We’re excited to announce the grand opening of Screen Savers in Kitchener, marking the first location in the area and the 21st in the Mosaic Home Services franchise network. To kick things off, we sat down with Matt and Derek, the new franchisees bringing this trusted brand to Kitchener. Let’s dive in and get to know them a bit better.
Interviewer: Hello, guys! Welcome to the Screen Savers family!
Hi! Thanks for having us!
Interviewer: So, tell us—can you introduce yourselves and give us a bit of background?
Sure! We’re Matt and Derek, and we both grew up right here in the Kitchener area. Our passion for construction started when we were young, and we actually met about 12 years ago during our late teens. We hit it off quickly and began working together in the renovations industry. After a few years, we decided to start our own business—D&M Craftsmen—where we’ve been providing residential construction services for the past nine years. We’ve built a strong reputation in Kitchener and beyond for our quality work and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Interviewer: That’s awesome! So, what inspired you to take the leap and become Screen Savers franchisees?
Well, it all started with a conversation with a fellow franchisee in Alberta. Hearing about his success in just a few years really got us thinking. We saw an opportunity to expand our business and offer even more value to our clients by integrating Screen Savers. The idea of diversifying our services and strengthening our position in the market was really appealing, so we decided to go for it!
Interviewer: It’s great to hear how it all came together! Can you talk about how you first discovered Screen Savers and what your onboarding experience was like?
We actually heard about Screen Savers through a mutual friend who’s an entrepreneur. He spoke very highly of the franchise, which piqued our interest. The onboarding process was really smooth, too. Since we’re one of the first franchisees in Ontario, we had some unique challenges, but Screen Savers was super accommodating. Because we both have families, traveling to Alberta for training was tough, so they arranged for online software training and had our physical training right here in Ontario. It made the transition so much easier for us.
Interviewer: That sounds like a really supportive experience. Have you guys had any experience in the home improvement industry before this?
Yes, absolutely. We’ve been in the home improvement industry for years, and we’ve built a strong foundation of skills and knowledge over time. We’re very focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Keeping a clean and organized work environment is a big deal for us, and it’s something our clients really appreciate.
Interviewer: With all that experience under your belts, are there any specific products or services you’re particularly excited to introduce to the Kitchener community?
Definitely! We’re really excited about the Talius retractable screen wall system. It’s an innovative solution that offers benefits like enhanced security and improved energy efficiency, which we think the community will love. We’re also thrilled about installing Pivot Pro doors—they’ve got a sleek design and great functionality. Plus, with the high demand for screen repair in the area, we’re aiming to become the go-to choice for all things screen-related.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’ve got some fantastic services lined up! What kind of customer experience can people expect when they choose Screen Savers in Kitchener?
We’re all about professionalism, from start to finish. Communication is key for us, so we make sure our clients are always informed and involved throughout the process. We’re also big on punctuality and keeping the work environment clean. And of course, we guarantee that every product is installed correctly to ensure long-lasting satisfaction for our clients.
Interviewer: That’s the kind of service everyone wants! Now, for something a bit more personal—can you share a fun fact about yourselves that your customers might find interesting?
Sure! A fun fact about us is that we had our kids really close together. Derek and his wife, Ashley, have two boys, one born in 2020 and the other in 2021. My wife, Taylor, and I had our little boy in 2021 as well. We spend our free time raising our kids together, and it’s really brought us closer, both as friends and business partners.
Interviewer: That’s so cool! On a more serious note, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about running a business?
The best advice we’ve received is that running a business is a journey, not a race. It’s really helped us stay motivated and focused on continuous improvement. We’re always learning and striving to enhance our customers’ experiences, which has been key to our growth.
Interviewer: That’s some solid advice. So, how do you see the future of Screen Savers in Kitchener and beyond?
We see a bright future ahead. Our goal is to make Screen Savers the first name that comes to mind for anything screen-related in Kitchener and the surrounding areas. We’re committed to expanding our reach and delivering top-quality services that meet the needs of our community.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there a message you’d like to share with the Kitchener community?
Absolutely. To everyone in Kitchener, we’re here to help with all your screen, retractable door, and powered screen needs. We can’t wait to assist you in creating the perfect outdoor space, whether it’s for relaxation or just to let in a little fresh air. Our team is dedicated to providing solutions that will truly enhance your living experience.
Interviewer: Well, that’s all for today’s Get to Know Screen Savers show! Thanks for reading, and we look forward to seeing you guys again soon!
