Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick & Haleigh Friesen.
Nick & Haleigh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of Fibrenew East KC actually started in Canada, where Nick is originally from. After spending several years there together, we made the decision to start fresh in the Kansas City area and pursue business ownership. We sold everything we had in Canada and took a leap of faith to build something of our own here.
Nick comes from a very hands-on and diverse background. He served in the Canadian Army as an infantryman and later worked as a lineman. After his military career, he transitioned into security and fire response at a nuclear power plant, and also ran his own wood stove installation business. He’s also a licensed commercial pilot, which sparked an interest in finding a business that could connect to aviation—something that’s now become a meaningful part of our work.
Haleigh’s path was equally varied, rooted in both creativity and organization. She began as a hairstylist before exploring several roles, including running a fiber art business, working as a receptionist, and gaining experience in both the mobile roadside assistance industry and banking, where she worked in accounting. Those experiences naturally led her to managing the operational side of the business—overseeing estimates, invoicing, and scheduling—while also stepping in hands-on when needed, especially on projects that require a detailed eye, like color matching.
After about six months of researching different opportunities, we decided on a Fibrenew franchise. One of the things that stood out most was the strength of the network—Nick personally spoke with around 20 other franchise owners, looking for any red flags, and consistently heard positive feedback. That gave us the confidence to move forward.
What drew us in—and what still excites us today—is the variety. No two days look the same. It’s not uncommon for us to go from restoring a medical exam table one day to repairing the linoleum in an RV floor or someone’s favorite recliner the next. As a husband-and-wife team running a fully mobile service, we’re able to bring a hands-on, personalized approach to a wide range of clients across the Kansas City area.
We officially launched Fibrenew East KC in July of 2024. The first year came with its challenges, as most new businesses do, but 2026 has been an incredible turning point. Our name is getting out into the community, our schedule is consistently filling up, and we’re looking at hiring help in the near future. We’re also beginning to outgrow our current workspace and are exploring options for a dedicated shop.
It’s been a big leap, but one that’s been incredibly rewarding—and we’re just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting from scratch in a new country meant we were building everything at once—our client base, brand recognition, and systems—while also navigating Nick’s move to the U.S., which came with a costly and longer-than-expected immigration process.
Early on, one of our biggest challenges was simply getting our name out there and building trust in the community. When you’re new, every job matters, and we had to be very intentional about our customer experience, communication, and quality to start generating referrals and repeat business.
We also faced some pretty big hurdles right out of the gate. When we launched the business, we invested in a low-mileage van for our mobile business and had it fully wrapped—only for the engine to blow one year later. At the same time, Haleigh was still working full-time at the bank during that first year while also helping run the business, which made for some very long days. On top of that, we purchased a home just a few months after launching, so we were balancing a new business and a major life transition all at once.
Another unexpected challenge was how quickly upholstery became a major part of our business. We found ourselves needing sewing support almost immediately, but quickly realized there aren’t a lot of people in our area who specialize in that and aren’t booking 6 months out. We had to learn fast—both in finding reliable partners and developing some of those skills ourselves. Thankfully, along the way we’ve connected with some great people who have become both trusted partners and friends, and who have helped teach and guide us.
Working together as a husband-and-wife team isn’t always easy. We’re around each other a lot, so we’ve had to be intentional about carving out space during the week to do our own thing. There’s also been a learning curve in balancing both sides of the business. In the beginning, we were both wearing every hat. Figuring out pricing, scheduling, and workflow while maintaining high-quality work took some trial and error.
That said, those challenges have helped us build stronger systems, improve communication, and grow both as business owners and as a team.
We’ve been impressed with Fibrenew East KC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fibrenew East KC is a mobile leather, plastic and vinyl repair and restoration service. We specialize in repairing damage like cracks, burns, holes, fading, and wear on everything from furniture and vehicle interiors to medical equipment, restaurant seating, boats, RVs, and even vinyl siding.
What makes our business unique is the range of industries we serve and the fact that we’re fully mobile. We bring our service directly to our clients—whether that’s a homeowner, a dealership, a hospital, or a business—so in many cases, items don’t need to be removed or replaced. Our goal is always to restore rather than replace whenever possible, which saves our clients time and money and is also a more sustainable option.
One area we’ve become especially known for is RV floor repair. It’s a niche service that not many companies offer, and it’s become a consistent part of our workload. These repairs can be complex and require a high level of detail, so it’s something we’ve really leaned into and developed as a specialty.
We’ve also built a reputation for taking on projects that aren’t always straightforward. While many repairs can be completed on-site, we also handle more complex work like panel replacements and reupholstery. Upholstery has become a significant part of our business, and we’ve developed strong local relationships to ensure those projects are completed to a high standard.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we’re a husband-and-wife team. Clients work directly with us from start to finish, which allows us to provide a more personal, consistent experience. We take a lot of pride in our communication, transparency, and attention to detail—whether it’s a small repair or a large, multi day project.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’re building in the Kansas City area. A large portion of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients, which tells us we’re doing things the right way. We’ve worked hard to create a business that people can trust—not just for the quality of the repair, but for the overall experience.
What we want readers to know is that replacement isn’t always the only option. In many cases, we can restore something that people thought was beyond saving and give it many more years of life. That’s the part of the job we enjoy most—helping people hold onto the things that matter to them while providing a practical, cost-effective solution.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The easiest way for people to work with us is simply to reach out for a quote. We’re happy to talk through options and find the best solution for each situation. Since we’re a mobile service, we can often come directly to our clients, or in some cases have items brought to us depending on the scope of work.
We also love collaborating with other local businesses. We regularly work with dealerships, moving companies, interior designers, furniture stores, medical facilities, and warranty companies, and we’re always open to building new partnerships where we can provide ongoing repair or restoration services. As our upholstery work continues to grow, we’re also always looking to connect with local sewers and upholsterers who are nearby and interested in partnering with us.
One of the biggest ways people support our business is through referrals and word of mouth. Because so much of what we do is based on trust, recommendations from past clients and other businesses mean a lot to us and play a huge role in our growth. We’d also encourage people to reach out even if they’re unsure whether something can be repaired. A lot of what we do involves restoring items people assume need to be replaced, and we’re always happy to take a look and give honest feedback.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fibrenew.com/eastkc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fibreneweastkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Fibrenew-East-KC-61561266296332/
