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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jon Kopp of Gilbert

Jon Kopp shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Jon, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the most common misconceptions about my business is the belief that everyone in our industry operates in the same way. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I have built my company on a foundation of education and innovation, setting us apart from the conventional practices that dominate our field. By embracing unique approaches that challenge the status quo, we provide our clients with exceptional value and insights that are not typically found elsewhere in this industry

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

“Our company stands out in the industry as a unique husband-and-wife team with no employees, proudly operating for 27 years as the longest-running decorative coating company. Our approach centers on education; we empower our customers with knowledge while offering competitive pricing per square foot. We hope this enables them to make informed decisions. Notably, we are the only company that requires no deposit and consistently delivers exceptional flooring solutions. We exclusively use high solid polyaspartic and 1-inch flakes, which are not part of the industry standard, further distinguishing us in the market.”

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?

I have always been a go-getter, thinking independently and forming my own opinions throughout my various jobs in childhood. I often felt capable of achieving more than my so-called bosses.

When I started Quality Epoxy, I faced numerous challenges, but once I became self-sufficient, I truly began to learn and grow. A significant turning point came when my wife joined the business 12 years ago. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and perspective as a woman have been invaluable. I genuinely believe that the world would be a better place with more women in leadership roles. Since her arrival, we have experienced substantial growth and enhanced customer appreciation for our business and the values we uphold.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

When I started Quality Epoxy, the journey was incredibly challenging from the very beginning. I found myself going door-to-door, dropping off flyers, and setting up booths at trade shows. The struggle felt like an uphill battle, but what motivated me to persevere was the realization that giving up would mean surrendering control over my own success and future. I knew that choosing to work for someone else would limit my potential and make me a handicap to myself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

One of the biggest misconceptions perpetuated in our industry is the lack of knowledge and education regarding the ‘why’ and ‘when’ behind the tools and techniques we use. I receive numerous phone calls each month from other flooring companies seeking my opinion and asking for guidance. This has always posed a challenge for me because my time is valuable, and I’ve invested years in thinking outside the box. I hesitate to provide my insights and improvement advice for free.

Many companies in this industry operate on a strict adherence to instructions, using tools and methods simply because they were told to do so. However, what sets our floors apart is my commitment to understanding the underlying logic and science of our processes. By combining this knowledge with practical application, I’ve been able to create some of the most aesthetically pleasing and fully functional flake floors in the industry—on a global scale.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?

If we were to retire tomorrow, we believe our customers would miss several key aspects of our business. Most notably, they would miss the knowledge and education we provide, which sets us apart as a dedicated husband and wife team without any employees.

Our hands-on experience and expertise are unique compared to other companies that rely on staff. Customers would feel the absence of our passion for this industry, as we personally handle all the work ourselves.

Additionally, our honest approach—taking no deposits and requiring payment only upon full completion of the project—would be missed. Customers value the direct contact they have with me from the very first phone call onward. This personal connection is important to us, as we strive to make every customer feel valued and appreciated.

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Torginol
Slabhard
Simiron

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