July 13th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we are greatly anticipating our upcoming Hotel Interactive webcast: Pressure Free PIPs, on Tuesday, July 17, 2 PM EST.  Watch us as we team up with experts from the industry to discuss a costly issue that has been plaguing our hospitality customers – Product Improvement Plans (PIPs).

As we discussed in an earlier blog post, PIPs are mandatory renovations and updates required by corporate brand owners for franchised owners.  As if PIPs weren’t enough of a burden, major lodging brands are now pushing last minute hotel renovations in order to increase room prices and profit from this summer’s increase of travelers and tourists.

This leaves many hoteliers asking the same question – what’s the solution? How do we meet customer and brand satisfaction, without breaking the bank?

The answer and various solutions will be discussed during the live webinar, as the expert panel gives advice on smart and savvy ways to maximize renovation impact at a cost that will minimize debt.

So don’t let PIPs become a problem.  Join us on Tuesday, July 17, at 2 PM EST for all of the solutions, and don’t forget to register for the webcast today!

furniture asset management, hospitality, Hotel Interactive, Pressure free PIPs, Product Improvement Plans, The Refinishing Touch, webinar

July 10th, 2012 by TRT Blog

As a sustainable furniture asset management company with a strong focus in the hospitality, government and higher education industries, we’ve been reading and hearing a lot about the three pillars of sustainability and how to properly encourage and achieve sustainable development.

The three pillars of sustainability are social, environmental and economic – and many sustainability experts believe that all three pillars must be developed and strengthened simultaneously, as a whole, to combat the sustainability problem successfully.

The most recent Rio+20 Earth Summit, held June 20-22 in Rio de Janeiro, focused on two main themes: “a green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development, and an institutional framework for sustainable development.” One of the Summit’s side events, ‘Tourism for a Sustainable Future’, discussed these themes in great detail and concluded that tourism can be a key contributor to the three pillars.

Maurice Strong, former Earth Summit Secretary-General, said: “[Tourism] has a real interest in protecting the environment and a huge potential for the green economy as its assets are the ones we need to preserve and enhance.”

This sentiment resonates with The Refinishing Touch team, as our primary goals focus around reducing tree harvesting, reducing landfill waste, and preserving our natural resources. Having worked with some of the world’s largest hotel brands, including Starwood, Hilton, and Marriott, we understand how tourism can not only promote local jobs and economic growth, but also encourage greater care and appreciation for local environments and natural resources.

We hope that tourism, as travelers become more environmentally-conscious, will continue to be a driving force in increased sustainable development and awareness.

For more information on the Rio+20 Earth Summit, go here. For more information on how furniture asset management can help your organization save money and the environment, visit our website at www.therefinishingtouch.com.

economic, environmental, Government, higher education, hospitality, Rio+20 Earth Summit 2012, social, Sustainability, The Refinishing Touch

July 3rd, 2012 by TRT Blog

The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to have cookouts, watch fireworks and enjoy time off with family and friends. All are wonderful ways to celebrate and mark such an important day in U.S. history.

In much the same way, here at The Refinishing Touch, we help our clients — such as Starwood, Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott hotels, the U.S. Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and other government agencies, and universities across the country — become independent from furniture replacement costs, significant room downtime and from causing further environmental damage. On the Fourth of July, we always feel especially proud to have been founded in such a great country, and strive to continue our long-standing goals of helping our clients achieve eco-friendly objectives with attractive, up-to-date, functional furnishings.

Our unique on-site, non-toxic refinishing services of existing furniture assets such as arm chairs, sofas, nightstands and dressers is quick, environmentally-friendly and truly transformative. It’s a welcomed option for budget-conscious businesses looking to revamp and be kind to Mother Nature.

This Fourth of July, in addition to joining together as a united nation, we also want to extent our deepest appreciate to all of our independent-minded clients who we have the pleasure of working with, thank you.

