-face meetings build stronger and more meaningful relationships, according to a study conducted by Forbes Insights of 760 business executives. A whopping eight out of 10 surveyed prefer face-to-face meetings and many executives think they are essential to forming long-term business relationships.

In a world where conference calls, email and instant messaging are the norms, attending CCI’s annual conference will give your business a boost in the right direction. The company conference, most recently held in Minneapolis, provides dedicated franchisees with five important tools to win the game.

Educate: Learn the latest tricks of the trade to retain employees, increase profits and add customers. Part of the beauty of our brand is that we offer services to a wide range of clients in the automotive and service industry. As these industries evolve, we need to make sure to grow with them. Participating in our conference will keep you abreast of all the latest trends for the customers and employees you serve.

Recharge: Franchisees who are enthusiastic about the brand are better at retaining employees, according to the International Franchise Association, a trade association devoted to franchising. Spending time networking with your peers at our annual conference will increase your passion for the brand. Not only will meeting with other franchisees at our conference help build team unity, but it will also create renewed energy for your business.

 Share. Here is a chance to shine. Sharing your success stories with other franchisees at the conference is key. We are proud of your hard work and want to make sure everyone hears the unique ways you are succeeding. Sharing your triumphs will help solidify your status as a stellar CCI franchisee.

 Take home a winner. The conference showcases best practices you can implement in your own business. Make sure to take home a winner and implement at least one thing you learn at the conference. CCI advises franchisees to keep an open mind at the conference. Don’t dismiss new ideas for your business or your employees. Make sure to carefully analyze new information before deciding it isn’t useful. Keep an open mind and allow for change.

Fun. Successful franchisees take time to relax with family and friends, IFA contends. CCI knows being a franchisee can require an extensive time commitment. Spending time socializing with your fellow franchisees at our annual conference is a great way to unwind with people who share similar challenges and achievements.

Once you book your tickets to our annual conference, do your homework to make the most of the event. Make a list of how you’re hoping to improve your business. Think about who you want to see at the conference and develop a plan of attack before you arrive, to help you discover real solutions.

Learn more about how CCI supports its business owners by encouraging training, and franchise opportunities with CCI, here — www.wecanfixthat.com.

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