We are talking this week to Matt Nash, the CEO and founder of Prestige Surfaces which provides natural stone, tile and concrete cleaning and protection. With more than 12 years of experience in the industry, Matt and his team have created an innovative and tried and tested process for cleaning and treating natural stone, tiles and concrete.
ISB: What inspired you to start Prestige Surfaces?
MN: I was two years into my marketing degree when I realized the intense competition for marketing jobs. Sitting in a lecture with nearly 500 peers, I did the math and saw how slim the chances were of landing my dream job at a big company like Coca-Cola. This realisation was a turning point. Having worked casually in stone care with my father for a few years, I recognised an opportunity to innovate and improve the industry. That’s when I decided to start Prestige Surfaces.
ISB: What makes your services stand out when it comes to cleaning and protecting tiles, concrete, and natural stone?
MN: We approach things differently across the board. Our branding is bold, our marketing is big and consistent, and we actively build and support relationships within the industry by sponsoring events. Additionally, we designed and manufactured our own sealant technology because there was nothing on the market that met our sustainability and performance standards. This unique sealant technology sets us apart, ensuring superior protection and longevity for tiles, concrete, and natural stone.
ISB: What was the most challenging aspect that you faced in this venture and how did you overcome it?
MN: Complacency crept in after several years of steady growth and success; it’s easy to stop pushing forward when everything is running smoothly. I noticed our growth slowing, and I knew I needed to get motivated. A conversation with a very successful friend provided the spark—he suggested either taking on some debt or having kids to reignite my drive. Coincidentally, I took on some debt and also started a family around the same time. This combination worked wonders, as my motivation returned, and our growth and innovation have been better than ever.
ISB: How important is it for your business to build partnerships as part of the overall business strategy?
MN: Partnerships are paramount in our business. We work closely with industry and trades to build relationships and support them, and in turn, they support us. These collaborations enhance our market presence, drive mutual growth, and foster innovation, ensuring we deliver top-notch services and products consistently.
ISB: How do you envision Prestige Surface’s growth in the next couple of years?
MN: We anticipate steady growth on the service front, with potential expansion into more states and territories. Additionally, we see significant opportunities in increasing our product sales and distribution. This dual approach will help us enhance our market presence, reach a broader customer base, and continue innovating in the cleaning and protection of tiles, concrete, and natural stone.
ISB: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in this business journey that a would-be entrepreneur should take to heart?
MN: Consistency prevails. It’s crucial to provide excellent service at all times and to market consistently to your audience. The results may come slowly at first, but they compound over time. Regular, reliable service and persistent marketing efforts build a strong foundation for long-term success.
