Jeff Konopack
DECK MEDIC
THE CHOICE TO WORK NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR AND STILL MAKE A full-time income is a no-brainer. And that’s just one reason Jeff Konopack teamed with founder Mike Nastepniak to help run Deck Medic back in 2008. Deck Medic had been restoring decks and outdoor surfaces since 1990. The booming business and great reputation wasn’t the only draw for Konopack, though. Low overhead and a flexible schedule also won him over. As the company grew, the pair wanted to scale the business and keep the same top-quality service. They began franchising and awarding territories in 2016. Now Vice President of Franchise Development, Konopack runs Deck Medic’s day-to-day operations, and he also owns the Cook County, Illinois, location. He built his territory into a huge operation with eight vans and ten employees. He knows potential franchisees can do the same. “This is a great investment that can grow at the pace the franchisee wants,” says Konopack. “Some investors want to be owner/operators, while others may want to hire managers and expand. Either model works very well.” Flexibility is attractive to potential franchisees, and it’s one of the perks Konopack enjoys most. “Don’t get me wrong, I work very hard during the peak season, but it’s nice to have the holidays off and take some time to vacation in the winter,” he says. “Franchisees can create their work schedules around their lives instead of the other way around. Want to go to your kid’s soccer game? Not a problem. Business won’t suffer the way it can with other franchises.” Deck Medic has its own line of proprietary cleaners, strippers, and 100-percent oil-based stain that can only be purchased by franchise owners. Customer service and their trademark Five-Step Wood Restoration Process sets Deck Medic apart. “We have beautiful, lasting results and customers keep coming back. We have a 90-percent retention rate—better than anyone else in the industry.” Franchisee satisfaction also contributes to Deck Medic’s success. “Once a week, I personally check in with every franchisee. We have monthly conference calls with every owner to share ideas,” says Konopack. “We are very protective of our name and image and want to grow the brand, but at a reasonable pace. Our franchise partners’ success is our success. We’re very much a family.” For more information, visit www.mydeckmedic.com or call 800.992.1202.
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