Category Archives: Natural Stone Restoration

10-year Anniversary Wisdom: Make People Happy

By Randy Grygiel, owner/operator of NEW Solid Surface Cleaning.

In October I celebrated the 10-year anniversary of NEW Solid Surface Cleaning. Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was begging for the phone to ring. How things have changed since 2009. As a new decade unfolds, I’d like to do a quick Q&A to take look back before charging ahead into 2020.

anniversary of NEW Solid Surface Cleaning
NEW Solid Surface Cleaning opened in 2009 as solo owner/operator with a portable cleaning unit. Now we have two work vans both equipped with powerful truck-mount systems.

Q & A with Randy Grygiel

Never Give Up!
I went through two bankruptcies with the same company. I decided it was time to work for and control my own future.
Do your research thoroughly. Ask a lot of questions! Make sure your business will be something you love to do. Work hard, and never give up.
In year 4-5 I started to see an uptick in business. The phone rang more. Repeat customers and word of mouth referrals really started to kick in. Once I made it over the 5-year hump, I never looked back. It is true that the first 5 years of business are tough.
I have a driving force to see that my business is successful. I was taught from an early age to do everything to the best of my ability. Do it right the first time. Don't cut corners. Above all, I truly like making people happy!
I have 2 favorites. My floors have never looked this clean, and you have such a positive attitude.
• Started with a portable cleaning unit as solo owner/operator • Now have 2 work vans both equipped with powerful truck-mount systems • Also offer (VLM) very low moisture cleaning for carpets • Grew to 3 employees with a seasonal fourth in the summer • Added the Just Gone System to completely remove all odors, allergens, viruses, mold and mildew • Certified in Natural Stone Restoration and Refinishing • Certified to apply specialty coatings to various floor surfaces
Thank you, thank you to all my customers, family and friends! I couldn't celebrate this 10-year anniversary without you.

NEW Solid Surface Cleaning is now certified in natural stone restoration and refinishing – Call for a quote

stone floor refinishing - restoration Green Bay refinishing marble floors granite counter-tops Green Bay Randy Grygiel of NEW Solid Surface Cleaning in Pulaski has completed the MB Maintenance of Natural Stone Course taught by restoration specialist Stu Rosen. At the intensive, four-day class in Wilson, North Carolina, Randy gained hands-on experience in identifying types of stone, honing and polishing stone floors, fixing chips and cracks, and polishing vertical and horizontal pieces of stone.

“There’s nothing like doing it hands-on and learning from an expert,” Randy said.
Stone repair specialists are in demand in Green Bay and the Fox Cities, and NEW Solid Surface Cleaning now has the knowledge and experience to meet that demand.

“As floor care specialists we are dealing with all types of floors, and we’re getting asked more and more to look at stone counter-tops, showers, and floors,” Randy said. When a manmade tile is damaged, you replace it. When natural stone is damaged by cracks, chips, or unevenness, it needs to be repaired.

The first objective of the course was to learn how to identify different kinds of stone. There are hundreds of types of marble, granite, slate, limestone, and other natural stones.
“That was the most beneficial — learning how to identify stone and what process that stone needs to restore it,” Randy said. “If you don’t know how to do it properly you can damage a floor.”

The course also covered a wide range of techniques for maintenance and repair:

  • Cleaning and stain removal
  • Repairing scratches and chips
  • Removing the unevenness between tiles (lippage removal)
  • Terazzo refinishing
  • Honing stone to a smooth matte finish for a natural look
  • Polishing stone to a highly reflective vibrancy for a glossy look
  • Restoring shower stalls (including grout repair and caulking)

Randy also learned a process to repair etching, a condition which occurs when soft marble, limestone, and Travertine come in contact with something acidic. “You can set a glass of orange juice down, and it leaves a ring on a polished surface. We can fix that,” Randy said. “Now that I’ve taken the class we can offer restoration services like these.”

Natural stone sometimes needs just a good cleaning and polishing, and NEW Solid Surface Cleaning has been providing these services for years. Now NEW Solid Surface Cleaning has invested in the equipment and training to be a full-service restoration and refinishing provider.

Call Randy at 920-604-3773 to discuss restoration and refinishing options for your natural stone floors, countertops, and shower stalls.