Creative Colors International

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

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Creative Colors International Employee Spotlight Q&A with Kathy Green-Alessi

While Creative Colors International is approaching 28 years in the franchising business, our founding company, J&J’s Creative Colors, Inc., is close to turning forty – in business since 1980. Through the decades, CCI has remained a family-owned company and running a tight-knit operation has always been our way. We take pride in the fact that 50 percent of our franchise owners have been with us for 10+ years, and another 25 percent have been with us for 20+ years. Our bench is also deep in the corporate ranks, as we have a history of offering attractive career opportunities which result in loyal, long-standing employees, who help make CCI an industry leader.

Today, we are shining the spotlight on Kathy Green-Alessi, a technician who started with J&J Colors, our predecessor and affiliate company, 30 years ago. Congratulations Kathy, on 30 years of employment with CCI!

What brought you to CCI?

I met one of the company founders, JoAnn Foster, at a friend’s party back in 1986. We hit it off and I think she thought I had good sales skills. She offered me a job on the spot, but I was already working somewhere else. However, I didn’t have a good boss, so after thinking about it for a few weeks, I went back and asked her if the job offer still stood and she said, “Yes!” I quit the next day and have been a technician with the company ever since. It’s the best career decision I ever made!

Why have you stayed with CCI for almost 30 years?

 The Fosters are fabulous, wonderful people to work for. They are a family-oriented business and they care about their people. We are family to them. In 1988, I was in a major car accident and didn’t know if I would ever walk again. JoAnn came to the hospital and said, “Your job is guaranteed. Come back when you can.” Thankfully, I was able to come back two months later. When my son was born, and I wanted to spend more time at home, I was able to take time off and come back at part-time hours because it was what was best for my family at that time. And it’s not just me. I have seen them go above and beyond for a lot of people. How can you not be loyal to people like that? How can you not consider them family? I’ll stay as long as they’ll have me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work here.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I can boil it down to three things: the work, the freedom, the money. I like the immediate gratification and results when I repair something that is damaged and make it like new. There’s a lot of pride in that. It also makes people happy because I have saved them money, so that’s cool. I also like working alone sometimes, like in a car dealership, but also having the opportunity to meet new people. One day, I spent an hour chatting with the U.S. Ambassador from Greece, when he and his entourage brought his limo in to be repaired. You don’t get that every day! I love that I can control my income and my schedule by how many hours I work. I am a hard worker, so I have done very well. When I was 25 years old, the same year I started at J&J, I was able to buy a house as a single woman. I paid it off in nine years. How many people can do that? CCI has given me the ability to do that. The opportunity is there, you just have to go get it!

Are you interested in learning more about a rewarding and fulfilling career working as a Creative Colors International technician, just like Kathy? If so, please visit https://www.wecanfixthat.com/about-us/employment-opportunities/ to get started!

Employee Spotlight: Matt O’Neil – Milwaukee, WI

Serendipity: An unplanned, fortunate discovery.

That is how Milwaukee-based service technician Matt O’Neil could describe how his 16-year career with Creative Colors International got started. O’Neil got wind of open interviews being held at the downtown conference center where his girlfriend worked and showed up just to check things out.

There he met Creative Colors President and Co-owner Mark J. Bollman, and the rest was history. Matt has been a stellar employee for the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise for the last 16 years, providing superior service to customers on all their leather, plastic, vinyl and fabric repair needs.

This month, we shine our spotlight on Matt and his commitment to CCI!

What attracted you to CCI?

Having grown up in the automotive industry and working as a service advisor at an auto dealership, I was familiar with the kind of work they did. The idea of repairing items instead of replacing them interested me. I was also attracted to working out of a mobile van, going new places and meeting new people every day. It seemed a whole lot better than punching in at 7 a.m. and punching out at 7 p.m. Car dealership life is rough. You’re a number. It’s not that way at CCI. It’s the best of both worlds, I’m still in the car business, but I’m not in the car business.

