1. What did you see in the industry that motivated you to create Innovative Surface Solutions?

Over 15 years ago, Dana Kothrade, Former CEO and Head of R & D for Innovative Surface Solutions, began an intensive study of natural stone restoration. He owned and operated a service business performing natural stone restoration and soon set out on a quest to create new technology to help fellow stone restorers complete jobs faster with less risk. He began designing and field-testing products that could provide a better finish with easier methods. His desire was to create a method that didn’t require years to learn and could work on all surface types to simplify the restoration process.

Over the next several years we created a hands-on training course to share his methods for all types of stone restoration sales and marketing skills, proper inspection processes, troubleshooting, etc. It became apparent that the creations and ideas that helped him get great results in the field have a valuable place in the industry. He passionately fine-tuned, tested, and manufactured, “Monkey Pads – Marble Polishing Made So Easy A Monkey Could Do It.”

Monkey Pads were never intended for heavy restoration, but they have a place in light restoration, finish work, and maintenance. They help fill a void in the industry, allowing companies to deliver an improvement to their customers with easier methods.

Technical support provided to our training clientele demonstrated a need for a simpler way to do a full restoration. Dana also experienced health issues that were exacerbated by harsh chemicals used in the traditional restoration processes. He wanted to bring something to the market that would replace the need for the use of chemicals, which are bad for technicians, the stone, and the environment. He returned to R & D mode and soon after the first generation of “Cheetah Pads” was born. Not only “The Fastest Stone Restoration on the Planet”, Cheetah Pads can perform full stone restoration with only the pads and water. He had achieved the goal of a faster and easier method to accomplish a majority of restoration needs without harmful chemicals.

Cheetah Pads replace the traditional process of 8-10 steps, with a new, innovative process of 3-5 steps (or less) that still achieves the highest, color, clarity and reflectivity possible. Using a combination of Monkey Pads, Cheetah Pads, and select products you can achieve any desired finish on marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo (both concrete and resin based), concrete, granite, and even VCT.

As with any new product, there is a learning curve. Cheetah Pads require a slight variation in the technique the stone restoration industry has used for many years.

The feedback of beta-testers in the field enables us to make changes, and continue improvement with each new generation of Cheetah Pads.

 

2. How do your products suit the needs of fabricators and stone restoration professionals?

To our knowledge, Cheetah Pads are the first and only abrasive system that utilizes what Dana calls “variable grit.” This means that each Cheetah Pad step can replace between 2 and 4 traditional diamond disk grit levels.

 

For example:

Step 1 Cheetah Pad = 50, 100, 200, 400 grit. It cuts the surface like a 50 grit but leaves the scratch pattern of a 400 grit.

Step 2 Cheetah Pad = 200, 400, 800, 1500 grit

Step 3 Cheetah Pad = 800, 1500, 3000 grit

Step 4 Cheetah Pad = 1500, 3000, 8000 grit and above The pads have the ability to open and release or shed abrasives depending on the damage to the surface being restored, allowing them to aggressively remove the damage, but as you continue using them they leave an incredibly smooth finish. We have a full line of pad sizes to fit all types of equipment, as well as custom-manufactured weighted drive plates and rinse tools to help our customers create the best results in the least amount of time. Utilizing this system can save labor and product costs by as much as 50%.

3. Where can MIA members meet you and see your product?

Visit us online at www.innovativesurfacesolutions.com to join our mailing list for valuable technical tips and newsletter. (We will not share your email address.) Our website will continue to grow and become a valuable tool for reference and technical advice. Follow and like us on Facebook and YouTube for updates: Cheetah Pads Stay tuned for announcements about future trade shows.

4. Any other thoughts or announcements?

Our passion for this industry is well known and we will continue to listen to the industry’s feedback and strive to stay on the forefront to bring our customers the best restoration products and methods available.

We know that this is the easiest stone restoration system that exists, we appreciate and value on-going education and highly recommend additional training by seasoned professionals. To deliver exceptional value and service, you can never have too much training and knowledge in this industry.

We are proud to be a part of this industry and look forward to being of service to you. Brick and mortar distribution opportunities are available.