In this episode, we sit down with longtime Fibrenew franchisees Al Crnjac (34 years), Michael Carter (24 years), and Ann Benes (24 years) to explore what it takes to endure and succeed through decades of economic uncertainty. From 9/11 to the 2008 recession, through COVID and today's shifting landscape, they've faced it all. Their stories reveal a consistent theme: resilience through adaptability. No matter the conditions, they've continued to evolve, grow, and thrive. Their philosophy is simple: keep moving forward, because there's always a place for Fibrenew in the broader economy.

In this episode, we talk with Marsail and Tony Abuaita just after they completed two weeks of Fibrenew training in Calgary. They're the new owners of Fibrenew Irving, Texas, bringing together Marsail's artistic eye and Tony's business experience.

At the time of this recording, Marsail was entering her final semester at Texas State University, studying scenic painting. She's used to turning design ideas into large-scale theatre sets, so when she discovered Fibrenew, it felt like a natural extension of what she already loves: taking a vision and making it real. Color, texture, and detail all matter to her—if her name is on the work, it has to be something she's proud of.

Tony has built and run multiple businesses since immigrating to the U.S. in 1990, including convenience stores, Dairy Queen franchises, and a travel agency focused on religious group tours. After talking with other Fibrenew franchisees, he saw an opportunity for a flexible, scalable business that his daughter could own and grow.

A turning point for Marsail was her first ride-along, restoring a small burn in a Porsche seat. The customer's reaction reminded her of seeing an audience respond to a finished stage production—it proved that this work has real emotional impact.

Now, Marsail is preparing to juggle her final semester with planning her new business, aiming to “take Irving by storm” once she graduates. With Tony supporting her on the operations and admin side, they see Fibrenew as both a business opportunity and a way to grow together as a family.

For more info on Fibrenew Franchising, visit www.fibrenew.com/franchising

2022 was a gigantic year for Trevor and McKenna. They finished their schooling, wrapped up their jobs, got married, and decided to move from their native California to Florida, to start a business and begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Their positive mindsets and sense of adventure are infectious. In this podcast, they recount the moment they decided to 'go for it' and start anew on the other side of the country. Shortly after the move, they faced unbelievable adversity between family deaths and unprecedented hurricanes; their world was turned upside down.

By maintaining positive attitudes, working through adversity one step at a time, and treating everything that came their way as learning opportunities, they came out on the other side stronger than before. We hope you enjoy listening to the inspiring story of Fibrenew St Pete owners, Trevor and McKenna Vanden Bos.

A mother and her son walk into a bar to discuss the idea of opening a business together… oh wait, no, they didn't, because the son is underage. Just 17 years old to be exact!

In this Fibrenew podcast, we're in conversation with Robyn and Luke Deering - the mother and son combo behind Fibrenew Cape Coral, Florida.

When Luke was just a junior, he knew he wouldn't pursue college after graduating from high school. For Robyn, the tuition money she would have spent on college for Luke was now in question.

The two of them spoke about what to do and ultimately decided to open a Fibrenew franchise together.

Even though Luke is now in grade 12, he's getting an education in business in the real world. And Robyn gets the satisfaction of running a business with her son.

We hope you enjoy listening to the remarkable story that Robyn and Luke share with us.

For more information on franchising with Fibrenew, including day-in-the-life videos, articles, and more podcasts like this one, please visit fibrenew.com/franchising

Jerry Mainstone started his franchise in central Florida in January of 2022 after he and his wife, Lindy, moved from Michigan to escape the winters there. It was a great lifestyle move for the Mainstones, but it ended up being a solid business move as well. in this podcast, Jerry tells us how they've been building their business over the past 3 years, what he's learned along the way, and what he has planned for the future. Thanks for listening in!

In this episode, we sit down with RJ Hogan of Long Island, NY, as he reflects on his first full year as a Fibrenew franchise owner.

RJ shares candid insights about launching his business, the lessons learned along the way, and how becoming his own boss has brought new energy to both his career and his family life. If you're curious about what the first year of franchise ownership really looks like, this conversation is for you.

Gabriel Ruiz and Scott Sarver are buddies who decided to start a Fibrenew Franchise together in 2022. They now own not one but two territories in Omaha, Nebraska.

In this podcast, they talk about what led them to the idea of starting a franchise together, how they run it today, and how they really enjoy what they're doing. They also share advice about partnering with a friend in business and some of the things they've learned.

For more info on Fibrenew Franchising: fibrenew.com/franchising

To contact Gabriel and Scott: fibrenew.com/omaha

Allen Odvody was a corporate employee with 20 years of experience who turned to entrepreneurship with Fibrenew. Driven by innovation and creativity, Allen is always seeking new adventures, aiming to inspire and make a difference.

Key Take Takeaways from this Conversation:

1) We are not defined by how we do on our good days but by how we endure and overcome on our bad days.

2) You got to be involved if you are a franchise owner. There is a low percentage for it to succeed if you will not put time and effort on it. That is why it is important to find a franchise that you love.

3) The power of “do it” is so important. You can be born at any age but you have to do it, believe in yourself and have that level of confidence. Don't be scared in making a mistake, just try not to to the same mistake twice. You will start to grow as you learn from it, it might be hard at first but everything that is worth it is always hard.

Enjoy the conversation, and thanks to JLD and the Entrepreneurs on Fire crew!