What has kept you at CCI for so long?

There are so many reasons. First, this job has grown with me. I started as a single guy just working for my own wants and needs. Then I got married, had two kids, added a mortgage. My responsibilities grew but so did my ability to make money. The income possibilities at CCI are almost endless — if you have the motivation to work. My sales have grown every year since I started.

The second reason I stay is because of the flexibility and support I get from the owners. Mark, Terri and Kelli are fantastic! I can tailor my work schedule to my family, and they understand because they have families. They always put families first. When my child was born two months early and I needed time off, they said, “Do what you need to do. Let your clients know. We know you are a good employee.” There is just a lot of trust there.

In addition to your work in the automotive repair industry, you have a great reputation in the marine repair industry. How did you build that?

I guess you could say it’s because I am always prepared and up for a challenge. One spring, early in my career at CCI, I was knocking on doors and leaving business cards, and I randomly stopped in to a boat dealership. They just happened to have a boat there that needed to be fixed, and the service manager said, “Show me what you got.” It didn’t faze me. I had my supplies with me, and I repaired it for him on the spot. I didn’t even charge him; it was a courtesy to show him what I could do. He called me the following week with another job, and I have been working for one of the largest boat dealers in the country ever since. Plus, in the marine industry, there are a lot of word-of-mouth referrals, so I have kind of become the go-to guy for boat repairs in the Milwaukee area. Like I said, the opportunities to build business with CCI seem endless.

Are you interested in learning more about a rewarding and fulfilling career working as a Creative Colors International technician, just like Matt? If so, please visit https://www.wecanfixthat.com/about-us/employment-opportunities/ to get started!

Multi-Generational Family Chooses Nation’s “Most Desirable City” to Launch Newest Creative Colors International Franchise

For Immediate Release:

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (August 6, 2018) – Creative Colors International (CCI), the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, launched its newest location on August 6, in Colorado Springs. This is big news as more local business owners and cost-conscious residents than ever before are seeking out alternatives to astronomical upholstering charges and replacement fees associated with damaged possessions made of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric.

Husband and wife team Anthony and LaDawna Smith recently sold their home and pizza business in Kansas and moved their family of 15, (two daughters, two sons-in-law, three baby granddaughters, and SIX adopted siblings), to the City Of Millionaires, recently named the Most Desirable Place to Live by U.S. News and World Report, to start a new chapter in their lives.

“We love this city! The variety of things you can do outside is perfect for our family. My wife has taken the kids hiking at Garden of the Gods almost every day, and there are no mosquitos!” said Anthony Smith.

The opportunity to open a Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise in Colorado Springs was a perfect fit for the Smiths, who were looking to move to a bigger area with more opportunity for multiple generations of their growing family. After meeting with CCI, a Chicago-based family-owned business, and learning one of the country’s Most Desirable Places to Live was an available market, it’s like the stars were aligning.

“It’s exciting for us and the future generations of our family that will be building this business,” said Smith, who will be working alongside his two sons-in-law. “I see a bright future here for a business like ours.”

The Smith’s believe conservation-minded Coloradans will love the company’s revolutionary products and restoration techniques that will help local customers save up to 90 percent in replacement fees by repairing worn and/or damaged materials, extending the life of products and keeping them out of the landfills.

The Smiths are serving a population of about one million people in the metro area with two mobile vans that are stocked and ready to roll. They are already looking ahead to next year when they plan to build their fleet by adding another three vans. Auto dealerships, and especially RV dealers, will be early target markets, although the sky’s the limit on potential customers.

“I feel like the keys to our success will be the attention we give to the customer,” said Smith. “We want to have one line of communication between customers and us. No layered management. They will talk to me or my sons-in-law, and we will go to them and fix the problem. We don’t take any customer for granted.”