Enjoy time with your loved ones over the holiday — and don’t let the burgers stay on the grill too long!

air force, army, environmentally friendly, Fourth of July, furniture asset management, Government, Hilton, hospitality, Hyatt, Marines, Marriott, Starwood, Universities, US Navy

June 22nd, 2012 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we pride ourselves on being able to listen to our customers and provide them with services that are proven to better the environment and their bottom line. Recently, we’ve been working to combat a costly trend with our hospitality customers – Product Improvement Plans (PIPs) – mandatory renovations and updates required by corporate brand owners for franchise owners.

To share our knowledge on ways to complete PIPs without breaking the budget, we are sponsoring the upcoming Hotel Interactive webcast: Pressure Free PIPs. Mario and other industry leaders will not only discuss the implications of PIPs and the business challenges they create, but they will also offer solutions as to how hotel owners can meet budget-consuming renovation requirements and brand expectations, through furniture asset management, refinishing, remanufacturing and more.

The webcast will focus on realistic solutions so hotel owners across the country can take genuine strides to fulfill their PIP requirements without spending a fortune or ditching existing assets.

Join us on Tuesday, July 17 2012, to learn more about how your hotel can complete PIPs, pressure free. For more information about the panelists and the webcast, or to register for free, please visit http://www.hotelinteractive.com/webinar.aspx.

furniture asset management, hospitality, Hotel Interactive, Mario Insenga, PIPs, Product Improvement Plans, refinishing, remanufacturing, renovations, webcast

June 19th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Thirty-five years, 420 months, roughly 12,775 days and countless hours—anyway we chalk it up, we here at The Refinishing Touch are thrilled to announce our most recent milestone of three and half decades in business.

While many things have changed throughout the years, the purpose throughout our journey has remained the same. Everyone at The Refinishing Touch believes in our goal to create a more sustainable future, which, as we’ve come to learn, is a task that takes time, effort, and support from others. But through this unwavering goal and 35 years of hard work, we could not be more proud of the on-site environmentally safe and sustainable furniture asset management services we offer to a wide array of companies and organizations around the world.

Not only are we excited over reaching the 35-year mark, but we are also humbled by the opportunities we’ve been given to serve the hospitality, education, and government industries throughout the years. Every partnership The Refinishing Touch creates contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and a more informed country.

We’d like to take a moment to thank our clients for helping us reach such a milestone. In the hospitality industry, this includes hotel chains such as the Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IGH, Wyndham, and more. The government has also capitalized in furniture asset management services, with projects completed in the U.S. Superior Court, U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy bases worldwide, including the White House and Executive Office of the President. In the education sector, we have worked with numerous universities and colleges across the nation.

Today, The Refinishing Touch has more than 20,000 customers and we estimate that we have saved more than three million tons of carbon dioxide and nine million trees. For us, that is what it all comes down to as we reach 35 years in the business – a more sustainable tomorrow.

Click here to read the entire press release on The Refinishing Touch’s 35 year anniversary milestone.

35 years, anniversary, education, furniture asset management, furniture refinishing, Government, hospitality, Sustainability, The Refinishing Touch

May 30th, 2012 by TRT Blog

After returning from an inspirational trip to Necker Island, I cannot help but reflect on how incredible the trip truly was. It was an honor for the Karma Foundation, an executive philanthropic networking organization, and The Refinishing Touch to join so many other established and reputable individuals at Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Igniting Change’ Leadership Gathering. It was, without a doubt, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Necker Island is an incredible getaway of serene beauty. It’s no secret as to why Sir Richard loves his private estate so much. Nestled in the British Virgin Islands, it offers breathtaking views of crystal clear water and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape. Sir Richard is an incredibly warm person and was open and accommodating to each of us as his guests – welcoming us with open arms, being the perfect tour guide, facilitating conversation, showing genuine interest in what we each did and what inspired us – as well as ensuring we all had plenty of trips around the island. I had an unbelievable time with Sir Richard, and can honestly say he is one of the most amazing people that I have ever met.

While I was impressed with Sir Richard’s private getaway, all 74 acres of it, I came away from the Leadership Gathering even more blown away by his mission and genuine care and love for others. What he and his organization, Virgin Unite, do philanthropically is significant and affects millions of people worldwide each and every year.

