CHUCK PISTOR LIKED HIS NEW BATHTUB SO MUCH HE BOUGHT THE COMPANY
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hen Miracle Method began franchising in 1979, the bath and kitchen refinishing company grew thanks to its innovative, money saving services. But any company that lasts long enough eventually needs reinvigorating. The company got that and more in 1996, when a customer, Chuck Pistor, Miracle Method’s current president, took over the fledging franchise and has since grown it precipitously. As his early career was spent in commercial real estate, Pistor arranged sales and financing for multi-million dollar investment grade properties for everything from warehouses to office buildings and retail shopping centers. But the road that eventually led him to take over Miracle Method began with a more modest discovery: the value of refinishing his bathtub.
Chuck Pistor, Owner of Miracle Method
“In 1993, my wife Cheri and I purchased a home built in the late 1950’s that had a horribly ugly harvest gold bathtub in the upstairs bathroom,” said Pistor. “By chance, a friend of mine suggested it could be refinished to look like new. When I learned it would cost hundreds to repair and refinish the tub compared to the thousands it would cost to replace it, the choice was easy. After I had a bright, shiny white tub, I couldn’t help but start asking my friend questions about the process. He knew the process, but I saw the moneysaving potential that any homeowner could benefit from. Shortly thereafter, he and I started a company that developed and distributed coatings and supplies for the refinishing industry.” For Pistor, who took over Miracle Method in 1996, he saw a promising business venture that simply needed a boost. His leadership and foresight paid off: when Pistor and the new management took over at Miracle Method there were roughly 40 US franchises and of those, about 10-12 locations closed or were not renewed through the transition of the first two years. Yet today there are over 135 franchises in the U.S. and Canada, with big growth planned for the franchise.
“Miracle Method’s vision is evident in our branding,” said Pistor. “We strive to be the best and do it right. We use the best materials, the best procedures and we get the best results. We strive to treat every customer as we would a friend or family member. We strive to take the high road and do the right things legally and ethically. But just as importantly, we want our franchisees to be profitable. Profit, to Miracle Method, is not a dirty word; on the contrary, profit illustrates that we’re doing right by our customers.” Currently the company has over 135 locations throughout North America and specializes in repairing and refinishing bathrooms and kitchens. But Pistor is now announcing plans to expand the services that have made it the largest bath and kitchen refinishing company in North America. Capitalizing on a booming remodeling industry that Home Improvement Research Institute estimates is projected to grow from $293 billion in 2013 to $383.7 billion within the next three years, Miracle Method aims to add 120 more franchises by the end of 2018. “Miracle Method has seen 15 percent growth in network sales every year for the last five years,” said Pistor. “We now have many franchisees that do from $1 million to $2 million a year in sales annually.”
According to Pistor, Miracle Method’s most successful franchisees consistently possess four key attributes. Those franchisees, said Pistor, are: 1. Competitive; they want to succeed. 2. Willing to follow directions. Miracle Method’s systems and procedures have been perfected over a span of 35 years. 3. Not afraid to make mistakes, but are smart enough to learn from them. 4. Social; they like serving people, they like helping people and they can relate to customers, employees and vendors.
About Miracle Method Miracle Method Bath and Kitchen Refinishing offers bathroom refacing and refinishing services to homeowners, hotel operators and apartment managers. Founded in 1979 by Bob Gray, the company has franchises throughout the United States and internationally, reconditioning and renovating bathtubs, ceramic tile walls, countertops, cabinets, sinks and showers. For further info on a franchise call: John Tubiolo: 1-877-434-5096 or go to www.miraclemethod.com