Creative Colors International

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

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Romance and Repairs! The Two Really Can Go Together

Family is a word we use a lot here at Creative Colors International. The company was founded by, and is currently run by, a family… and we want to make sure each and every member of the CCI team feels like they are a part of it. We think it’s what helps make our franchisees happy and helps keep our customers calling us back again and again.

Family might be a word we use often, but romance? We’ll admit not everyone goes as weak in the knees as we do when we finish a fantastic leather repair job, but romance really is alive and well here at Creative Colors International. That’s in evidence by the number of husband and wife teams we have throughout the organization! In honor of Romance Awareness Month, let’s meet a husband/wife franchise team that’s making it work both on the job and off: Frank and Lena Earnest, owners of the CCI franchise in Oklahoma City North.

Everybody loves a love story. Can you both tell us yours?

 Lena: Frank introduced himself to me at a church dinner for college students. We talked and started dating. Most of our dates were walking around a park and talking. The more I was with him, the more I wanted to be with him.

Frank: I saw this small, beautiful, blonde, bubbly girl across the room. I kept trying to work my over to talk to her and, being the social butterfly, she kept moving. Other guys kept going up to her and talking to her. I finally got a chance to introduce myself and spoke with her briefly. She had to leave! It took me two weeks to track her down. Three months later we were engaged and then a year and a half later we got married.

You’ve been married for 38 years now, but you weren’t always able to spend them together.

 Lena: Frank was an officer in the Army. He was away from home training or on deployments. It was very lonely. I would worry about him. Back in our early years of marriage, we didn’t have the technology to communicate when he was away from home, so I didn’t know how he was.

Frank: I was extremely busy trying to ensure my soldiers were trained for combat and making sure they had everything they needed. I never wanted to have a soldier die on account that I failed to train them properly or provide them with the resources they needed. I always felt bad because Lena had to be a single parent, but I knew she would make the best decisions she could and that she would take care of our family until I could be there.

How did you make the decision to buy a franchise and work it together?

 Lena: We wanted to spend more time together. When Frank retired, we knew we would want to do something together.

Frank: Lena spent 30 years as a special education teacher. She was ready for a change too. We went to a job fair for veterans and that’s where we first heard about Creative Colors International.

 

Why did you ultimately choose Creative Colors International?

 Frank: Honestly at first we ruled it out. But, at another job fair, we met an owner of a CCI franchise. She explained more about the company, so we added Creative Colors back in our research process.

Lena: Frank has always enjoyed working with his hands. We also liked the concept of taking something and fixing it and making it look better. Frank also likes being able to start a project and see it through to completion. This provides instant gratification since most repairs are completed relatively quickly. We are proud of our work.

So what is a typical day like?

Frank: There is no typical day. Our day changes many times throughout the day! We supervise three other employees. We do repair work as well. A lot of our time is spent coordinating and getting the resources our employees need. We also do most of the estimates together.

Lena: We service 15 different RV dealerships! When they have a unit worth several hundred thousand dollars that needs to be repaired, they want it repaired ASAP! Our business is also growing in the restaurant and medical fields.

Some people would never DREAM of working with their spouse! How do you two make it work for you?

 Frank: It was rough starting out. With her work in special education, Lena was used to asking for permission, and as an Army officer, I was used to being the one giving the permission! Needless to say, we operated in different ways. We had to determine the roles that we would each play to ensure the success of our company.

What’s the best thing about working with your spouse?

 Lena: We get to spend time together. I like seeing Frank’s face after a repair is completed and he knows he’s done a good job!

Creative Colors has many successful husband-wife teams throughout our system.  If you and your spouse are considering opening a franchise together, be sure to check out your options with Creative Colors at https://www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities/. 

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

Entrepreneur Magazine Names Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair and Restoration Franchise the #44 Bargain Buy in September 2019 Issue

 MOKENA, IL. – Ever dream of starting your own business but afraid you don’t have the money to make it happen? Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, could make you reconsider. The company was just recognized by Entrepreneur magazine on its prestigious list of the top franchises under for $100,000.

