At Surface Experts, Jacob takes the successes and mistakes he made while starting and running two businesses in Bogota, Colombia and Portland, OR and using them to build a healthy model. He works hand-in-hand with franchise owners to achieve their goals and build their businesses.

“We are looking for franchisees who align with our core values of serving others, being a problem solver, and trusting the process. We pride ourselves in our culture of franchise owners who truly care for one another and build each other up,” says Jacob.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jacob and his wife Catherine love the outdoors and are often on a river or a mountain. Their two children have taken up their love for the outdoors in fishing and foraging for berries. Jacob has a passion for entrepreneurs and helping start businesses. Whether in Rwanda, Colombia or around the USA, helping small businesses thrive is what drives him.

Prior to joining Surface Experts in 2019, Greg enjoyed a long career in the digital market research industry. He brings skills ranging from accounting to technology to customer service. Greg is skilled at anticipating and diagnosing problems, translating solutions into training systems for franchisees and employees. He is excited to be part of a team working to save its customers money and help the environment by reducing waste. 

In his free time Greg enjoys an eclectic mix of activities such as: gardening, tinkering on various DIY projects, learning, volunteering, and making lists, among other things. 

Before joining Surface Experts, Erin Oranen spent much of her 20-year career in sales and sales coaching with the Southwestern Family of Companies. During her 10-year residence in Portland, OR, Erin worked for Nike, Inc. recruiting marketing and advertising masterminds. She loves the psychology behind relational sales, a technique that has served her greatly, and something she truly enjoys sharing with Surface Experts teams as they grow. Informed by her experience, Erin worked closely with Jacob to develop the training curriculum for Surface Experts sales, systematizing the process that worked so well for him. 

In Erin’s words: “We are a sales company with an emphasis on spot repair. Our sales cycle is focused on an educational sale since most of our potential customers have never heard of spot repair. People who do well in sales at Surface Experts trust our process of articulating who we are and what we do so that they can come alongside the customers and serve them well.” 

Erin enjoys being active, creating yummy things in the kitchen, adventuring outdoors and spending time with the people she loves. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children. She loves connecting with people on all things including (but not limited to): life, goals, personal development, food, adventure, podcasts, books and more.

Maria was born in Bogota, Colombia and grew up in South Florida. She is a proud Florida Gator and currently resides in Nashville, TN.

Throughout college she worked as an intern at Southwestern Advantage where she worked 80+ hours a week selling educational resources door to door. She worked with the organization for over 5 years gaining both outside sales experience and leadership experience. Upon graduation she worked as a recruiter and account manager at an IT Staffing firm, where she further grew in her sales capabilities and is now excited to bring her experience to Surface Experts. She is confident that with her combination of grit, flexibility, and coachability, this is the perfect role for her.

Outside of work Maria loves spending time with friends and family, trying new foods, taking workout classes, and reading.

Ben started working with Jacob in 2010 in Portland, OR as a repair technician and continued working in that business until 2024. His work in spot repair has been a journey through many roles, from business ownership and training to team management and sales.

Ben's desire for good repairs goes far beyond the scope of interior surfaces. In Ben's words, "We live in a throw away culture and yet there are so many things that are worth saving. Being in the mindset of repair: Today it may be a bathtub repair, but tomorrow it's a relationship. I find that work a worthy endeavor."

While not working, you can find Ben in the mountains hiking or backpacking with his wife and boys, or in the proverbial forest of the Timber's Army (an independent supporters' group of the Portland Timbers, a soccer club in Major League Soccer).

Caleb Hunt, a born and raised Oregonian, brings over 10 years of experience in the maintenance field to his role at Surface Experts.

Caleb's expertise in spot repair predates the founding of Surface Experts, as he spent over three years mastering the craft while working at Jacob Grady's Portland, OR business.

As an environmentally conscious person, Caleb strongly resonates with Surface Experts' commitment to reducing landfill waste through spot repair alternatives to surface replacement.

Understanding the struggles of new techs, Caleb lends a patient hand, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

For Caleb, it's simple: "Helping others succeed is where I find my groove."

Off the clock, you'll find Caleb soaking up Oregon's natural wonders, embracing its offbeat charm at every turn.

Kathryn is originally from Alabama and moved to Spokane over 15 years ago. Before joining Surface Experts, she owned a successful local dance studio for 10 years in Spokane. As a former small business owner, Kathryn is excited to bring her experiences as an entrepreneur and knowledge in accounting, management, marketing, and customer service to the Surface Experts team. She really enjoys working with our franchisees, supporting them as they grow their businesses, and helping them succeed. 
 

Kathryn enjoys hiking, kayaking, spending time with her 3 boys and going to music festivals with her husband. As a family they enjoy cooking, traveling, and watching SEC football (Roll Tide). Kathryn loves meeting new people and enjoys working with everyone at the Support Center, our franchisees, sales reps, and technicians, and all our customers.

Mike Johnson has extensive experience in franchising. He has owned and operated franchises and spent over 13 years working alongside franchises as a coach, district manager, and director of operations. Mike also had many years in the service industry as an owner/operator while partnering with other businesses conducting sales and service. Mike enjoys his current role at Surface Experts, working alongside our franchisees to exceed their individual goals.
  

Mike lives in St. Louis, Mo and is married (26yrs) to his wife, Maggie, with whom he has a son Max (21) and a new rescue pup named Mable. Mike and family enjoy sporting events including hockey (Blues), baseball (Cardinals) and attending the Indianapolis 500 yearly with extended family. On weekends you may find the family enjoying the outdoors and the firepit. 

Brandon Chanley has 16 years' experience in franchising.  For those 16 years he worked for a national tax company and helped 60+ franchisees with over 600+ locations in his assigned territory.  Throughout his years with the company, he has covered many states including Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma.  He loves working with franchisees one on one and finding what drives them to be successful and help them to utilize all tools available within the franchise model to achieve that success!

Brandon lives in Chandler, AZ and has been married for 20 years to his wife Christine and they have 3 children (ages 16,14,11).  Brandon and his family enjoy traveling, and spending time together.  Currently the kids are fully engaged in sports so most of his weekends are spent at a Softball, soccer or Baseball field.  Brandon is an avid sports fan and enjoys the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Cubs, and Indiana Hoosiers.

When she joined Surface Experts in 2021, Jennifer brought over a decade of rich experience in communications and marketing, spanning diverse industries such as wine, agriculture, fashion apparel, and behavioral health care. She deeply resonates with the relational and environmental values that underpin the Surface Experts brand, relishing the opportunity to creatively communicate those values to connect with customers.

Jennifer finds immense joy in witnessing the growth of the Surface Experts brand and in crafting innovative tools to empower franchisees for marketing success at the local level.

When she's not at work, you’ll find Jennifer soaking up time with her husband, Brandon, and their son. They’re a family of people who love spending time with dear friends, getting outside no matter the weather, and making art, music, and food.