We recently connected with Craig Stillman and have shared our conversation below.

Craig, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Garagezilla came about at a unique intersection in my life and my business partner’s. After running a decorative concrete business for 22 years, I sold my half, keeping only the resinous coating services that I’d developed with that company. I had decades of experience in garage floor coatings and found myself with the freedom and experience to explore a new venture. Around that same time, my now business partner, a skilled carpenter with 25 years under his belt, was navigating a career shift due to a work injury. Our timing couldn’t have been better. We knew we could blend my expertise in floor coatings with his carpentry skills to create a garage interiors business that would genuinely stand out.

We recognized that although this industry had competitors, there was a real opportunity to elevate it. Many garage companies provided basic offerings, but we wanted to deliver something more—a complete transformation that combined quality flooring with advanced cabinet systems and storage solutions. Our unique approach was to offer clients not just one or two upgrade options but a full suite of high-end solutions, like polyaspartic flake and Swisstrax floors, along with cabinet installations, including premium options like Hayley cabinets.

What excites me most about Garagezilla is our chance to redefine what a garage can be. We’re creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, serving each homeowner’s unique needs, from straightforward organization to luxury finishes. Seeing our clients’ reactions when they first step into their revamped garages reminds me of why this endeavor felt so worthwhile from the very beginning. It’s about transforming overlooked spaces into a source of pride, utility, and even joy.

Craig, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve spent over two decades in the decorative concrete industry, a journey that taught me not only the technical side of flooring but also the value of creating durable, high-quality spaces that people feel proud of. During those years, I developed a specialty in resinous coatings, working in everything from polished floors to intricate epoxy designs. When I sold my half of that business, I kept the resinous coating services with me, knowing I’d want to build on that foundation. With experience, a lot of passion, and, for the first time in years, some free time, I was ready to explore new ways to use my expertise.

Enter my current business partner, a talented carpenter who’d been honing his craft for 25 years. He was transitioning careers after a work injury, and his skills in design and cabinetry were the perfect complement to my background in coatings. We joined forces and launched Garagezilla with a shared vision of transforming garages into fully functional, stylish spaces. It’s not just about putting down a great floor or installing cabinets. It’s about transforming the entire space so that it enhances the homeowner’s lifestyle—an organized, inviting garage that feels like a natural extension of the home.

Garagezilla offers a full suite of garage solutions, including polyaspartic flake and Swisstrax flooring systems, slat walls, Steadyrack bike racks, and custom cabinet installations, from everyday organizational systems to premium Hayley cabinets. Our services are designed to address two main problems for our clients. For the average homeowner, we offer solutions that help initiate the garage decluttering process, starting with flooring upgrades and moving toward effective storage. For luxury-minded clients, we provide high-end, customized spaces that match their home’s design and organization.

What sets us apart is our approach and dedication to quality. While competitors might offer similar services, we strive to provide options that reflect our clients’ specific needs and design preferences. We’re not about just making a garage look good; we focus on functionality, durability, and creating an organized environment that fits each homeowner’s unique vision.

I’m proud of the level of craftsmanship and customization we offer. Whether we’re helping a family reclaim their storage space or delivering a dream garage for someone with a passion for premium organization, each project reflects our commitment to detail, quality, and making a real difference in how people use their spaces. For anyone interested in our work, Garagezilla is about more than just floors and cabinets; it’s about giving garages the same attention and care as any other room in the home.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Selling my previous business was an unexpected and significant turning point in my life. The buyout wasn’t something I’d planned for, but it became necessary when my relationship with my former business partner suddenly changed. Outside influences, including his spouse and son, complicated our partnership, forcing me to make quick decisions. I found myself negotiating the terms of my buyout while simultaneously grappling with what I wanted my next chapter to look like. Though it was a challenging period, it pushed me to think beyond the business I had known for over two decades and consider new opportunities that aligned with my passion and expertise. This shift ultimately led me to create Garagezilla, and looking back, it feels like a fresh start that has brought me closer to my goals than I ever imagined.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I have sold a business, and the experience taught me several valuable lessons for entrepreneurs—both for those just starting and those aiming to sell someday.

First and foremost, for anyone beginning their business journey, avoid a 50/50 partnership. While it may seem fair initially, an equal split can lead to stalemates and conflicts later on. Having at least a 51/49 ownership division gives one person the ability to make final decisions, which can be crucial when navigating challenging or unexpected situations.

Another critical lesson is to keep meticulous financial records. Accurate, well-organized books and carefully categorized profit and loss statements will not only help in the daily management of the business but also make a huge difference if you decide to sell. When your financials are transparent and easy to understand, potential buyers can quickly assess the business’s value, and this clarity makes negotiations far smoother.

Finally, timing is everything. If selling is the goal, aim to sell while your business is still on a growth trajectory. A growing business not only commands a higher price but also attracts more interest from potential buyers. In contrast, businesses on a downward trend tend to be valued at a fraction of their potential. Selling during the upswing can help you maximize your return on the years of hard work invested.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.garagezillastl.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garagezillastl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090547061364
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2HccXu6bL9R3CkT_KSGuUQ

Image Credits

Proslat, Hayley Cabinets