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 Colorado Springs because we know the Smith family shares the same ‘We Can Fix That’ attitude our other successful franchisees possess,” said Sniegolski. “We are thrilled about our expansion into Colorado Springs 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 types of 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 www.wecanfixthat.com/colorado-springs.

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 redyeing 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

 

 

Three Key Elements to a Recession-Resistant Franchise, like CCI!

There is no question the franchise industry is enjoying unprecedented growth. It has grown consistently for the last eight years, and 2018 is no different. Thanks to a combination of deregulation, tax reform and a generally robust economy (which our President, Mark J. Bollman, recently described in a Daily Signal OpEd on Tax Reform), the franchise sector is projectLeather Couch Repair - Before and Aftered to increase by more than six percent this year, to hit $451 billion in gross domestic product.

Here at Creative Colors International, we appreciate the current economic climate but know nothing lasts forever. Bollman has been with the company through four recessions in the last 26 years, and the company has continued to grow and thrive. Even during the Big Three Bailout of 2008, when automotive customers — our bread and butter — were lost and others consolidated, CCI weathered the storm. We prefer the term recession-resistant to recession-proof because there will always be economic factors beyond your control.

Here are three key elements to consider when searching for a recession-resistant franchise opportunity.

Diversify

Farmers do it with their crops, and we do it with the industries we serve. Diversify. Although the automotive industry, both new and used car dealers, is a key business segment, they are by no means our only customer base. Boats, planes, trains, really any form of transportation, as well as furniture, office spaces, restaurants, and hospitals can all use our restoration and repair services. Incidentally, service businesses are generally considered recession-resistant when they can offer customers the option of repairing over buying new. That puts us in a pretty sweet spot, as CCI can offer most clients an 80–90 percent savings in repairing over replacing. We have seen first-hand that when orders with some industries sag, others will spike. Because CCI serves a diverse number of industries, our overall portfolio remains balanced, even in cyclical valleys. After all, there are very few places you can go where you are not sitting on or touching leather, vinyl, fabric or plastic. In every community, there will always be a need for our services.

Multiply

We’re talking about revenue streams here. It takes diversification one step further. At CCI, we have made a concerted effort to create additional revenue streams by going after two different markets, B2B and B2C. In our B2B segment, we have created several programs to work as a subcontractor for companies who interface directly with the consumer. We make a product look new for their customer and they get the credit and a good profit, thanks to our special business pricing. Long-standing relationships with warranty companies have proven to be another great partnership. We even offer customized logo floor mats to auto dealerships as an add-on product.

Our B2C market is growing, too, because, well, who doesn’t want to save money? In the past, we have been behind-the-scenes, but now, with an aggressive social media presence, we have found ways to create and capitalize on awareness with end-users. If we can save them hundreds of dollars on a repair of their couch or favorite recliner, they will be repeat customers. We offer leather care kits and have started upselling our own certified reconditioning programs — all additional sources of revenue. Our reduce-reuse-recycle business philosophy and use of “green” water-based products also resonates with today’s consumers.

Go Mobile!

It’s not just for cell phones. We are an on-the-move society, so having an on-the-move business is a great choice. At CCI, the van is our mobile office. It comes delivered to our franchise owners fully stocked and outfitted. Right off the bat, you save a big chunk of change by forgoing rent, utilities and all the expenses associated with a brick and mortar storefront. That’s more money in and less money out. Another reason service businesses are thriving today is that more and more of them are going with a low-cost mobile business model and reaping the rewards of being able to go directly to the customer instead of waiting for busy consumers to walk through their door. The businesses that offer convenience and comfort in addition to quality and value will be the ones that get repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals that will weather any economy.

The keys to making it through a recession begin in an up-economy, like now. Keep your eye to the future and begin building that diverse customer base. When you lose one customer, challenge yourself to replace it with three new ones, and try to make them from different sectors. It is not uncommon for our CCI franchisees to serve upwards of 70 different vertical markets. Even in a recession, people will still have needs and if you can be there for them and save them money, your business is sure to experience more peaks than valleys.

