The History of Surface Specialists Home Based Franchises
| Originally, this home based franchise encompassed the repair/pattern matching of plastic laminate countertops, spot repairs of damaged fiberglass and porcelain refinishing. It quickly became apparent, though, that the potential for the expansion of these services was virtually unlimited. Therefore, as new materials and processes have been developed in the home restoration industry over the years, Surface Specialists Systems has tested, evaluated and refined these materials and processes to ensure our franchises are able to service all segments of this industry. We utilize only the highest quality materials and the most streamlined procedures available, which allow our franchises to be far superior to our competitors. |
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Wayne & Jan McClosky |
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Surface Specialists was created by Wayne McClosky in 1980 and franchising began in 1982. When Wayne retired in 1996, he considered 2 existing franchisees to take over as the franchisor. Dan Kaplan was chosen for his strength in the organization and proven ability to run a successful home franchise. At this time however, his youth was heavily weighted against him so it was determined that John & Irene Lucas would become the next franchisors; with the stipulation that when they retired, Dan would succeed them. Several new franchisees and services were added to the Surface Specialists system before their retirement in 2002 when Dan became the current franchisor. |
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John & Irene Lucas |
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| Prior to joining Surface Specialists as a franchisee in 1989, Dan already had substantial history and experience within the home improvement industry. At only 22, he oversaw 22 crews for a remodeling company in the New York area. After marrying his wife, Miranda, they relocated to North Carolina where Dan began building houses. Looking for something new, he went to work for a national kitchen and bath cabinet company where he quickly became the district manager. During this time, he had a chip in his tub that needed to be repaired. The company that came out to perform the work was there about 30 minutes and charged him $125. |
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Dan & Miranda Kaplan |
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This interesting process, especially for this fee, always stuck with him. Then in 1989, his father in-law decided he wanted to financially support one of his children to open their own business. When all of his children passed, Dan was given the opportunity. He immediately took him up on the offer and began searching for the perfect business. Remembering that chip repair, he went looking for a repair and refinishing company and through his research and speaking with Wayne, determined Surface Specialists was the best franchise.
Dan & Miranda owned and operated the Surface Specialists franchise in Charlotte, NC through April of 2005, when they sold it to concentrate solely on developing the franchise system. They built the largest franchise to date and achieved sales of over $1,000,000 for each of the final five years they owned it. It is Dan’s vast expertise and knowledge of how to run a successful franchise that we are ready and able to pass onto all of our franchises. |
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