Franchising with Get A Grip Inc. Resurfacing

Franchising with Get A Grip Inc. Resurfacing

with Sharon Dillard

Sharon Dillard, President of Get A Grip Inc. Resurfacing, a family owned, national franchise company headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico joins Enterprise Radio.

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Originally from Texas, Sharon worked with high-end fashion companies for many years, gaining a savvy and intuitive marketing sense. In 1999, she took a patent and an idea and grew Get A Grip from a garage in Albuquerque, NM into a national company leading the resurfacing industry. The company has won multiple awards, including a Duke City Dozen Award for innovation and creativity from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and recognition from New Mexico Business Weekly as A Best Place To Work. Get A Grip has been featured nationwide for its outstanding workmanship and products. In January 2009, the company debuted on Entrepreneur’s 30th Annual Franchise 500 listing and is currently ranked #316, and #2 in its industry. When she’s not working, Sharon loves riding her horse and taking long trail rides in the mountains with friends. She and her husband Cub Dillard have two sons, Ryan and Austen, all of whom work for the company.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Sharon Dillard discuss the following:

  • Tell us about Get A Grip and what makes the company stand out in its industry.

GET A GRIP, Inc. is a family-owned and operated national franchise company with headquarters in Albuquerque. We refinish porcelain bathtubs, tile showers and enclosures, laminate or cultured marble countertops, cabinets, and repair and refinish fiberglass bathtubs that are cracked or worn. The company has been featured on Entrepreneur®’s Franchise 500® list of franchise companies in the United States and Canada since 2007, currently ranking #316. Being conscious of our environmental impact, our products are non-toxic. By resurfacing instead of replacing, we keep over 3,000 tons of materials out of landfills every year.

  • How did Get A Grip Resurfacing get started?

In 1998, my son Ryan Dillard visited family in Albuquerque. During his visit, he discovered how one could restore – without removal – worn bathtubs and countertops. He also saw the potential to reach out beyond the local area. He told us that we had to expand this unique business. So I went, and got it immediately. I began dividing my time between Dallas and Albuquerque, and 6 months later, I left my executive position to begin concentrating on marketing and advertising for Get A Grip. Then my husband, Cub, brought his 30 years of sales and finance experience. Eventually, our other son, Austen, joined the company, too. Today, Get A Grip leads the resurfacing industry in over 30 locations across the country.

  • What do you attribute the company’s success to?

We’re very deliberate and consistent about decision making – whether researching and developing new products and techniques, or marketing and branding, or about buying our building, etc. There’s no manual for success, so each step we take is thoughtful and we’re constantly reevaluating everything we do.

  • What trends do you see in your industry in the future?

Resurfacing and remodeling is a lot like fashion. Colors and styles are always changing. So we keep up by introducing new colors, finishes, styles and products. That includes updating our messaging and branding – like product labels, our website, our social media, etc. Customers always want to look up to date and sophisticated, so we must deliver that to them.

  • What has been your experience in franchising?

At first, we were wary of becoming a franchise company, because you hear that they are expensive, that the headquarters doesn’t support you, etc. But as we began developing our franchise program, we saw how we could be different and benefit both headquarters and the entrepreneurs who wanted to be franchises.

Get A Grip began offering franchises in 2007, and now offers a home-based opportunity with low start up costs and franchise fee, a 2-week hands on training program, a complete system for running the business, and exceptional ongoing support. Our network of 30 franchises and dealers is in 17 states around the country.

Tip: If you’re considering starting or becoming part of a service business, you must do your research. Talk with business owners in the field you’re interested in, talk to franchise owners. You’re not an island, and there are many opportunities to learn from the mistakes and triumphs of others. So don’t make unnecessary mistakes, and use the wisdom that other people have already learned.

Links: getagripinc.com

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