Are you interested in learning more about joining the CCI family and taking advantage of this recession resistant business model?   If so, get started by visiting https://www.creativecolorsintl.com/franchise-opportunities/request-franchise-information/.

Creative Colors International Ranked a Top Franchise in Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500® List

Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair & Restoration Franchise Earns #341 Ranking in Prestigious List

Mokena, IL, (January 26, 2018) – Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise (specializing in the mobile repair and restoration of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic and carpeting in the automotive, furniture, commercial and residential markets), is celebrating the honor of being ranked in the exclusive Franchise 500® list by Entrepreneur magazine. The unique franchise business is ranked at #341, meaning Creative Colors International has achieved outstanding performance in areas such as franchise unit growth, financial strength, stability, and brand power.

“We have always made innovation, constant research, developing better techniques and training, and of course, the quality care of our customers, our primary priority,” says Mark Bollman, President of Creative Colors International. “Now, to be recognized by inclusion in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, for our business success as well, is a tribute to our staff, employees, and dedicated franchisees. This high honor will only serve to spur us on to grow and prosper even more in 2018 and beyond.”

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.

“This year’s Franchise 500® ranking features both up-and-comers who bring fresh ideas to an ever- changing industry, as well as savvy stalwarts that have thrived for decades. We are proud to highlight and celebrate them all,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “Our results show that the industry is strong—and that the most enduring franchisors are those who learn to balance innovation with reliability. That’s how to attract new customers while keeping the old ones happy.”

The key factors that go into Entrepreneur’s evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. All franchises are given a cumulative score based on more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

Over its 39 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’ position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

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

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 http://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 https://www.wecanfixthat.com.

Journal.ThriveGlobal.com-Interview with Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International, Inc.

From 1980 to 2018, This Franchise’s Keyword is “Growth”: With Mark J. Bollman

By Yitzi Weiner and Casmin Wisner

I had the great pleasure to interview Mark Bollman. Creative Colors International was birthed in 1980 as J&J’s Creative Colors, founded by Jim and JoAnn Foster; the name Creative Colors International, Inc. came on the scene in July of 1991, and Bollman joined the company in May 2000. CCI has become a huge success by providing a niche service, specializing in repairing vinyl, leather, and plastic in countless industries. There are currently 79 locations in 28 states with over 140 mobile units in service.

“Seeing an owner go from $100,000 in sales to millions in revenue is very rewarding. To me, that is one of the greatest rewards. I know it’s not all about the money, but being able to help change lives is very satisfying.”

Thanks for doing this with us. What is your backstory?

There’s not much of a backstory. I got involved with the company by dating my wife back in high school in the 80s, and happened to be around the business. The business was started by her parents — my in-laws. By hanging around their house, I was able to watch them grow and develop their business, and I saw good things happening. It piqued my interest. I had multiple summer jobs in high school and college, and most of the work involved a lot of physical labor, like being a busboy at a restaurant, doing landscape work, and delivering beer for Budweiser.

I knew that all of these were good jobs, and they helped me learn and grow as an individual, but they demanded a lot of physical skills. These were great jobs in the short term, but I wanted to work smarter and create something better for myself and my future. I started out working part-time with the Fosters at Creative Colors as a service technician. I ran a route that serviced car dealers and fixed cars while one of the lead technicians had some time off for knee surgery. I immediately fell in love with what I was doing—offering repairs to their customers. It was work but didn’t feel like work. The money was awesome, and it was one of the best jobs I ever had because my earnings
were based on the effort I put forth. The job was commission-based, so the more I generated in gross sales for the company, the more money I made for myself. It truly was a win-win situation, and I felt like an important part of their team as I was directly bringing income into the company. None of my other jobs offered me that type of reward. They all simply paid me for the job I performed and that was it.

