Buff and Coat - David Milburn

Have you ever been at a point in your career when it appears to have just lost its luster? Like a dull floor that you wish you could just buff up or put on a new finish? That's exactly what happened to our entrepreneur this month. His career lost its shine due to the economy. So he took a new direction, put on a new finish, and the results are amazing. Congratulations Dave, and welcome to the world of entrepreneurship!

David Milburn         Buff & Coat

I was referred to David Milburn through an individual I met at a networking function. When David and I first met, I learned that he was 51 years old, a licensed architect and had been recently downsized due the great recession. He had worked for several design and development companies over the years and had also been a staff architect for the Kohler Company. He also had his own design firm, Millennia Design, which he continues to operate today. In our initial meeting, David told me he loved architecture and the creative design process, but the economy wasn't supporting his career. In his words; "I have been practicing architecture since 1982. There has been little construction and remodeling going on during the recession. The architecture industry has changed so much that it is too hard to make a living." David had been researching various business and wealth building ideas that he could incorporate into his career. Ideally the business would have synergy with his architectural business or at least something he could do in conjunction. We worked on the criteria for his potential new business adventure. He wanted something where he initially could have an office out of his home and perhaps provide a service in someone's home or place of business. He also wanted people interaction where he could utilize his people, listening and creative skills. His goal was to find a sustaining business that he would enjoy and would allow him to retire in about 15 years. Because of David's background in architecture and construction, we concentrated our discovery journey in businesses that provided services in that area, i.e., house painting, floor refinishing, property management and junk removal. As David started his research and validation of the various concepts, it didn't take very long before the wood floor refinishing company rose to the top of his list. He spent a day with the owner of the franchise completing an actual customer job. After that experience, he knew that Buff and Coat was the business for him. Buff & Coat® restores the luster of household and commercial hardwood floors that have lost their shine from everyday wear and tear. The unique Buff & Coat® process renews the lustrous beauty of hardwood floors without the sanding, smell, mess, and is less than half the cost of traditional floor refinishing. It's virtually odorless, dustless, and done in one day! Your furniture can be put back in place 3 hours after the last coat. David hired an attorney to review the Buff & Coat® disclosure document and franchise agreement. We discussed different methods he could use to fund his business. In the meantime, he had a competitor come out to his house and give him an estimate on his wood floor. It never hurts to check out the competition.   In August of 2012 David went to training and has been working hard on his business ever since. He does most of the work himself and with a smile on his face he commented; "I still get a thrill out of solving my clients design needs. Now I show up in the morning solve their floor problems, leaving us both satisfied. I discovered that I really enjoy the physical nature and art involved." He likes interacting with his customers and discussing how his service can beautify their home and save them money over traditional sanding methods. He also uses that opportunity to discuss how his architectural design company might be of service to them in the future. David's journey hasn't been without challenges. His franchisor was going through some personal issues and David didn't feel that he was getting the support he needed. Fortunately, he was able to turn to the network of other franchise owners and they were able to help him with answers to his various questions. It was very comforting for him to know that when he encounters a unique situation, the experience of other franchise owners will help him provide a solution thus insuring a quality job. In other words, he's in business for himself but not by himself. When I asked David what he enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur, he told me; "Choosing different marketing venues, pursuing leads, landing jobs, and making deposits are equally rewarding. Self employment and perseverance are preferable to my last two layoffs." David also wanted my readers to know that he provides additional services like pulling up carpet, moving furniture, patching, repairing, sanding, and staining floors.  If your floor has damaged areas, those spots can be repaired and then all of the floor buffed and coated to look fresh again and almost like new! All this can be done in one day at less than half the cost of traditional sanding and staining. If you live in the greater Milwaukee area and your wood floors have lost their luster, please give David a call at 262-377-0300. David will be most happy to restore your old dingy floors and make them look like new again. You can learn more about the unique Buff & Coat® process at www.BuffandCoat.com. Odorless, Dustless, Done in One Day!   If your career has lost its luster, maybe it's time to research and explore other options. Even though David enjoyed his career as an architect, he realized that the economy wasn't supportive and he needed other income sources. David has positioned himself to prosper as the economy recovers. Success doesn't happen over night. It's a process taken one step at a time. Whether you are a corporate executive, manager, office clerk, mechanic or working mom and if you have a vision or desire of being your own boss and being self-sufficient, reply back or give me a call and we'll discuss your life goals and aspirations. Are you ready? Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. Wishing you continued success in the future.