Surface Specialists Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$43,200 - $56,000
Franchise Fee
$1,500
Total US Locations
47
Business Summary
Surface Specialists operates businesses that provide high-quality repair and refinishing services for kitchen and bathroom surfaces such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, vanities, ceramic tile, and countertops. The business also offers services like whirlpool conversions, safety conversions, acrylic tub liner installations, glass polishing, granite and marble repair, and vinyl repair for single-family homes, multi-family buildings, motels, and hotels.
Corporate History
The Surface Specialists franchise program originated in 1982. A predecessor company, Surface Specialists Systems, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, operated the brand before its assets were acquired in 1996 by another predecessor, SSSI-Missouri. SSSI-Missouri offered Surface Specialists franchises from 1996 to June 2002. The current franchisor, Surface Specialists Systems, Inc., was incorporated in North Carolina in December 2001 and purchased substantially all assets of SSSI-Missouri in July 2002. Surface Specialists Systems, Inc. has been offering franchises since July 2002.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$43,200 - $56,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$1,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$36,000
Royalty %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$300
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,000
Working Capital
$6,750
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Surface Specialists maintains a clean financial record with no significant concerns noted by its independent auditors. The company's financial statements for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 received an unqualified opinion, indicating they present fairly the financial position and results of operations. No allowance for credit losses or obsolete inventory was deemed necessary. There are no indications of going concern issues.
Financing Details
Surface Specialists offers direct financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee. Franchisees may finance up to $7,000 of the Initial Franchise Fee over a period of up to 36 months at an annual interest rate of up to 10%. Payments begin in the first full calendar month that is 90 days after signing the Franchise Agreement. This financing requires a personal guarantee from the franchisee or all owners of the franchisee entity, and the promissory note must be secured by the business's equipment, supplies, inventory, and other tangible assets. Surface Specialists does not offer any other direct or indirect financing, nor does it guarantee franchisee notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
47
Franchised Units
47
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2002
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Surface Specialists has no litigation to report, indicating a clean legal history.
Bankruptcy History
Surface Specialists has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor or its key management personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Surface Specialists franchise, franchisees must be in compliance with their current Franchise Agreement and send written notice of their intent to renew at least 120 days before the initial term expires. Franchisees will then need to sign a new franchise agreement, which may have different terms and conditions than their current agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Surface Specialists provides several types of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, franchisees receive an initial supply of inventory, specifications for materials, mandatory training, and confidential Operations Manuals. Ongoing support includes periodic updates to the Operations Manuals, recommendations for suggested pricing, and access to certain supplies and equipment (at franchisee expense). Surface Specialists also manages an Advertising Fund to promote the brand, although it has not yet collected contributions for it. Additionally, the franchisor may require franchisees to attend an Annual Convention, with at least one required during their first two years of operation.
Initial Training Hours
96
Training Location
Matthews, North Carolina
Ongoing Support
Surface Specialists provides ongoing support by periodically furnishing franchisees with updated and revised Operations Manuals. The franchisor also makes recommendations regarding suggested pricing, provides certain supplies and equipment at the franchisee's expense, and manages an Advertising Fund for general brand promotion, though contributions are not currently collected. Franchisees are required to attend at least one Annual Convention during their first two years of operation, and may be required to attend others.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Surface Specialists typically grants a Designated Territory that includes one or more cities, towns, or counties. These territories generally have a minimum population of 100,000 people and a maximum population of 2,000,000 people.
Staffing Notes
Surface Specialists requires franchisees to hire employees to provide services rather than using 1099 contract labor. All employees and owners of the franchise must sign a written agreement to maintain the confidentiality of trade secrets and comply with noncompete covenants. Additionally, if the franchisee is married, their spouse must sign a Spousal Non-Compete Agreement.