That being said, I loved the concept and the workflow of their business model. So, when the Fosters decided to franchise their business in 1991, I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some fashion and I felt that I could help develop, support, and grow the brand. I loved the notion of being able to take one business and replicate it so that others could benefit from as well. Franchising is truly a great business model as long as it is developed and run correctly.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

I’ve had way too many funny moments and interesting stories since joining the company. I can’t say that I have one that is a favorite, but it all revolves around franchising trials and tribulations. I have met many great people through the years and have built some great friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

So what exactly does your company do?

We grant franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada. Creative Colors International is the leader in the on-site mobile repair, reconditioning, protection, and color restoration of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic, and carpeting in the automotive, furniture, commercial, and residential markets. We currently have 79 locations in 28 states, with over 140 mobile units in
service, handling all sorts of repair and restoration to damaged car seats, leather furniture, restaurant booths, airplane seating, medical offices and countless other markets. We are a green alternative by offering repairs versus replacing.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

It’s all about the quality of our products and customer service experience that we try and deliver to our customers. I know it might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. There are significant and apparent differences. Our competitors say they deliver on these things, but they simply don’t. I see it every time CCI enters a new market. We see what services or lack thereof are being offered in the marketplace, and we’re taken aback by how many customers are being shorted or cheated. I know that a company like CCI can deliver much better results, with better quality, service, and generally at a better price point. I think it comes down to education. Many customers don’t know any better and don’t realize that there are other (better) choices available to them. Our goal is to make this happen through continued marketing and education to consumers and business owners.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?

There are many people that I have met through the years that have helped me throughout my career, including business colleagues, friends, family, and my wife.

However, I would have to say that the people who gave me the greatest opportunity were the Fosters. By bringing me into CCI and seeing my potential 25 years ago they changed my life.

I’m also grateful for everyone who surrounds me at the office, as we
all share the same goal of wanting to grow the CCI brand. Everyone’s collective efforts make it easier and seamless for me to help lead the company and continue its growth. In short, it’s not just about me. It’s like our mission statement says: “The realization of leadership comes from having good people around you; if not, we have nothing in the end.”

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I like to think that we are continually creating opportunities for people in our franchise. We are sharing our knowledge of a proven business model with others, and we are helping people achieve their financial goals by being a part of CCI and helping them build their businesses. Seeing an owner go from $100,000 in sales to 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 5 million in revenue is very rewarding. To me, that is one of the greatest rewards. I know it’s not all about the money, but being able to help change lives is very satisfying.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I became president,” and why?

  1. Plan for future growth on day one!
  2. Keep an eye on your finances to accommodate future growth.
  3. Don’t make it about you. Make it about the people around you.
  4. Take the time to hire the right people because they will affect your brand.
  5. Plan to work and work to plan.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

There are several business leaders who have helped develop and grow successful multi-billion-dollar businesses that come to mind. In no particular order or preference they would include Mark Cuban, Marcus Lemonis, Donald J. Trump, Ross Perot, and Bill Gates.

There are plenty more top-level executives and CEOs who I could add to the list. Some of these folks started with nothing and built empires, while some had a small base to work with and then built and expanded from there. I would look to them for insight and reflection on things that they did that were major turning points in their careers—things that their peers may not have agreed with them on. I’d ask them about the challenges and obstacles they faced, how they overcome them, and how they continually work to innovate and lead without getting burnt out.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

Note to our readers: If you appreciated this interview, please click on one of the buttons on the top left to post to your Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. If 2,000 people like you do this, there is a good chance this article may be featured on the homepage.

If you would like to see the entire “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me” Series in Huffpost, ThriveGlobal, and Buzzfeed, click HERE.

To Read the full article, click here:  https://journal.thriveglobal.com/from-1980-to-2018-this-franchises-keyword-is-growth-with-mark-j-bollman-e1644b70d67d

Meet the Team – Grapevine, TX Owner Jon Kleck

For years, Jon Kleck lived comfortably working in sales and services for several prominent vehicle dealerships. Four years ago, comfortable had just about run its course. With his wife’s blessing, Kleck started to kick the tires on owning a Grapevine, Texas based franchise with Creative Colors International (CCI), the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise.

