An Adventure Every Day: Fibrenew Tampa Franchisee is Living His Dream
Sam Torres had high hopes for his family’s financial future, despite being massively underemployed during the recession of 2008. He knew he was smart. He knew he was a hard worker. He knew his strength was connecting with people and solving their problems. So when he and his wife Penny came across the opportunity to own a Fibrenew franchise, they pounced.
Opening Fibrenew Tampa was the best decision the couple has made. Even through the struggling economy they worked diligently at forming a customer foundation that has grown steadily through every economic high and low. The franchise has not only provided Torres with a job for the past nine years, but has exceeded their financial goals, allowing the family a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle. “My wife said I am never allowed to give the business up!” Torres laughs.
Being a Fibrenew franchisee suits Torres well. “What I do for a living is not ordinary. It’s like an adventure every day,” he grins. His daily adventures include appointments with clients from a variety of industries: from moving companies and furniture stores to warranty companies and marinas. Fibrenew Tampa has been so accomplished with its performance Torres recently added Tesla to his client list. The secret to his success? “People skills,” he says. “If people like you, it makes them more comfortable.”
The majority of Torres’ projects are leather, plastic and vinyl repairs on furniture. But every once in a while he gets a special request. “Sometimes it’s about things that have memory, and I get to be part of that memory,” he says. A woman approached Fibrenew Tampa with the request for a restoration to her grandfather’s old, beaten up leather satchel. It involved a thorough cleaning, a leather re-dye and the construction of a new liner along the inside bottom. “She was thrilled,” Torres recalls. “It was a total transformation.”
The majority of Fibrenew Tampa’s client base comes from referrals or word of mouth. Reputation speaks volumes, and thanks to Torres’ outgoing personality and attention to detail his business expands year after year. He’s created a strong presence in the leather, plastic and vinyl restoration industry. When you like what you do your customers can tell. Torres delivers his best work with each project he tackles. “I work really hard at what I do,” he says. “I get to go out everyday and talk to people and just enjoy myself. I get to solve people’s problems, and they’re grateful.”
Torres looks back on his journey with Fibrenew and appreciates both the evolution of his business and of his personal life. These days Torres handles much of the day-to-day appointments and scheduling while his wife handles the paperwork. The Torres family invests their free time volunteering at church and spending time with their children. “My wife and I always say, ‘We love Fibrenew.’ Even in the early days when we were just getting up and running [the franchise support team] came alongside and extended grace to us and I’ll never forget that,” Torres concludes.
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