From IT Expert to Garage Makeover Maestro: A Journey of Career Transformation.
Are you considering a career change that takes you from the digital world to the realm of physical transformations? Eric, a former IT business owner, decided to pivot his career path and delve into the world of garage makeovers. Outlined below is his journey, insights, and lessons he learned along the way.
Eric had spent years building and managing a successful IT consulting firm. He was well-versed in the complexities of software development, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity. However, as technology evolved rapidly, Eric found himself craving a new challenge, one that allowed him to unleash his creativity, work with his hands, and make difference in people’s lives with his work.
It was during a home renovation project that Eric discovered his passion for transforming spaces. He took a particular interest in revamping spaces, turning cluttered and underutilized areas into organized, functional, and visually appealing spaces. The satisfaction of seeing a garage go from chaos to order sparked an idea and a discussion with the GarageExperts® team.
With careful consideration and planning, Eric made the bold decision to transition from his previous career into the GarageExperts® of Essex County franchise owner. He has immersed himself in learning about garage organization systems, flooring options, cabinet designs, and installation techniques. Networking with fellow franchise teams in the area and across the nation, attending training, and immersing himself into his community, further fueled his passion around his new journey.
Eric has realized that many skills from his IT background were transferable to his new venture: project management, attention to detail, problem-solving, and customer service were all essential skills that have served him well. His ability to analyze data and trends also helped him identify market opportunities and tailor his services to meet customer needs.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Eric has faced challenges along the way. Pricing strategies, finding skilled installers, and balancing workload have been initial hurdles. However, he has made it happen! His resilient attitude and input from GarageExperts® teams across the country has made for a smooth journey. He continues to refine his business processes to adapt to changing market dynamics each week.
Eric's journey teaches us valuable lessons about career transitions:
Eric's story is a testament to the power of following your passions, embracing change, and leveraging skills to forge a new career path. Whether you're an IT expert, a creative mind, or someone seeking a fresh start, there's always room for transformation. Who knows, your next career chapter could be as inspiring as Eric's journey into the world of garage makeovers. If you are ready, GarageExperts® can help.
The idea of franchising sounds great – a business in a box! You pay your fees, and the franchise company gives you the training, branding, and support to be successful.
Pretty easy right?
The truth is, no two franchises are the same, and it can be quite difficult to find the right type of franchise and identify which brand best suits your wants and needs within that category. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur looking to diversify your portfolio, or a newcomer looking to break out of the typical 9-5 grind, here are a few things to consider.
A simple search of “franchise opportunities” on the internet will flood you with endless brands looking to expand their footprint. They all boast that they are the best in class, but how do you differentiate them? The most common categories are Fast Food, Retail, Automotive, and Service type business models. The key questions to ask yourself are:
Once you have identified your category of choice, you must start comparing the different brand options within that category.
Franchising presents a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs to capitalize on their business aspirations while reducing many of the risks associated with starting a business completely from scratch.
By exploring multiple franchise options across various industries, aspiring business owners can find the perfect fit to match their entrepreneurial spirit. With careful consideration, strategic planning, and a passion to succeed, franchising can offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take control of your future.
To learn more about the GarageExperts franchise opportunity within the Home Services space, please contact franchiseopportunity@garageexperts.com or visit
If you are researching any franchise opportunities, you will learn about an important document called the FDD. This stands for Franchise Disclosure Document, and it’s vital to your research into a franchise organization.
The FDD is a legal document that franchisors (the corporate company of the franchise) are required to provide to prospective franchise buyers before they can sign any agreements. The FDD provides detailed information about the franchisor in general (ownership and leadership structure), the franchise opportunity itself (the business offering), the terms of the agreement (length, cost, etc.), and other important information that can help potential buyers make an informed decision about investing in the franchise.
Step 1) Request the FDD from the franchisor you want to explore.
Step 2) Sign the receipt page at the very end of the document.
Step 3) Review the document in full and/or have a Franchise attorney review it.
Step 4) Schedule time with the franchisor to go over any of your questions on the FDD.
Step 5) Dig deep into the available numbers.
Step 6) Find the list of current and former franchise owners and make time to speak with as many as you can.
To receive a copy of the GarageExperts® FDD, please reach out to the Franchise Development team at 214-984-3557 or fill out an inquiry form at www.garageexperts.com/franchising.
At the recent annual GarageExperts® Conference for franchisees, GarageExperts® of Augusta owner Lane Smoak received the 2023 Rookie of The Year Award. This is given out to the newest shining star in the system. The criteria are wrapped around sales, execution, and profits throughout a franchisee’s first year of service.
Lane hit the ground running and did not look back! His desire to deliver great floors and cabinets to clients all over the Augusta market has paid off for him and his family. He looks forward to providing Garage FX® flooring systems and custom cabinets for years to come. And, Lane is no stranger to growing a business. As a teenager, he started his own business repairing golf clubs in the Augusta area and has taken those skills to help drive his new GarageExperts® franchise.