Today, Jon he is happier than ever as the local franchise owner for the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise.

We spoke to Jon about his career transition into franchise ownership with Creative Colors International (CCI), his long-term plans, and why he never considered any other franchise.   For more information on how you can make CCI your second-act career, visit creativecolorsintl.com.

Q: What was your professional background before becoming a Creative Colors International (CCI) franchisee?

A: I worked as a manager in sales and services at a prominent motorcycle dealership as well as a Recreational Vehicle dealership.

Q: What sparked your interest in becoming a franchise owner and specifically with Creative Colors International (CCI)?

A: I had 35 people working under my guidance and frankly, it’s tough to get everyone to row the boat in the same direction. I kept thinking to myself there must be something better out there for me. We were using Creative Colors International (CCI) at the RV dealership. One day I approached Rebecca Preston (CCI-Fort Worth) and inquired about opportunities. I simply wanted to work for her, but due to a miscommunication, that didn’t work out. Instead, I researched about ownership. I was never interested in another company, never considered a franchise broker.

Q: Tell us about the process of signing on with CCI. How long did it take, what was the training process?

A: It was an easy process. Mike Pollock got in contact with me and walked me through the process.

I inquired about owning my franchise in October 2014. In November, I was in Chicago for discovery day. 2 months later in January 2015, I was back in Chicago for three weeks of training. It was cold, but the training process was awesome. It was a great experience. It’s a blessing and a privilege to be a Creative Colors International franchisee.

Q: Do you have any employees? If so, how many? If no, do you plan on making any hires?

A: I have two employees. We have a cleaning division, where we do cleaning for Enterprise Car Rental. Both have a van that they utilize. I’m still an owner operator. I continue to do most of the repairs and restorations.

Q: How has the experience as a small business owner been?

A: It’s been a fun ride. It requires an investment, especially when you add employees. It’s not like everything you bring in is all for you, and none for them. Plus, the government makes sure to get their cut. All that withstanding, it has been a great experience and business is going well.

Q: What skills did you learn in the corporate setting that helped you prepare for becoming a Creative Colors International (CCI) owner?

A: People skills. Customers and people in general, want to feel valued, they want to know that their business means something, no matter how big or small. A customer may only have only a $100 couch, but that’s their couch and they want you to treat with it with the utmost care.

Q: What makes Grapevine unique for a CCI/small business owner?

A: People here are friendly. The people make the difference. They make owning a business enjoyable.

Q: As far as sales/revenue are concerned, are you meeting your goals?

A: Very much so. I don’t think I’m going to be a million-dollar company, but we are certainly doing well. I may hire one or two additional people, but that may be as big as I get. I just bought a second territory in May of this year. I have a big chunk of the Metroplex and I’m cool with that. I’m looking to be comfortable, take days off, go on vacation and simply be happy. I don’t have to make millions to be happy.

Q: Do you have any second thoughts of being an entrepreneur?

A: No, not one bit. It’s been an opportunity to change my life and my wife Gayle’s life. To have the opportunity to interact with other customers, that’s a big joy. Back in the sales and service days while working at dealerships, we operated at a rapid pace. The goal is to beat last month’s sales, and when you do that, we simply do it all over again. Now, as a Creative Colors International (CCI) owner, I get to meet and enjoy the relationships I build with our clients.

Q: What is your advice to people considering entrepreneurship?

A: Follow your heart, make sure it’s something you feel like you can see yourself doing. Don’t look at it in just dollars. The money will come with anything if you love what you do. If you choose to sell lemonade on the corner, you’re going to be the best at it if you love what you do.

Q: Why should potential small business owners consider Creative Colors International?

