Miracle Method

MINNESOTA

Source: Matt Mozingo

After 18 years as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines, Matt Mozingo decided to utilize his skill set with his own franchise.

Description: Bath and kitchen countertop refinishing company

Owner: Matt Mozingo

Years in business: 11

No. of franchises owned: 1

Start-up costs: $85,000 to $125,000; $38,700 to $44,100

Franchisor fees: $40,000, included in start-up costs; royalties: 5.5% of sales; advertising fee: 1.5% of sales

2015 revenue, 2016 projection: $467,000; $630,000

2016 projected annual growth rate: 35%

Matt Mozingo spent 18 years working as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines, with the last 14 years in their composite shop. It was a job he enjoyed, but the uncertainty and frustration of working for a large corporation began to wear him down. He began looking at franchise models and came across Miracle Method. The company, with over 130 U.S. and Canadian franchises, refinishes kitchen countertops, showers, tubs, and tile in less time and for less money than replacing these items.

Additional franchisee resources

Matt was intrigued by Miracle Method's process and its ability to work on so many different surfaces, something he was familiar with from his career in the composite shop at Northwest. After speaking with the company and hearing good feedback from existing Miracle Method franchisees, he bought his franchise in Burnsville, Minnesota, in 2005.

"I was impressed by their unique service and their position as the leader in the refinishing industry," Mozingo said. "They focused on offering quality, professionalism and excellent service, which appealed to me." The refinishing business is fairly technical, so he appreciates the ongoing new product training offered by the parent company. "They continue to push the boundaries in application techniques to ensure we remain the leader in the industry," Mozingo said.

In recent years, he's grown his business by expanding into the commercial market — again with help and guidance from the parent company — and now services local colleges, hotels and apartment complexes in addition to homes.

His advice to folks that want to buy a franchise? "Take the time to educate yourself on the services that a franchise offers and their business model, both operationally and financially," he said. "You need to have the passion for what you are buying into and make sure your values align with those of the franchisor."