The news was announced in the magazine’s September 2019 issue. Creative Colors International (CCI) ranked #44 on the list. It’s not the first time the company landed on the annual list – proof the company works hard to maintain its goal of keeping the dream of business ownership within grasp.

“How many give thought to owning their own business but never see it go any further than that? They never realize their dream because they automatically 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 is the American Dream. It’s the backbone of our country. To be recognized for helping put that dream in reach for more and more people is really quite an honor,” added Bollman. “And we don’t just cut our franchisees loose and say, ‘Good luck!’ When you buy a Creative Colors International franchise, you go into business for yourself — not by yourself.”

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

“We’re proud to be considered such a cost-conscious investment by such a prestigious magazine as Entrepreneur. We know it’s a go-to resource for many people considering the purchase of a franchise,” Bollman adds. “When our franchisees succeed, we succeed.”

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:

Graham Chapman

919-459-8157

gchapman@919marketing.com

 

AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A DIME

Let’s take a moment to talk about ROI — Return On Investment.  In particular, let’s look closer in terms of the average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree from a standard public university.

According to the College Board, a four-year degree at a public, in-state university will cost just shy of $10,000 a year on average. Room and board at that same school will cost you roughly another $10,440 a year. Tack on another $1,000 a year for books and supplies, and at the end of the day, you’re looking at a pretty high number:

$85,760.00

 That is a solid chunk of change for a young person who possibly hasn’t even worked a day in their life yet! And then there are the looming questions after you have your degree in hand: “What if I chose unwisely?” and “How in the world am I going to pay for this?”

The Skilled Trade Shortage

For some people, college or university is a no-brainer, but for many others, the decision of whether to pursue a university education is a little more complex. Making the decision even less clear is the rising concern about the lack of necessary skilled trade workers. Here are some examples:

There is a perception that you have to have a college degree to be successful, and it’s just not true!

You Bring the Motivation; We’ll Bring the Training

What does it take to be successful with Creative Colors International?

  • Motivation
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time-management skills
  • Customer service abilities 

You’ll be taught our process, and it won’t cost you a dime! 

What do you get in return?

  • Unlimited earning potential
  • High commission structure
  • Freedom and flexibility

As a technician working with Creative Colors International, you’ll get the opportunity to work with a proven business that provides you with an immediate income and unlimited potential for growth. No automotive experience is required and we will fully train all Certified Technicians in every aspect of our repair and restoration business. You don’t even need a trade school to succeed.

Return On Investment = $$$$

You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars sitting in a classroom and doing homework. Join the skilled trade revolution and apply to become a CCI Certified Service Technician. You’ll find that you’ll be making the best investment possible — an investment in yourself!

For more information on a Creative Colors International franchise opportunity, please visit https://www.creativecolorsintl.com/.

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE NAMES CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL A TOP 50 FRANCHISE UNDER $100K

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair and Restoration Franchise Considered a Best Buy by Entrepreneur Magazine

 MOKENA, Ill. – (July 8th, 2019) – Everyone loves a bargain, and Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, was recently named a top buy by Entrepreneur magazine. Creative Colors International was ranked #22 on the highly regarded magazine’s list of top franchises that can be started for less than $100,000.

The budget-friendly ranking was based on the scores Creative Colors International received in Entrepreneur’s 2019 Franchise 500 ranking – where the repair and restoration franchise ranked #224. Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 is nationally recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees.

“The Creative Colors family works hard to keep the cost of our franchises at a reasonable and attainable level,” says Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International. “Our goal is to help people take the dream of business ownership and make it into their reality. We do this by creating a totally mobile business that is home-based, creating low overhead and modest start-up costs.”

 

“With Creative Colors, you don’t need any prior experience in the service industry or even experience owning your own business. All you need to bring is your motivation,” Bollman says. CCI franchise owners undergo a complete training program and ongoing consultation services. Franchisees also benefit from:

  • Established client base, so your franchise begins generating revenues immediately.
  • Exclusive and protected territory.
  • National accounts.
  • Home-based business with low overhead costs.

