The Granite and TREND Transformations® Experience: Nashville Niche Sparks Franchisees’ Success

Last Updated on November 27, 2019

The Granite and TREND Transformations^® Experience: Nashville Niche Sparks Franchisees’ Success

Integrity, experience, and dedication have proven to be a winning combination for Bret and Kathy Foster, co-owners of Granite Transformations in Nashville, Tennessee. This month, we are spotlighting the Fosters and how this dynamic duo embraces their community while growing their business.

When a window opens

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Bret has honed his engineering skills and mastered his talents in the areas of sales and marketing. Prior to purchasing the Granite Transformations franchise in Nashville in 2007, Bret put his skills and talents to work at a prominent window manufacturing company, where he worked for 19 years and met his wife, Kathy, of 27 years. “I learned all aspects of the business and put my engineering degree to the test during that time,” Bret said. From drawing schematics and working home sales and installations to holding upper management positions, Bret said he gained a lifetime of experience. It was meeting his wife, Kathy, however, which made it all worthwhile. “I never imagined back then that we would be a part of a company like Granite and TREND Transformations,” he said.

What’s hot in Nashville

Nashville may be the home of country music, exciting night life, and lip-smacking BBQ, but when it comes to home décor, Bret said the styles tend to be more on the conservative side. Let’s call it “neutral chic”! Bret explains how neutral shades of marble and quartz are two of the hottest kitchen remodel and bath countertop trends in his area. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, cabinet refacing is on the rise as homeowners are updating their kitchens and moving away from their darker wood cabinets and opting for lighter woods. Bret said his clients are all about going all-out on their backsplashes – if they weren’t already making a splash in today’s kitchen remodel trends. “Think of your backsplash as the perfect accessory for your kitchen,” he said. “It’s a great way to show off your personality while bringing a pop of color and pizazz to your kitchen.” In the bathroom, “practicality” and “convenience” are the key words. Bret explained how clients are ditching their garden tubs and customizing their master baths with large spa-like showers that are more functional. These popular tub-to-shower conversions are on the rise, as Bret states his clients are finding better use of the tub space.

Making it happen

Walk-in customers are a rare gem these days, as Bret said most of his customers love the personal touch of a one-on-one home design consultation experience provided by Granite and TREND Transformations. “The Granite and TREND Transformations home design consultation is the cornerstone of our business,” he states. “It’s the perfect formula for our customers to see, firsthand, how our beautiful products will look in their homes while building our business through trust and experience. Achieving their goals is our top priority, and the design consultation makes it happen.”

Catering to the community

Client satisfaction is the first and foremost priority for the Fosters. Although most of their clients are residential customers, one unique client stands out in their community. For the past two years, Granite Transformations of Nashville has renovated kitchens and baths for a local assisted living facility which caters to teens and young adults. “We are currently renovating our fifth kitchen for the facility,” Bret said proudly. “The goal is to transform the space from an industrial look to a ‘homier’ residential look and feel.” Bret explains how each kitchen remodel they have completed is different from the other. “Granite and TREND Transformations is the perfect fit for this project,” Bret said. “They need quality and beauty rolled into one in a time frame that doesn’t interfere with the flow of their business. We deliver that and more.” To date, Bret said they have completed the kitchen remodel with new cabinets, backsplashes and quartz countertops. But the transformations do not stop with the kitchen remodel. Shower rooms are being updated as well. “The shower rooms tend to feel very cold and industrial,” said Bret. “We turned that around and the results are more than they ever dreamed they could be.” Bret said they started by replacing the small shower tiles with etherium^TM by E-Stone surfaces to give it a more residential look. Then, they switched out the vanities to more traditional-style vanity cabinets and removed the lockers and replaced them with cabinets. “It’s a great feeling to know our work is making their home a happier and cozier place to live,” he said.

 Looking to the future

Before you know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been. Today, Bret runs the sales, operations and marketing aspects of the company while Kathy controls the accounting department and supports sales. “I grew up working in the construction business,” Bret explained. “There’s no doubt working construction laid the foundation for my future, but it’s my wife, Kathy, and our great team of employees who have brought us to where we are today.”