Star City Six – Don Mlnarik
Meet Don Mlnarik, owner at Lifetime Stone Restoration (www.lifetimestone.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
We are a locally owned and operated professional stone restoration company that specializes in bringing back stone surfaces to their original glory for the past 12 years. We can fill in cracks and holes to closely match the surface and color of your stone. If it is scratched and dull, we use the latest in diamond technology to bring it back up to a natural shine. If you are not wanting a high shine to your stone, we can give it an even matte or satin finish. Once finished restoring the stone to the customer’s requirements, we apply a clean penetrating sealer to help with future staining. Since we are not a franchise, we can change our processes and materials anytime we find a better way of doing things. We don’t only restore stone—we can clean your manufactured tile and grout, seal the grout, and change its color without removing it. Showers are always something people have a difficult time keeping clean. We can remove the stubborn soap scum buildup, mineral deposits, and mildew, and replace the damaged caulking. We finish up the shower by sealing all the grout to help slow down future mildew growth.
How did you get started in the business?
Honestly, I was tired of sitting behind a desk. I researched all sorts of businesses for almost two years. I came across a company that did stone restoration and it looked exciting. I knew people in the construction business and asked them what they did with worn or damaged stone floors and vanities. The answer was the same from all of them…rip it out and throw it away. I saw there was a need for the restoration of stone in the Omaha area. I did a lot of research on the subject and took two classes on stone restoration. After I was trained and bought my first set of equipment, I tiled half of my garage in different types of stone to practice on for a couple of months.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Getting the word out on what stone restoration is. Since no one was doing this work in the Omaha area, no one really knew this work even existed. Even after doing this work for over 12 years, I still come across people who have stone floors, counters, or showers who have no idea they can be restored.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife and I have been married for over 20 years and have two children. My wife works from home for American Express Corporate Travel. My son attends Skutt Catholic High School and helps me do this work when he is on breaks. My daughter attends St. Wenceslaus.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Testing out new processes and products for my business. When my wife coaxes me to really take a break, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and camping with my family.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. I believe in the work they do with helping the community such as food banks, the special Olympics, and other meaningful fundraisers.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar. I love seafood and this is the best place in town for fresh fish.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 916-1700; www.lifetimestone.com (complete the online form to let us know what you are wanting to have done).