The Situation
In the winter of 1998, Brett Sneed walked into his Kansas City home from the garage, tracking winter slush all over his wife's new white carpeting. Needless to say, she was not pleased. To rectify the situation, Brett spent the next two months searching for some type of garage floor covering–one that would protect the concrete from the dirt, grime, and oil that coats the floor of most garages. He also wanted a product he could easily wash, but came up empty handed.
The Product - GFloor Is Born
Brett spent the next 6 months creating the perfect garage floor protection product. The most important objective was to control liquids and debris that fall from vehicles. He designed and patented a unique channeling system that does just that. In addition, he created a product that is both functional and beautiful. His new product is compatible with acids and alkalis in concrete to last for years without breaking down yet can be installed in just minutes without requiring adhesives.
After his discoveries, he approached his father, Don Sneed, with his creation, and they began to brainstorm. Together, they invented the Parking Pad®–a mat and floor covering made of polyvinyl. The Parking Pad covers a garage floor, trapping dirt and other garage filth, and is slip-resistant. The Sneeds molded grooves into the soft material to channel liquid debris out of the door, controlling the flow and keeping the rest of the garage from getting soaked. The product led to their father-son company Better Life Technology (BLT.)
The Strategy:
BLT approached a buyer for one of the "big box" store chains who suggested placing the first shipments of Parking Pads in stores in the snowy, wintery areas of the country. They sold like hot cakes and soon the word spread to other retailers. The product was in hot demand, and BLT has become the world's largest manufacturer of garage floor cover-protector mats.
The Sneeds knew they had a winning product and recognized the potential of this untapped market. Some retail stores were roomy enough to carry the large product, and soon Don and Brett developed an eye-catching retail display. They also recognized the possibilities of marketing through catalog and online shopping services that did not carry inventory, but worked on a direct-delivery, drop-ship basis.
The Results
The G-Floor® Parking Pad® is inexpensive, starting at around $119, and is positioned as one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve a home. Since 2004, new color and pattern options have been added. G-Floor is now available in a variety of sizes up to 10 feet wide.
Since the first big break, BLT Roll-Out Garage Flooring® has become the best selling garage floor protector mat in the world. Also, G-Floor is the only garage floor mat available in sizes up to 10 feet wide. The product has been featured on many home improvement television shows, and is now being featured in more than 1,200 retail stores nationwide.
Brett and Don Sneed recognized a great product and an innovative concept, and built this business from one person to a staff of over thirty-five. For more information please visit the BLT G-Floor web site.
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