Virgin Unite is all about getting the right people together with the right ideas and adding entrepreneurial magic to produce results and a better world. I’m extremely honored to be among the very few who have now had the opportunity to understand and become a part of the Virgin Unite family. The Karma Foundation and The Refinishing Touch are looking forward to a return visit, and who knows, perhaps we’ll also get involved in a space adventure.

Igniting Change, Igniting Change Leadership Gathering, Karma Foundation, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, Virgin, Virgin Unite

May 15th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we love attending events. Each event presents a unique and much-valued opportunity to connect with our community including existing customers, business partners and prospective buyers. And, as always, we’re excited to share the benefits of refinishing, fiscally responsible furniture asset management, and cost-effective sustainable practices.

This week The Refinishing Touch team is attending the GSA Training and Expo 2012, which is being held through Thursday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is central to federal, state and local government employees, military members and other key government agency stakeholders that are involved in procurement decisions – it’s also a key event in The Refinishing Touch’s calendar!

The GSA is the federal government’s preferred source for quality commercial products and services, and its annual event gives so much to attendees and vendors—as it’s the GSA’s signature training, networking and showcase event. From valuable networking opportunities to thorough three-day training programs, hands-on demonstrations, showcasing of new techniques, the event offers something for everyone involved in government procurement.

We’re proud to be consistent and regular contributors to the event. Each year we are given the opportunity to showcase and discuss the environmental and budget savings reaped through refinishing, upholstery, remanufacturing and furniture asset management.

As part of the GSA’s commitment to a zero carbon footprint, the GSA Training and Expo has been executed as a sustainable event, so as well as sharing some photos from this week’s event, we’ll be highlighting some of the sustainable practices that are being practiced on-site, and also posting a few thoughts on our host city, beautiful San Antonio. Watch this space for more updates!

We’ll also be tweeting from the event, so don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @refinishtouch.

If you’re attending the event, come by and see us at Booth 3753. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

cost-effective, Federal Government, furniture asset management, Government, GSA Training and Expo 2012, military, refinishing, remanufacturing, San Antonio, sustainable practices, Texas, upholstery

May 4th, 2012 by TRT Blog

My trip down to the British Virgin Islands was interesting and lengthy, to say the least. My exciting trip began on a Delta jet and was followed by an interesting transfer onto a twin Cessna. After I finished the trip’s flights, I was escorted onto a small private speedboat, which took me along twenty miles of beautiful ocean. We passed dozens of small islands before reaching Necker itself.

When I got to the island, I was picked up in a golf cart and brought to Temple House. This is where I was greeted by Sir Richard. He offered me a class of champagne and a big, genuine, warm “Hello”.

After a welcoming and celebratory cocktail, Sir Richard invited me to come with him to the tennis courts to watch his afternoon match. As we drove down to the courts, he asked me about my background, what I did and what sports I was most interested in.

After the match, we arrived back at the main house where I met a few more ‘Igniting Change’ guests and enjoyed some wine. A little later we drove to the lodge for dinner where the event’s entire group was finally assembled. We had the chance to introduce ourselves and network—Sir Richard began the dinner with a welcoming, easy-going address.

We had a great dinner, chatting and discussing our lives with each other. The people at the table represented all walks of life from all over the world. It was a spectacular sight, especially considering these get-togethers only happen four times a year on the island.

After an engaging, entertaining night, I retired to my lodgings: a small, beautiful house made from native teak, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean; beside it, a pond that was home to hundreds of wild flamingos, as over 200 live on this island.

It’s impossible to describe the beauty that exists on Necker Island. As I’m sure you can imagine, it is one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to experience. With a group of great people and a gracious host, ‘Igniting Change’ is sure to be an event of a lifetime.

Interested in learning more about the ‘Igniting Change’ event? Keep your eye on this space as I will be posting an event roundup upon my return. You can also visit Virgin Unite for more information.