A: The diversification of the avenues of business that you can acquire to generate income sets CCI apart. You work with a wide variety of materials to repair and restore. It’s vinyl, it’s leather, it’s plastic, and you work with automotive, furniture, commercial property. There’s several sources of revenue. On top of that, the team/family atmosphere between the franchisees and the corporate office is outstanding. The entire team in Chicago are a pleasure to work with. When I went to discovery day, visiting with them felt very family oriented and team oriented. I knew from the moment we shook hands this is what I wanted.

To lean more about CCI of Grapevine, please visit: https://www.wecanfixthat.com/grapevine

Creative Colors International, the Nation’s Leading On-Site Repair and Restoration Franchise, Hosts Spectacular Franchisee Conference & Awards Gala

Creative Colors International Franchisees, Corporate Employees and Vendor Partners Congregate in Chicago To Share Best Practices and Celebrate Success

Mokena, IL. – (October 23, 2017) – Creative Colors International, the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, hosted the most successful Creative Colors International Conference and Awards Gala to date at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center in Downers Grove, Illinois from September 22nd – September 23, 2017.  The conference highlighted Creative Colors International’s forward-thinking vision and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, top-notch service to customers nationwide.

Franchisees, employees, vendors and others tackled topics designed to strengthen sales techniques, improve efficiency, and increase productivity to develop stronger relationships with all kinds of B2B clients. The theme of the weekend, “Making Obstacles into Opportunities,” highlights Creative Colors International’s ability to focus on important goals and do excellent work regardless of the challenges. It’s that thought process that helped Creative Colors International recently earn the recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing private companies in the 2017 Inc. 5000 list.

“The Creative Colors International Conference and Awards Gala is a highly-anticipated event that produces new and enlightening results every year,” said Mark J. Bollman, President of Creative Colors International. “This weekend marks a time to reflect on our annual performance, cultivate new ideas and collaborate on industry best practices.   Of course, we also take time to have some fun and network in a comfortable setting. Out corporate staff orchestrated a well-organized conference and I’m confident all who attended left inspired and reinvigorated.”

Creative Colors International reserved a portion of the conference to acknowledge and applaud the hard-working franchisees who are essential to the company’s success.  This year’s award winners included:

  • New $5 Million Franchise Diamond Club: Neff, Kaiser, & Zebrauskas Franchises of South Bend & Indianapolis, Indiana
  • New $500K Certified Technician Club: Michael Schulte of South Bend, IN
  • New $250,000 Franchise Milestone: The Hebekeuser Franchise of Lansing, Mich.; The Waitekus Franchise of Savannah, Ga.; The Malcolm Franchise of Charlotte, N.C.
  • 2017 Rookie Franchise: The Hebekeuser Franchise of Lansing, Mich.
  • 2017 Single Franchise Territory: The Strosinski Franchise of Omaha, Neb.
  • 2017 Established Technician Sales: Chris Shefts of Streamwood/Gurnee/Chicago, Ill.
  • 2017 Systemwide Franchise: Neff, Kaiser, & Zebrauskas Territories
  • Franchises with Over 20% Over High Sales: The Malcolm Franchise of Charlotte, N.C.; The Waitekus Franchise of Savannah, Ga.; The Perry Franchise of Brandywine, Pa.; The Mulheran Franchise of Minneapolis, Minn.; The Boyer Franchise of Dallas, Texas; The Kleck Franchise of Grapevine, Texas

“All of our Creative Colors International owners make a strong contribution to the company’s overall success and we are proud to highlight their magnificent accomplishments,” says Bollman. “Our company is landing key national partnerships and generating unprecedented growth thanks to the everyday efforts of our corporate team and dedicated franchisees. We were thrilled to recognize their achievements and we’re excited to build on our momentum heading into 2017.”

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 http://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 redyeing holes, cuts, tears, burns, scrapes, fading and discoloration. For more information on CCI’s services and franchise opportunities, visit www.wecanfixthat.com.