We were lucky to catch up with Matt Plechan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our Mission: Preserving Architectural Integrity

At our company, we are driven by a passion for preserving masonry and maintaining the structural integrity of buildings for generations to come. Our mission goes beyond just providing a product; it’s about safeguarding the rich architectural history that defines our communities.

Many modern buildings lack the quality and craftsmanship of earlier eras. For instance, in Jacksonville, you can find remarkable structures from the early 1900s that have stood the test of time. However, every time latex acrylic paint and/or elastomeric coatings are applied, they diminish the lifespan of these buildings. Unfortunately, much of the original brick is no longer available, and improper painting accelerates the deterioration of these historic gems.

In places like St. Augustine, where structures date back to the 1700s, our mission becomes even more critical. We offer products that are UV protected, ensuring that when you update the look of these buildings, you’re not only enhancing their aesthetic appeal but also making a lasting investment in their preservation. By choosing our masonry stain, you are actively participating in the stewardship of architectural heritage, helping to ensure that these beautiful buildings remain intact for future generations to admire.

We believe that every stroke of our stain is a step toward preserving the past while embracing the future. Join us in our mission to honor and protect the legacy of masonry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Us: Our Journey and Mission

Originally, I spent 20 years working in the mortgage industry, but everything changed when I stained my own home. That experience sparked a connection with the installer who worked on my house, and as we grew closer, we decided to form a partnership and embark on this exciting journey together.

In 2017, we started as a service company, focusing on staining residential and commercial properties. During this time, we worked with a competitor and gained valuable insights into various surfaces and the reasons behind product failures, particularly in cases where masonry was damaged. We learned that, in some situations—like crumbling chimneys or deteriorating walls due to lack of maintenance—it’s essential to restore the masonry before applying any stains.

What I love about our business is the ability to preserve buildings while giving them a fresh look, whether aged or modern, without compromising the integrity of the masonry. We specialize in masonry restoration products, offering high-quality stains, primers, and other essentials that are UV protected and breathable—key components for effective masonry preservation. Our products are designed to be absorbed by masonry, ensuring a lasting finish that withstands the test of time.

In 2023, we took a significant step forward by beginning to manufacture our own products. Each year, we expand our line to include additional masonry products and coatings that provide real benefits to our clients. Importantly, our interior products, such as those for fireplaces, are odorless and eco-friendly, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for your home.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our commitment to exceptional customer service. Whether clients call us locally or from across the country, we take the extra time to address their needs and provide guidance. We’re constantly evolving, implementing additional support for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.

We sell our products directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen, which allows us to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high quality. Our niche market is defined by the durability and long-lasting nature of our maintenance-free products, ultimately saving clients both time and money in the long run. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the final result on someone’s home and hearing their heartfelt gratitude. Knowing that we’ve made a positive impact in their lives and on their properties is what drives us every day.

We want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that we are dedicated to preserving architectural heritage while providing superior products and unmatched support. We’re here to help you protect and beautify your spaces for years to come.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Growing Our Clientele: The Power of YouTube
One of the most effective strategies for growing our clientele has been leveraging YouTube as an educational platform. Many potential customers have discovered us through our videos, and often when they call, they mention that they watched one of our YouTube tutorials or product demonstrations. This has proven to be a powerful way to connect with our audience.

We focus on educating our viewers about masonry preservation, the proper application of our products, and the benefits of using eco-friendly and odorless solutions. By providing valuable information upfront, we help ensure that when customers reach out, they already have many of their questions answered. This not only builds trust but also streamlines the conversation, allowing us to focus on their specific needs and how we can best serve them.

In addition to this, we emphasize the importance of organic content. We work hard to produce our own organic content, ensuring that it reflects our brand’s values and expertise. By creating authentic, informative videos, we not only attract viewers but also foster a genuine connection with our community.

Overall, YouTube has become an integral part of our marketing strategy, enabling us to engage with clients in a meaningful way while showcasing the quality and effectiveness of our products.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Career: Our Journey

Yes, my side hustle eventually transformed into my full-time career. I was working in the mortgage industry until 2020-2021, during which time my passion for masonry preservation began to expand on the service side of the business. As demand grew, we made the strategic decision to add sales and manufacturing to our offerings.

It all started when I had an installer stain my house. This experience led to a valuable connection, and together, we formed a partnership. However, after one season, I realized I needed to go on my own. We had different management styles, and I knew my strengths lay in finances and customer service. In the construction industry, there is often a lack of attention to customer service and project timelines, and I wanted to change that.

This thoughtful approach has been instrumental in our journey, helping us to build a solid foundation for our business as we transitioned from a service-focused operation to a comprehensive provider of masonry products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mineralstains.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineral_stains/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mineralstains1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineralstains/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mineralstains1