Ways To Solve The Age-old Problem Of Wood Degradation

SPRINGFIELD, MO (Thursday, April 29, 2004) - It was the gray and weathered look of Stan Krempges’ deck and cedar siding that prompted the start of what is now one of the leading exterior wood restoration companies in the nation.

Krempges, founder of Springfield, MO-based Wood Re New, spent years struggling to maintain the natural look of the wooden fixtures on the exterior of his home. In 1992 he began researching ways to solve the age-old problem of wood degradation. After many months of research, he partnered with a chemist and developed a series of products and procedures that restore and maintain wood’s natural appearance.

These products and procedures developed by Krempges are the backbone of Wood Re New and its parent company Wood Brite, a business that he started out of his home in 1993 and has since transformed into a multi-unit national franchise operation.

“Maintaining the appearance of exterior wood is a major problem for homeowners across the country, regardless of the climate they live in,” Krempges said. “Wood Re New’s environmentally safe cleaners and preservatives clean and protect wood, restoring its natural color and the texture no matter the age of the wood.”

Studies show that, for approximately 25 percent of all homes in the United States, the services offered by Wood Re New are an environmentally safe and cost effective way for Americans to protect these costly investments. The Wood Re New Service cleans wooden decks, fences, docks, siding or playgrounds using a specially developed environmentally-friendly cleaner, and then applies a preservative which seals the wood from the inside to prevent the leaching of arsenic, as well as the growth of mold and water and sun damage.

“There is a great demand for cost-effective wood restoration services nationwide,” said Krempges, who was a partner in a fencing company before founding Wood Brite. “When I was working in the fencing industry, customers were always asking me how to maintain the appearance of their wooden decks and fences, and I have found a solution to their problems.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently placed a ban on the use of CCA, or chromium copper arsenate, a known carcinogen in pressure-treated lumber. In conjunction with this ban, the EPA has advised homeowners not to remove existing decks, playgrounds or other structures made with the wood, but instead coat it with treatments such as those offered by Wood Re New.

In light of the EPA’s recent announcement, Krempges and Wood Re New owners nationwide have been responding to the requests of consumers seeking a way to protect themselves and their families from the arsenic-treated wood that fills their local parks, schools and even their own backyards.

“This EPA announcement is something that is going to change the business for companies such as Wood Re New,” Krempges said. “While many people used to view treating decks, fences and other exterior wood as something that had only aesthetic value, they will now begin turning to wood treatment companies such as us to help them protect their families from the potentially harmful chemicals that they may have in their own back yards.”

National expansion plans are underway. The costs associated with opening a Wood Re New franchise are approximately $40,000-50,000 with a week training in Springfield, MO, as well as a week of onsite training. Franchisees are also provided with ongoing technical support.

“Wood Re New is an excellent franchise opportunity for any prospective entrepreneur looking to go into business for themselves,” Krempges said. “This is an industry where the demand will always continue to outweigh the supply. Additionally, there are no build-out costs associated with this business, making it more cost effective than many other business investments.”

Wood Re New’s 2003 systemwide sales were $815,000. Projected systemwide sales for 2004 are $1.3 million and, by 2010, projects call for systemwide sales to climb to $10 million.

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