New Creations: Redefining Surface Restoration Across North America

Launched in 1988 by Larry Stevenson in Portland, Oregon, New Creations has built a reputation for excellence in mobile restoration services. What began as a localized solution for surface repair has grown into a thriving North American network of restoration professionals.

Now headquartered in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, the company expanded into franchising in 1995, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to bring New Creations' services directly to their local markets through a mobile, home-based format.

New Creations stands out for its ability to restore more than 100 types of surfaces—ranging from leather and wood to granite, fiberglass, and tile. These restoration services support a wide range of industries, including automotive, home interiors, and commercial environments.

The franchise model emphasizes mobility and low operating costs, offering a streamlined, flexible business structure for owners seeking independence and scalability in the restoration industry.

Training

The New Creations franchise provides a structured training regimen for its franchisees and their employees. The training by the franchisor includes the following key programs:

1. Initial Training Program: Before opening a New Creations franchise, the franchisee and one additional representative (if attending the same sessions) must complete initial training. This training is provided at no charge, excluding personal expenses like travel and lodging. It is conducted in designated cities and includes both classroom and on-the-job instruction. The program duration is based on the trainee's experience and must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction, not exceeding four weeks.
2. Refresher Training: The franchisor may require the franchisee and their employees to attend refresher training no more than once per year. This training is provided without a training fee when mandated by the franchisor. If the franchisee voluntarily requests it, there is no fee for the franchisee, but employees must pay $750 per day.
3. Annual Technical and Business Training: At least every second year, one representative from the franchisee must attend annual technical and business-related meetings or seminars. These sessions are aimed at ensuring the franchise stays current with New Creations’ standards and practices.
4. Optional Training Seminars: The franchisor may offer additional one-day training seminars each year at no cost to subcontractors. Attendance requires signed confidentiality agreements.

Territory Protection

New Creations grants its franchisees a non-exclusive but protected territory for operating their franchised business. The territory is defined in writing within the Franchise Agreement and typically encompasses a population of about 250,000 people, based on published data.

This territorial protection is designed to limit direct competition from other New Creations franchises within the same area. Despite the protection, the territory is not exclusive, which means New Creations reserves certain rights.

The franchisor may still operate or grant franchises for alternative formats, such as online or national accounts, that may service customers within the protected area. Thus, while some local protection is provided, it does not guarantee total exclusivity from all forms of competition within the assigned territory.