Thriving Through Uncertainty: Lessons from 80+ Years of Fibrenew Experience
What does it take to build a business that lasts through economic downturns, global uncertainty, and shifting markets?
In this episode, we sit down with three veteran Fibrenew franchisees: Al Crnjac (34 years), Michael Carter (24 years), and Ann Benes (24 years) to unpack how they’ve navigated everything from 9/11 to the 2008 recession, COVID, and today’s evolving landscape.
Despite different markets and decades of change, their message is consistent: keep moving forward.
Rather than reacting to headlines or slowing down, they double down on fundamentals: staying visible, building relationships, and actively pursuing work. Whether it’s knocking on doors, expanding into new commercial channels, or adapting pricing, progress comes from action, not hesitation.
A major advantage? Diversification. Fibrenew’s ability to serve multiple industries, from automotive to insurance to commercial, creates resilience. When one segment slows, another often picks up.
Their advice is practical and direct:
- Don’t wait for work, go find it
- Focus on needs over wants (repair vs. replace)
- Build strong commercial relationships
- Stay adaptable, but never stagnant
Because no matter what’s happening in the world, one thing remains true: people will always need things repaired.
Listen to the full episode below.
