Personal Touch: Fibrenew Franchisee Suzanne Tinelli

Written by Jill Abrahamsen for Franchise Consultant magazine

Fibrenew is much more than just a business to franchisee Suzanne Tinelli

When Suzanne Tinelli discovered Fibrenew, her search for a franchise opportunity ended. “Fibrenew was the first to catch my eye and after that, nothing else seemed as interesting to me,” she says.

The leather, plastic and vinyl repair franchise had everything she wanted in a business: environmentally beneficial, scalable, recession-proof, and rewarding. It also had a feel-good aspect she didn’t anticipate. “My customers say that I have ‘magic hands.’ It’s fun to do work where you are appreciated.”

Tinelli loves the connections she makes during on-site jobs.“Many customers chat with me while I’m doing the work. It’s more than just a business — it’s personal.”

RUNNING THE BUSINESS
From refurbishing the interior of a classic car to repairing a piece of furniture that has been in a family for decades, Tinelli feels fulfilled by restoring cherished items. “It’s fun because you get to be a little part of their story.”

Since she opened her Hagerstown, Md. location in December 2021, Tinelli has been running the business solo. Although she enjoys the simplicity of not needing employees, she finds juggling different areas of the business challenging. In addition to doing the restoration work, she answers phone calls, responds to emails, sends out marketing materials and quotes and handles invoicing. But Tinelli likes being busy and is very happy to have continuous business. “I thought it would be hard to find customers, but ever since I opened, I have had work to do. I’m very grateful for that.”

For more on Suzanne and her Fibrenew Hagerstown franchise, visit: fibrenew.com/hagerstown/

For more information on Fibrenew Franchising, visit: fibrenew.com/franchising/