Franchise Interview with PosiGrip and Ceiltech President, Mario Signorelli

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Melissa Lim

Franchise Gator talks to Mario Signorelli who founded PosiGrip  25 years ago. What's the secret to success?  Hard work and great customer service… read on to learn more.

How was PosiGrip originally conceived and started and what was your vision for the company?

Posigrip® and Ceiltech®, two global industries that were created by Mario Signorelli and Charles F. Werz in 1986.

Posigrip® which dominates the slip resistant technology service industry for ceramic tile, marble, concrete, tubs and showers has licensed individuals on 6 continents and 77 foreign countries. The Posigrip® non slip floor coating application has been applied to the likes of Wembley Stadium in the UK as well as Federal buildings and institutions throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

Ceiltech® which specializes in acoustical and non acoustical ceiling and wall restoration has added some 2000 operators in all 50 states and several foreign countries.

In 2007 Posigrip launched the Posichem brand of day to day products used in restaurants and the hospitality industry. These products include Concrete Sealers, Degreasers, Oven and Grill cleaners, Stainless Steel Cleaners, and Graffiti Removal Systems. In 2009 PosiGreen was introduced and we can now supply a full line of cleaning products that are earth friendly. The PosiGreen line includes energy efficient lighting, and products made from recycled, natural and re-nuable sources.

 What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a business opportunity?

Once you have decided on a business there are two important keys that will make your new business a success and the first should be the investment versus the return on that investment.  If the investment is 1 million dollars and you're selling widgets at $1 each, and let's say the widget cost is 50 cents, how many widgets do you have to sell to get a return on that investment?  2 million widgets, right?  Now back out your labor costs, insurance, rent, interest on the loan and advertising which will likely consume more than 30% of your profits and how many do you have to sell now to pay back the money you invested?  More like 3 million widgets.  How long before you see a profit and pay off the original investment?  It may take years and that's why I like companies that have a low investment (preferably under $10,000) and a high return.  Let's say in our case the investment is $10,000 and our average job is $1000, how long before you pay back the original $10,000 and you're working on profit?  No long right? 

The second factor you should look for is if there is a market for your product and if there is a market, then how do you penetrate that market?  Listen, Pizza Hut didn't invent the pizza and Subway didn't invent the sandwich, it's all in how you market.  The company you invest in should have a market and a comprehensive marketing plan that is proven and does not involve you going out and knocking on doors for business unless you're some kind of incredible salesman, because if you're aligned with a strong company with a long history of marketing success, your chances of success improve dramatically even if you have never owned a business.   

Why should someone choose your business opportunity over other similar opportunities?

Low investment and a high return, no Franchise fees or royalties, all your profits are your own.  Introductions to Fortune 1000 companies, referrals and everything included from equipment, training and marketing materials and support to proposals, invoices, group insurance and LLC's and partnership agreements.  This turnkey package has referrals and corporate jobs and is very similar to buying an established business without the high cost of running one. 

What makes your industry attractive?

We sell safety and we follow along the standards that the ADA and OSHA placed on business in order to maintain compliance and avoid the risk of hefty penalties, fines or injury to their employees and customers.   Because of that our customers can receive Federal credits, workman's comp and liability discounts and tax deductions as well.  Because of this, It's hard to say no to Posigrip.   

What types of qualities do you look for in potential owners?

The willingness to work, this is not a "get rich quick Scheme" it's a "Real Business"   If you're willing to work, this business will make you money to do the things you always wanted to do, but it's your business to pass along to your children some day or sell or use as a vehicle for something else that you always wanted to do in your life, but it's your business.

How do territories work for your owners?

We painstakingly go thru demographic to assure that we do not have 2 operators in close proximity to one another.  We have done this for 26 years and know exactly how to place an operator.

Why has your business model been successful?

24 hour support 365 days a year since 1987 means that if you or your customer have a question there will always be someone with knowledge and understanding of the product to successfully answer those questions.

Where do you see the PosiGrip family of offerings in 5-10 years?

We have introduced some of the most innovative and exciting products over the last 5 years and will continue to be ahead of the curve with our industry as we have since the beginning.

In December 2010 Posishield was introduced, incorporating nano technology with a new completely organic line of products in the fight against bacteria, molds and the control of disease and infection. While chemicals in the past have been effective in the short term preventing the spread of germs and bacteria, today's chemicals, disinfectants and sterilants are the main cause in the trend of microorganisms and their mutation currently creating today's Superbugs. These diseases have become resistant to current antibiotics and so protectant nanotechnology represents a paradigm shift in chemical thinking and Posishield offers the first safe and effective long term antimicrobial protection. By the close of 2011 we will have offered and rolled out a total of 6 nano technology products.

We are an International Inc. 500 Company listed as one of America's fastest growing private corporations. Acousti-Clean is our parent corporation.   Acousti-Clean has two divisions, Our Ceiltech® product is a ceiling and wall cleaning system and our PosiGrip® product is a system to provide slip resistance to floors, bathtubs, and showers.  Both divisions select qualified entrepreneurs as independent operators throughout the world.  Innovation is important for you and your franchisee to remain competitive.

What is your favorite advice for new business owner to help them succeed?

Follow the plan and follow up.  The guy who gives the best customer service will be here longer than the guy who doesn't.

What would you tell potential owner that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a business?

If you are nervous that means you are serious and will do the things that need to be done in order to achieve success.  Those are our best operators and over the years I have talked to thousands of nervous people starting their business for the first time, and there is no better reward I receive then when that person says "Thank you for getting me into this business"  it's changed my life and my family life for the better.

Can you explain your financial assistance?

100% financing with a credit score of 700 or better. 

On average, how long does it take to start a PosiGrip?

You can be in business with us and trained in as little as 2 weeks.

What was your background and experience before founding this business opportunity?

I didn't come in from the suit and tie side of the business; I came in from the hard work side of the business.  I did this for a living and so I know what my operators need when it comes to support.