British Virgin Islands, Igniting Change, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group, Virgin Unite

May 1st, 2012 by TRT Blog

This week brings a very exciting event for The Refinishing Touch team. As we plan our 35-year celebrations of providing a valuable and necessary service to the hospitality, government, and higher education industries to ensure our environment is preserved through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, we are thrilled to announce that our founder and president, Mario Insenga is heading to Necker Island to attend Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Igniting Change’ Leadership Gathering from today until May 5th.

Recognized for our leadership in providing on-site furniture refinishing and environmentally-friendly asset management, The Refinishing Touch is a world leader in refinishing, remanufacturing, upholstery and armoire modification. Mario is recognized by Igniting Change for his experience as an entrepreneur, an innovator, a philanthropist and business leader, with a long-time passion for environmental sustainability.

Mario is attending ‘Igniting Change’ not only to represent The Refinishing Touch, but also to represent the Karma Foundation, an exclusive global membership organization, that Mario is a proud partner of. The Karma Foundation provides a platform for executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to work together to benefit charity organizations while allowing for out-of-the-box networking and life experiences.

‘Igniting Change’ is organized by Virgin Unite, a not for profit foundation and branch of the Virgin Group. Its goal is to bring people together for meaningful discussions and idea generation to help build a better world. Through hard work and collaboration, Virgin Unite hopes to influence: “governments, businesses and the social sector work together – driving business as a force for good.” The foundation’s main focuses are supporting global leadership initiatives and developing businesses as a force for good.

It is sure to be an event to remember. Mario is looking forward to meeting all of the other discussion participants, and to represent The Refinishing Touch and the Karma Foundation. We’re all very excited – to hear about the Leadership Gathering, hear who Mario will meet, the ideas discussed and to find out what Sir Richard Branson’s home and favorite hideaway is really like! We’ll be sharing an updates here – of you have any questions or any world-changing ideas we should raise for discussion please let us know or tweet @RefinshTouch.

Igniting Change, Igniting Change Leadership Gathering, Karma Foundation, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, not for profit foundation, Richard Branson, Virgin Group, Virgin Unite

April 20th, 2012 by TRT Blog

As Earth Day approaches, the entire team here at The Refinishing Touch is excited to follow the planning and ideas for so many great events planned across the country and the world this Sunday, April 22. From ‘A Billion Acts of Green’ to the rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the 42^nd Earth Day is set to make history.

One of the best outlets we’ve found for following these major Earth Day events is the Earth Day Network website. Not only does it feature stunning Earth Day images, but it provides informational overviews of numerous Earth Day events and how you can get involved. Here are some of our favorites:

Mobilize the Earth: The overall theme for Earth Day 2012. A bold statement, as described by the Earth Day Network as, “we are mobilizing the planet to simply say one thing: the Earth won’t wait.” The goal is to mobilize billions of people around the world and demand global governmental action to enact renewable energy initiatives, invest in energy efficient technologies, and reduce dependence on strained natural resources.

For more on Mobilize the Earth, watch the video below:

A Billion Acts of Green: Already the world’s largest environmental service campaign, over 900 million actions have already been registered. A Billion Acts of Green is a great outlet that encourages individuals and communities to commit to sustainable, environmentally-friendly actions. Visit earthday.org/billion-acts-of-green to pledge your act and help the reach one billion commitments before the United Nations Earth Summit, Rio+20, this June.

Rally on the National Mall: D.C. will become the nation’s Earth Day center this weekend. Hundreds of thousands of people will join together to rally for environmental change. The rally is free and open to the public. It will feature musical performances, speeches, live news coverage, renewable energy demonstrations and more. Visit the webpage here, or RSVP to attend on Facebook.

While we should recognize the importance of preserving our environment every day, Earth Day is one day when everyone can come together with one voice and fight for our planet. To learn more about how you can get involved with the Earth Day events listed above, or to find an event in your city go here.

A Billion Acts of Green, Earth Day, Earth Day events, Earth Day Rally, Mobilize the Earth, The Refinishing Touch