Section 9: Unlocking Success with a Color Glo International Franchise: Your Comprehensive Guide

Color Glo International Franchisees have a long history of success, both as small business owners and those that have expanded to include several employees. Some franchisees diversify, working with residential clients, car dealerships, marinas, and airlines. Some find a niche making their living servicing just a few large clients. There are many facets to the leather, vinyl, and plastic repair industry.

As many applications as there are for these materials, there is an opportunity to grow your business.

There are Color Glo technicians with less than a year’s worth of experience and some with 30-plus years.

Here are some testimonials.

Dennis Stachowski - North Metro Twin Cities

Dennis Stachowski bought his Color Glo Franchise in 2002.  He became interested in the leather and vinyl restoration franchise after seeing it as an offering in a magazine. He carefully investigated the opportunity and decided to give it a chance.

Dennis had the usual struggles that go with any new business. He built his clientele primarily through cold calls to car dealerships and word of mouth. He made sure to do the best work that he could. Referrals have been the main source of new business since then. He had difficulty with hot cures and matching colors. Just like any skill, it takes time and practice. Having a good mentor doesn’t hurt either. Dennis credits Bill Sachse and Matt Smith with helping him. Dennis also recalled the “good old days” before “WhatsApp” he said you could go on the back end of the website forum and ask a question. Then you would hope someone would see it promptly. WhatsApp is much better for questions in the field, it’s almost real-time.

There are many opportunities for continuing education in the Color Glo Franchise. Dennis mentioned learning from franchisees who are established. He values the time spent at seminars. There you can learn how others approach repairs. Having different methods for the same type of repair puts more tools in your box. “That’s why there is more than one kind of screwdriver.” according to Dennis.

Always do your best. Don’t sell yourself short. If you aren’t sure how to approach a repair, give yourself some time to think about it. Then work it through. Don’t say you can’t do it and don’t promise perfection.

Dennis stays very busy. He hasn’t had employees; however, he has had a couple of independent contractors work with him. This is another approach to expanding your Color Glo business.

Dave DeBuhr - Iowa

My friend, Dave DeBuhr, has owned a Color Glo Franchise servicing Blackhawk and Buchanon Counties in Iowa for so long he couldn’t remember when he started. He said, “about 30 years ago.” Well Dave, according to our records your anniversary is 31 years in May of this year. Congratulations!

Dave was selling kit cars when he came across the ad in the paper for a Color Glo Franchise. He thought it looked interesting, maybe a good hobby or side hustle. So, he called the number. He liked the people, namely Gary and Scott Smith. He liked the work, he figured he could do that. So, he got started.

Dave built his business through word of mouth, excellence in craftsmanship, and integrity. He spoke of honest communication with clients. Being sure they knew exactly what to expect.

Dave is a personable man who loves his family, he likes to be independent, and he is a craftsman. Dave went through the initial training, and then he took all that to the next level. He spent the last 30 years enjoying his work. He has enjoyed the kind of success that enabled him to provide handsomely for his family. He never expanded his business to include employees. He did, however, train his son, Nick. Now Nick is taking over his father’s business and Dave is in charge of carting around grandkids.

Dave made it clear that this is not something you can learn by reading a book. He feels strongly that spending time as an apprentice is the way to learn. He enjoys the family that is Color Glo International. He speaks of the comradery, solving difficult repair problems over the phone with others. He speaks fondly of his relationship with Gary Smith, and the Smith family. He said more than once, they are family. They will help you in any way they can. It’s so true.

Jenni Vaught - Southeast Wisconsin

Jenni Vaught’s journey to Color Glo is interesting. She purchased her franchise in 2021. The country was getting back on its feet in the wake of Covid-19. She had been looking at buying a franchise of some sort, but she hadn’t decided what industry she was most interested in. Jenni was living in Nashville at the time, so she chose to move back home to Milwaukee.

After consulting with a franchise broker, she settled on Color Glo. The clincher was that the finance consultant said he knew Gary. He counseled that she really should take a close look at Color Glo. She met Gary, Scott, and Mandi. She quickly realized that this was a different kind of company. One she could be happy and achieve success with.

Jenni was working with Fed Ex at the tail end of Covid. She started her Color Glo business during that time. She has noticed that she needs to work more diligently to gain credibility in a male-dominated industry. Jenni leads with a quick smile and a friendly, professional demeanor. Her strong work ethic and commitment to quality rapidly garner confidence from her clients.  

Jenni’s technical mentors in the Color Glo business are Bill and Dennis. She said she could always count on them to help her out of a situation. She said the support system that is available through Color Glo’s corporate office is also very valuable to her.

Her initial training was overwhelming. She always felt supported, every question is worth asking and you may need to hear the answer in different ways to understand, but Bill seems to understand that. Jenni says she learned so much from him.

Jenni is still growing her business. She is sharp with a social media presence that targets her community. She is cautious not to overpost and maintains communication with those who comment on her posts. Jenni has also spent many hours cold prospecting, asking for referrals, and establishing brand awareness.  She runs value-added specials and uses coupons or codes to track them.  On one cold call expedition, she gained a contract from an ambulance company. Really the possibilities are endless with this skill set.

Jenni has a strong commitment to keeping her reputation for excellence. She doesn’t feel pressure to add employees at this time. She really doesn’t have that in her vision.

Randy TonLoy - Leather Repair Arizona

In 2007 amid an economic recession, Randy had a life-altering accident on the job. He was delivering water for a company. While reaching for a case of water, the whole shelf unit fell on him. His back and neck were injured, it was an injury with lasting effects. The company would not compensate him, and he could no longer do that work. While he was weighing his options Color Glo was suggested by Anthony Badillo, a cousin who had a Color Glo franchise in Tucson. Randy was invited to ride along.

Suck it up, Buttercup

Soon he showed a talent for achieving quality restorations. He went all in, cashing out a 401k and getting a home equity loan. He purchased his Color Glo franchise and needed to hit the ground running. Randy trained in Minnesota for a week, it was an abbreviated course as his son was born a week before. He went home to his wife and 3 young sons and got straight to work.

Today, Randy’s business is growing. With Erika, his wife, and their three boys, Peter, Jacob, and David, they are expanding into more markets. The idea of specializing in reconditioning and reupholstering classic cars is a large part of the growth strategy. Erika does the bookkeeping and steps in to help out if things are really busy.

The TonLoy’s story is one of resilience, love and adaptability. Randy’s favorite quote is “Suck it up Buttercup” said with a smile and a chuckle.

About Color Glo International

Color Glo International is the World Leader in the restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine, and Furniture.  Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout the world. Color Glo products are proven every day to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns, and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane, or boat in use today. See the MATERIALS WE SERVICE.

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