“Our company is very family-oriented, and we want to make sure we instill that same atmosphere to all of our franchisees,” Bollman adds. “We treat our franchisees like family and we extend that same philosophy to our customers. That’s why our reputation and our national accounts list continues to grow and expand.”

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

For more information on the Creative Colors International franchise opportunity, please visit https://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:

Graham Chapman                                          Terri Sniegolski

919-459-8157                                                  800-933-2656

gchapman@919marketing.com                  terri.sniegolski@creativecolorsintl.com

Air Force Veteran Launches Latest Creative Colors International Franchise in Summerville, SC

Industry Leading On-site Repair and Restoration Franchise Saves Local Customers 90 Percent on Replacement Fees

Summerville, SC – (March 30th, 2019) – Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, will launch its newest location on March 19, in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This is big news, as more local business owners and cost-conscious residents than ever are seeking alternatives to astronomical upholstering charges and replacement fees associated with damaged possessions made of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric.

The new Creative Colors franchise will be owned by Joe Moorer, who has lived in Summerville for 30 years.  Prior to joining CCI, he spent 17 years with two local companies in quality control, overseeing the standards and accuracy on a production process.  He will continue to operate his own home inspection business in the Summerville area as well.

Moorer is also a veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve.  During his time with the Air Force Reserves, he was an Air Transportation Specialist, shipping cargo from one location to another.  He spent six years in the infantry with the Army National Guard (1984-1990).  Moorer then returned to the Air Force Reserve in 2001 with an air transportation unit and stayed until his retirement in 2015.

According to Moorer, he’s thrilled to open this Creative Colors International location because the company’s revolutionary products and restoration techniques will help local customers save up to 90 percent in replacement fees by repairing worn and/or damaged materials.  “Creative Colors is a well-known company with a very good reputation.  Its mobile services make it much more convenient for the customer.  The CCI brand stands out to me the most and it offers others a significant savings on any of their repair needs.

“After learning about Creative Colors, I was attracted to the concept because of the need for those services in our area.  Our Summerville location provides a good customer base for both car and boat owners who live near the coast.  I think there is a good opportunity in this market due to the proximity to the airport, the number of tourists in Charleston and local rental car companies here.  We expect to service customers in a 40-mile radius around Summerville.”

Further, the statistics suggest that repairing and restoring, as opposed to upholstering and replacing, can save local business owners and residents hundreds of dollars on any damaged item. For example, the costs associated with upholstering any type of seat can be very steep, ranging anywhere from $120 to $450 per cushion. And according to Terri Sniegolski, Creative Colors International’s CEO, the commitment shared by all franchisees to help customers save money, and deliver on the company’s “We Can Fix That” philosophy, has been the key catalyst for the company’s expansion to 82 locations in 28 states with 160+ mobile units since its initial inception in 1980.

“We’re excited to open our next Creative Colors location in the Summerville area because we know that Joe shares the same ‘We Can Fix That’ attitude our other successful franchisees possess,” said Sniegolski.  “We are thrilled about our expansion near the South Carolina coast because we know the local business owners and customers in the community will be eager to repair and restore their possessions at a fraction of the cost.”

Serving the automotive, commercial and furniture industries, Creative Colors International offers affordable solutions for tears, holes, scuffs, scratches and other damage found on leather, vinyl, plastic or fabric, through on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, dyeing and protection. For local residents, this means Creative Colors International can repair auto interiors, leather furniture, RV flooring and boat vinyl, among other things. Additionally, for business owners, Creative Colors International can repair any upholstery found in critical locations around the company, such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, restaurant booths, hotel rooms and theater seating, among others.

For more information on Joe Moorer and his Creative Colors International location, please visit

http://www.WeCanFixThat.com/Charleston

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:

Graham Chapman                                                                        Terri Sniegolski

919-459-8157                                                                                800-933-2656

gchapma@919marketing.com                                                  terri.sniegolski@creativecolorsintl.com

NINE REASONS WHY 2019 IS THE YEAR FOR B2B WITH CCI

“Keep your options open.”

