Issue link: https://ppgrefinish-na.uberflip.com/i/348206
29 When the long hours and financial sacrifice began to pay off, doug and Kevin wisely reinvested in the company. they staffed-up to meet the growing workload, then expanded their space not once, but twice. upgrading and modernizing the equipment was also a top priority. three years ago, when they installed three new paint booths, they also decided to retire the solvent paint system and make a switch to waterborne basecoat. "We had heard a lot about water," doug said. "We've always wanted to be a leader in our area—with technology, equipment, facility and manpower. We just wanted to be the best." Researching their options, the brothers narrowed their choices to two companies, then planned a two-week shoot-out in their booth. As it happened, it only took one week to make the decision. they chose Envirobase ® High Performance, and the Meadows couldn't be happier with the results. "We have seen an increase in better color matches," doug said. "Additionally, in combination with the new paint booth, Envirobase High Performance has improved throughput. it has enabled us to ONE DREAm. at a GLance Location BECKlEy, WV 17,000 sq. Ft. 21 EMPloyEEs 3 sPRAy BootHs envirobase ® hiGh performance PAiNt systEM 0 REGREts down. in one month, doug, Kevin, and their co-workers would be out of a job. "it was the ultimate shove," Kevin said. "We decided to make the best out of a bad situation." Within 24 hours, the Meadows shifted their dream into overdrive. they arranged to buy as much of the dealership's equipment as they could. instead of opening a storefront in their hometown, however, they rented a 5,000 sq. ft. facility in Beckley, W. Va., a much larger community. they also hired two of their co-workers that were also laid off. incredibly, just thirty days after receiving their pink slips, doug and Kevin opened 2Brothers Collision to the public. in the beginning, it was tough going. "the first year we were open we worked seven days a week," doug said. "seven to seven." Finances were so tight that they didn't have a business sign in front of the shop for the first year. in fact, the only marketing they had was word of mouth referrals from satisfied customers, but that, as it turned out, was more than enough to jumpstart the business. the reputation of 2Brothers Collision grew quickly, and soon the shop was booked to full capacity.