We love seeing new teams across the country come on board and deliver great products to great people by great people. Lane Smoak has been an example for others to emulate in 2024!
Durability, aesthetics, and easy cleanability are the main focuses when it comes to interior floors. Carpet tends to hold allergens and requires constant cleaning. Tile is durable, however, it’s not a seamless surface which results in bacteria being harbored in the grout lines. Hardwood floors look great but scratch easily and consistently show surface dust. The longevity of these traditional flooring options also requires replacement at one time or another. Epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings are a great alternative. Improved light reflectivity, increased abrasion and stain resistance, easy cleanability, and a seamless surface promote a hygienic environment.
Brett with GarageExperts® of Northern New Jersey had a client seeking all these benefits with a modern aesthetic. Brett recommended the Garage FX® Epoxy Stone System as the perfect solution with its seamless, high-gloss, terrazzo-inspired appearance. The client was excited, and the installation process began.
Brett and his team mechanically profiled the surface with diamond grinders to remove contaminants while providing the correct surface profile for optimal coating adhesion. Flaws in the substrate such as cracks and spalls were filled using a fast-setting polyurea repair compound reducing downtime. The Garage FX® Epoxy Stone System consists of an epoxy primer featuring fusing technology providing an incredible bond to the concrete substrate while mitigating up to 8 lbs of moisture vapor emissions. The following morning, the self-leveling Epoxy Stone System was applied using a 1/8” notched squeegee across the surface. This coat was allowed to dry overnight before sanding the surface and applying an ultra-high solids polyaspartic topcoat for increased stain, abrasion, and wear resistance.
The results are spectacular! The GarageExperts® of Northern New Jersey team delivered a high-end, modern finish that will outperform traditional flooring options.
At the recent annual GarageExperts® Conference for franchisees, GarageExperts® of Boise owners Adam Markowich and Chris Wolford received the 2023 Founders Award. This is the most prestigious award a GarageExperts® owner can receive. It is given to the franchise owners who exemplify what it takes to be successful, but also make an impact on the lives of others. This encompasses all facets of the business - from community involvement to customer service to their integrity. Chris and Adam are not strangers to success. They own several businesses together, and they saw GarageExperts® as the right opportunity to expand their footprint in the home improvement sector by offering the Garage FX® flooring system and custom cabinets in Boise and the surrounding area.
Adam spent many years as a corporate operations executive, and he brings this expertise to the operations side of their business. Chris, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and current member of the Idaho Air Guard, heads up the sales and development side of their business. With a singular focus on success, they form a team that is never going to look for reasons why something cannot be done. They focus on what is important to their business and ensure those objectives are always met. Since purchasing their GarageExperts® franchise in late 2022, they have grown their business quickly and efficiently, and they are set to take on their next challenge. They have recently expanded their Garage FX® business into Utah and operate there as GarageExperts® of North Salt Lake City. Congrats to this amazing team on their Founders Award!
This franchisee’s story begins in the quiet town of Derry, New Hampshire, with a man named Stephen. Stephen was a hardworking individual with a dream – a dream to build something meaningful with his own hands and create a legacy for his family. Little did he know this dream would take the form of a flourishing GarageExperts® franchise flooring and cabinet business that he would share with his son, Matt.
Equipped with determination and a vision, Stephen decided to take the leap and start his own business. He knew he couldn't do it alone, so he turned to his son, Matt, who shared his father's passion for creating great spaces for customers. Together, they embarked on a journey to turn their dream into a reality. Stephen started by finding a franchise partnership that could help support his dream and GarageExperts® met those needs and GarageExperts® of New Hampshire was started. The GarageExperts® Corporate team joined the journey with him and his son, spending countless hours refining skills, working on educating consumers in the Northeast about epoxy and polyaspartic flooring, and perfecting their techniques with the Garage FX® flooring system. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail soon caught the eye of locals in New Hampshire and surrounding areas.
Word spread fast about the exceptional customer service delivered by Stephen and Matt and their great Garage FX® flooring system and custom cabinets. The demand for their services grew, and the father/son team found themselves expanding their operation. They hired a small team of skilled craftsmen who shared their dedication to excellence with flooring and cabinetry. As the GarageExperts® of New Hampshire business flourished, Stephen and Matt faced challenges that tested their resilience. Over the last decade they battled economic downturns, competition, weather, and the ever-changing market posed hurdles, but the team navigated through them with unwavering determination. They adapted to new trends, focused on the customer experience, and prioritized treating everyone like family.
With success came the opportunity to expand their GarageExperts® business into the Connecticut market, and in 2023, they started doing business in the Hartford area as GarageExperts® of Greater Connecticut. Their goal remains the same, to develop a customer-focused culture in Hartford and deliver on their mission of providing great flooring and cabinetry. Today, Stephen and Matt's business stands tall as a testament to hard work, passion, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son. From the humble beginnings in a van to the now multi-vehicle and crew powerhouse in the Northeast! Their story inspires others to pursue their dreams and create something enduring within the GarageExperts® community. Hats off to the great duo in the Northeast!