It’s advice you may have been given more than a few times in your life. That’s because it’s pretty good advice! After all, who doesn’t like options? When it comes to owning your own Creative Colors International mobile repair and restoration franchise, you’ll always have plenty of options.

CCI puts tremendous growth potential within reach because it’s a business that appeals to so many markets — most of them commercial. And there’s a huge advantage to owning a “business to business” based service. From auto dealerships to body shops, from airlines to boats — Creative Colors International is your path to going into the business of helping other businesses save money! And you know what that means? Plenty of business for YOU.

Here are nine more reasons why 2019 is the perfect year for you to take a closer look at Creative Colors International and its business-to-business model.

  1. Labor issues are minimized. Operating a CCI franchise won’t require you to hire large numbers of technicians. Compare that to, say, a restaurant franchise that is regularly faced with employee turnover.
  2. Minimum wage concerns. In 2018, we saw battles over minimum wage increases in cities and states across the country. Sometimes, employers might not even know what the minimum wage is in a given town or state because of changes to state and local laws! There’s no reason to expect we won’t see more of the same in 2019.
  3. Automation devastation. Automation could impact 375 million jobs by 2030, according to a recent study. But it takes some creativity and skill to make the repairs to our clients’ costly leather, vinyl, fabric, and plastic components. It’s precision and detailed work, with an eye to design.
  4. Trade war uncertainty. The outcome of continued trade tariffs has a lot of industries keeping a closer eye on the bottom line. That’s good news for CCI franchise owners as our quick and convenient repair services save money (sometimes as much as 90 percent off replacement costs!) and help move inventory quick!
  5. Healthcare hullabaloo! Businesses with lots of employees are also facing future uncertainty over healthcare costs! Many of our franchisees begin as “one-man operations” — meaning your only employee is yourself! As your business grows, so do your profits, and then, eventually, employees.
  6. The Amazon As a CCI trained technician and franchisee, the product you are selling is YOURSELF! Nothing can match our skill and our process. We are the Amazon of replacement options because CCI makes repairs so much more convenient and cost-saving than replacement. Once vendors see your work, they’ll phone you before they even think about replacements.
  7. Location, location, location. Do you have to worry about where you base your Creative Colors International franchise? Nope. That’s because you’ll mostly be going to the other businesses you serve. No worries about traffic patterns and parking. No concerns about population shifts and site visibility. We are a home-based, low-overhead, and high-profit potential franchise.
  8. Variety is the spice of life. When it comes to franchising, working with/for another business is great. Working with/for many other businesses is fantastic! Our B2B model is diversified: automotive, restaurants, hotels, commercial furniture, medical facilities, aviation, fitness centers, marine, RVs, warranty companies… even schools! You are only limited by your imagination. And CCI helps you establish your client base, so your franchise begins generating revenue immediately.
  9. Keep your options open. Of course, you can work in a residential capacity as well. In our increasingly frugal and environmentally conscious society, more and more people are seeing the wisdom of repairing and revitalizing items like cars, couches and kitchen vinyl flooring, rather than buying something new and throwing the old away!

Creative Colors International is the ultimate mobile repair and restoration franchise. There’s a reason we were ranked #224 in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®

Contact us to see in six easy steps if franchising with Creative Colors International is right for you.

CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL RANKED A TOP FRANCHISE BY ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair and Restoration Franchise Ranked #224 in Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 List

(MOKENA, IL. – January 18, 2019) — Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, recently earned the #224 ranking in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, as evidenced by the fact that Entrepreneur received more than 1,000 applications this year, making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever.

Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranked Creative Colors International as #224 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“Last year, we were honored to be ranked at #341, so to see our business grow and succeed at such a pace in just one year is very fulfilling,” says Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International. “Our customers know we have a proven process that saves them time and money. Our franchise partners know we have a proven business model that allows them to balance their personal and professional growth.  We are proud of this distinction and we want to thank everyone in the Creative Colors family for the role they played in earning it.”

