Jim?s Fiberglass Repair Targets Tubs

Owner: Douglas Copeland

Address: PO Box 1352, Rogers 72757

Phone: 501-986-0926 or 501-903-8587

Hours: by appointment only

Start-up date: Dec. 15

More than 10 years ago, Jim Gay taught Douglas Copeland how to repair fiberglass damage. Now, Copeland has named his own business after his teacher, and he still carries the tools he used when he first apprenticed under Gay.

Copeland mainly repairs cracks, holes and weak spots in bathtubs through his new business, Jim’s Fiberglass Repair. Patching most problems costs between $55 and $75, Copeland said, but refinishing weak bathtub bottoms ranges as high as $300.

The owner operates the business as a mobile service using a cellular phone, a pager and a fax machine to stay connected with his customers. Copeland works another job with Bekaert Corp, and a flexible schedule easily allows him to make appointments with clients.

Copeland said he makes house calls anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, from Devil’s Den State Park to southern Missouri. Trips as far away as Fort Smith or Mena can also be arranged.

Start-up costs were minimal for Copeland, but he estimated that someone could open a similar business for less than $500. Perfectly matching paints are the most difficult material to attain, Copeland said, and he purchases his paint from several national dealers in the area.

Word of mouth established his reputation, Copeland said, and bathtub manufacturers now refer clients to him for repair needs.