Are you interested in starting your own business and looking for a unique and profitable opportunity? Consider becoming a GarageExperts® franchise owner. With the increasing demand for durable and high-quality garage floor coatings, this industry is experiencing tremendous growth and has the potential for significant financial success.
Let’s explore the benefits and opportunities of becoming a GarageExperts® franchise owner.
Epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings have become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners and businesses recognize the value of a clean, attractive, and long-lasting flooring option. Whether it's a residential garage, commercial facility, or industrial building, GarageExperts® flooring systems provide an excellent solution for improving the aesthetics, durability, and functionality of the space.
As a GarageExperts® franchise owner, you will tap into this growing market and have customers ready to enhance their garage floors.
One of the major advantages of becoming a franchise owner is access to an established brand and proven business model. When you join GarageExperts®, you benefit from our years of experience, market research, and successful marketing strategies.
This support will help you build a strong customer base from day one and minimize the risks associated with starting a business from scratch. GarageExperts® franchise owners are always willing to help each other by answering questions and offering advice. New owners comment on how they feel supported by not only the corporate staff but also by the other owners. There is a true sense of community.
No prior experience in the garage floor coating industry? No problem. GarageExperts® comprehensive training program covers all aspects of the business, including product knowledge, installation techniques, marketing strategies, and customer service.
The training program is designed to provide new franchise owners with the skills and knowledge to become successful. The one thing we can’t provide you with is the drive to be successful. You have to provide that.
The support does not stop after the initial training. GarageExperts® provides ongoing support and resources to franchise owners. This includes a dedicated Franchise Business Coach, access to both new and time-tested products, marketing materials, and a network of fellow GarageExperts® franchise owners to share best practices.
This ongoing support ensures that you always have the latest information and tools to stay ahead of the competition and grow your business.
GarageExperts® offers exclusive territories, ensuring that you have a designated area to operate your business without direct competition from other franchisees. This exclusivity allows you to focus your marketing efforts on your specific region, establish strong relationships with potential clients, and maximize your business potential.
GarageExperts® may have started as a garage floor coating company, but over the last 15 years, we have grown into a full garage makeover organization. We not only offer the best floor coatings available, but we also manufacture and supply a complete line of storage solutions including cabinets, slatwall, and overhead racks.
Becoming a GarageExperts® franchise owner presents an exciting and profitable opportunity. With a growing market, established brand and support, comprehensive training, exclusive territories, and ongoing support and resources, this franchise option offers a path to entrepreneurial success.
GarageExperts® Garage FX® Metallic Epoxy is a special multi-layered epoxy floor coating system that incorporates the use of a metallic additive mixed into a clear epoxy coating to create exotic effects. This metallic powder continues to move through the epoxy as it cures creating the marble-like pearlescent design, making it ideal for interior spaces.
It’s no surprise metallic coatings have continued to gain popularity amongst homeowners for their stunning looks and impressive durability.
Outdated and unfinished concrete floors can decrease the value and visual appeal of your home. Carpet can harbor allergens, and tile grout lines and hardwood seams can harbor bacteria requiring constant intensive cleaning to prevent harmful risks. The seamless design of metallic coatings provides a sanitary surface that is inherently easy to clean.
Kris Henthorn and his team at GarageExperts® of DFW installed this stunning metallic floor, delivering the appearance of a solid slab of marble to the client. The installation began with two coats of Garage FX® Direct to Concrete Epoxy Primer to provide outstanding adhesion to the substrate while blocking up to 8 pounds of moisture vapor emissions as added protection.
White metallic powder was mixed into Garage FX® Metallic Epoxy and applied to the surface with artistic techniques creating a high-gloss pearlescent marbleized designer appearance. The results are flawless!
GarageExperts® of DFW utilized their skilled craftsmanship to provide their client with a sleek, minimalistic, yet bold-looking, floor in a high-end finish that will be the envy of the neighborhood!
In Ohio, the Lipaj family is a great example of family, hard work, and business success. Mike and Alyssa started their family with a dream of creating a nurturing environment for their children and a desire to contribute to the Columbus community. They did their research and decided to leave their sales jobs and begin a small business journey, becoming GarageExperts® of Columbus.
Mike, a salesperson and entrepreneur at heart, had always envisioned owning a small business. Inspired by his love for sales and providing customers with a great product and experience, he found that the GarageExperts® system fit those needs.
The journey had its challenges—starting a business while raising a young family required dedication, hard work, and a shared commitment. With GarageExperts® systems and support, they have built a solid presence in the Columbus market.
As the family and business grew, so did their customer reach. They recently expanded into the Cleveland market, operating as GarageExperts® of Northeast Ohio. They are making a difference by transforming their customers’ garages into beautiful, organized, and useful spaces that will last a lifetime.
For the Lipaj family, success isn't just financial; it's about the bonds formed, lessons learned, and community impact. Their story reflects the balance of family and business, furthering their commitment to the Ohio community. GarageExperts® looks forward to the Lipaj family's continued growth and success.