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

The key factors that go into the evaluation of the Franchise 500 include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

“As we celebrate 40 years of producing the Franchise 500, it’s a good opportunity to step back and look at how much has changed since that first ranking in 1980,” says Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur. “While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology.”

Over its 40 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Creative Colors International’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise company.

To view Creative Colors International in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2019 issue of Entrepreneur, now available on newsstands.

For more information about Creative Colors International and our services, please visit www.wecanfixthat.com.

For more information about the Creative Colors International franchise opportunity, 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:

Graham Chapman                                                                       Terri Sniegolski

919-459-8157                                                                                800-933-2656

gchapman@919marketing.com                                                terri.sniegolski@creativecolorsintl.com

 

 

Pennsylvania Couple Focuses on Future with Creative Colors International Franchise

Industry Leading On-site Repair and Restoration Franchise Saves Local Customers 90 Percent on Replacement Fees

ERIE, Pa. – (January, 8th, 2019) – Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, launched its newest location on November 27, 2018, in the Erie, Pennsylvania area. This is big news, as more local business owners and cost-conscious residents than ever are seeking alternatives to astronomical upholstering charges and replacement fees associated with damaged possessions made of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric.

Erie residents Paul and Trisha Smith have a history of business ownership and investment in the northwestern Pennsylvania region. Before deciding on their partnership with Creative Colors International, Trisha spent the past 10 years as the owner of a childcare/preschool center. Paul has experience in multiple industries ranging from healthcare and insurance to banking and logistics.

The couple is raising three children and they are the motivation behind this latest business decision. “We hope to build a business that will give them a better future,” says Paul. More and more families are turning to entrepreneurship to improve their quality of life. Increased income, more time with family, flexible hours and having a business to leave to their children are just some of the reasons people make the leap to self-employment.

According to Paul, he’s thrilled to open this Creative Colors International location because the company’s revolutionary products and restoration techniques will help local customers save up to 90 percent in replacement fees by repairing worn and/or damaged materials. The hallmarks of Creative Colors International’s legendary customer service also match with the Smith’s personal philosophy as well. “We believe the keys to success are quality work, honesty and reliability.”

Further, the statistics suggest that repairing and restoring, as opposed to upholstering and replacing, can save local business owners and residents hundreds of dollars on any damaged item. For example, the costs associated with upholstering any type of seat can be very steep, ranging anywhere from $120 to $450 per cushion. And according to Terri Sniegolski, Creative Colors International’s CEO, the commitment shared by all franchisees to help customers save money, and deliver on the company’s “We Can Fix That” philosophy, has been the key catalyst for the company’s expansion to 82 locations in 28 states with 160+ mobile units since its initial inception in 1980.

“We’re excited to open our next Creative Colors location in the Erie area because we know that Paul and Trisha share the same ‘We Can Fix That’ attitude our other successful franchisees possess,” said Sniegolski.  “We are thrilled about our expansion in the northwestern Pennsylvania region because we know the local business owners and customers in the community will be eager to repair and restore their possessions at a fraction of the cost.”

The Smiths plan to start off with one mobile unit, but expect to add another within a year. It didn’t take much for the Smiths to know that a Creative Colors International franchise was a good fit for them…and for northwestern Pennsylvania. “After we came out for Discovery Day (a day where prospective franchisees meet the corporate support team) and confirming the need for this in our market, it just made sense.”

Serving the automotive, commercial and furniture industries, Creative Colors International offers affordable solutions for tears, holes, scuffs, scratches and other damage found on leather, vinyl, plastic or fabric, through on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, dyeing and protection. For local residents, this means Creative Colors International can repair auto interiors, leather furniture, RV flooring and boat vinyl, among other things. Additionally, for business owners, Creative Colors International can repair any upholstery found in critical locations around the company, such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, restaurant booths, hotel rooms and theater seating, among others.

For more information on the Smiths and their Creative Colors International location, please visit http://www.WeCanFixThat.com/Erie.

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.

CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS SHEFTS – CHICAGO, IL

 

When it comes to success, Chris Shefts is proof that hard work and determination pay off! Shefts has worked in the Chicago area for the Waitekus franchise location for 21 years now, and he continues to exceed and succeed! He’s been the number one technician for Creative Colors International (CCI) in the U.S. and in Canada, motivated by love of his family and the philosophy of his father.

What brought you to CCI?

My buddy. His parents owned the very first franchise. I was impressed with the money a 19-year-old kid was making, and I saw an opportunity to make that kind of money as well.

Twenty-one years is a long time to stay with a company.   What keeps you with CCI?

It’s a tough job, but I found my niche in the system. I specialize in the auto industry. When they realized they could sell cars online they realized they could sell cars anywhere! The auto industry is a continuously growing entity. They face a lot of competition. The more they can sell and get off the lots, the more we can make.

Why do you think you’re so successful at it?

I think our (CCI) reputation helps us in a competition. I think that CCI is the best at what they do, by far. Other companies might lowball, but these dealerships know that it’s worth spending the extra cash to fix their cars right.

What motivates you day-in and day-out?

To me, money is a tool, and I am motivated by the tool that is money. I love my family and use that tool to provide for them. And I guess I am a person who competes against himself. I am not looking around at anyone else. I just try to top myself. And like my dad said, “If you’re gonna go to work, you might as well make it worth it.”

Do you ever consider owning your own CCI franchise?

If it’s up to me, I’d own the entire thing!

If you’re interested in working in a lucrative career as a Creative Colors International technician, we can get you started! Visit us at https://www.wecanfixthat.com/about-us/employment-opportunities/.

 

SELF-EMPLOYMENT: CCI’S TIM BUSH SAYS IT’S A FAMILY TRADITION

Business ownership runs deep in Tim Bush’s family. Growing up in Upstate New York in the village of Lowville, Tim first went to work in the family’s retail oil business. He would travel the roads winding through the Black River Valley, repairing furnaces and delivering propane, diesel and coal to help keep families warm during the long Lewis County winter. But, by the time his family sold the business, Tim realized the idea of working for someone else was leaving him cold.

“My parents sold the business in 1998 — 100 years after it was started by my great-grandfather. I stayed in the business, going through many ownership changes over the years,” Bush says. He ended his career as a Commercial Energy Salesman, traveling through northern New York over to western Vermont.

“As the stress of working for a large company began to get to me, I watched my uncle go through the process of buying and running a franchise. I liked the fact that he had time to do what he wanted to do — and had a much less stressful life. He was successful. It was what made me decide to look into franchising.” Since then, Bush hasn’t looked back. He used his desire for self-employment to help him overcome his fears.

Tim was introduced to Creative Colors International by a savvy franchise consultant, who saw the opportunity for a good fit. “The process of becoming a franchisee with Creative Colors International was very easy. They were very friendly and helpful, and always ready to listen and guide me through the process.”

Tim had no prior experience in the repair and restoration industry, but that didn’t matter. CCI has partnered with franchisees from nearly every background and skill set.

The three-week training program is designed to teach new franchisees everything from sales and marketing techniques and financial controls to upholstery coloring, restoration and repair methods.

“I completed my training with CCI at the end of January 2016 and had my grand opening the first week of February 2016,” Bush says. “Living in rural northern New York means fewer people. We have had to think outside the traditional business model of CCI.  I was, and continue to be, surprised at the amount of help and encouragement we have received from the entire CCI family.”

Tim’s life is a little different now that he is self-employed. Always family and community oriented, Tim now has time to enjoy those things without the stress he once felt. From serving as a member of the volunteer fire department to helping his community through various non-profits, Tim still has the time to enjoy being with his wife and three daughters and enjoy the great outdoors of northern New York. His partnership with Creative Colors International helps make it all possible.

“I have met so many great people through CCI. Everyone involved in the company, from the president to the techs in the field, is there to help with anything they can. They are not only there, but willing and happy to help any way they can. It is so refreshing to have that as a tool. I am very happy that I made the decision to join the CCI family.”

If you’re interested in joining the Creative Colors International family, visit our website to learn more information. It’s easier than you think.