Meet Mike Glenn, the owner of The Grout Medic of Omaha (www.thegroutmedic.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – We are the nation’s leading provider of maintaining existing tile installations. We steam clean showers, tile and grout and replace caulk in counters and showers. We can replace broken tiles, repair water damaged shower walls and change grout colors by color sealing. We will be adding driveway caulking this year when it warms up. Our goal is to service and maintain your showers, floors, back splashes and fireplaces, or anywhere you have tile, grout or caulking, giving them years of life.
How did you get started in the business? – I purchased the franchise in May of 2005. I was looking for a career change where I could grow professionally, while mixing in more quality family time.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Making the transition from a grocery retail environment to business owner.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Successfully growing this business from just myself as an employee/ owner/operator to a team of dedicated professionals.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve been married to my wife Deb for 30 years. We have two awesome kids, Hannah, a RN who lives in Omaha, and Dalton who is a college senior at Buena Vista University.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The birth of our first child. It was no longer just about me or my wife.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to tinker in the garage, maintaining our personal vehicles, updating and maintaining our home. I also sneak in some fishing from time to time.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I grew up in a state park in Southwest Iowa. I had a campground, beach and great fishing lake at my back door.
Who inspires you? – My kids.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” – Babe Ruth.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “I Remember You” by Skid Row.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Sarcasm.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Anything sports related.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The E-Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber. In this book, Michael Gerber explains why businesses fail, and how to overcome common mistakes in business, so you can build a successful business that not only works, but is also deeply rewarding for you and your stakeholders.
What is your favorite TV show? – The Mandalorian.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Smokin’ Barrel BBQ. Never disappoints!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Leonardo da Vinci.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 215-0877; mglenn@thegroutmedic.com; www.thegroutmedic.com.