Jon Chapman was looking for something different. His life as a machinist in South Dakota was routine and didn’t require much more than pushing a button over and over again.
He wanted something more, and in his effort to explore new employment opportunities, Chapman found a franchise that did tub refinishing. He was working the machinist job full time and refinishing tubs on the weekends. The work led to customers asking if he could cut their tub out and put in a shower, then they would ask for a new vanity installed, or to have the floor replaced.
“I realized I could do a lot of other things than just refinishing tubs, so I came up with a name and started advertising for complete bathroom remodels,” Chapman said. “It was around that time that I walked into the office at the machinist shop and told them I was putting in my notice, just to find out they planned to lay me off the next day.”
In 2013 Chapman sold his company in South Dakota and moved to Brownsburg. He didn’t foresee it then, but more than 10 years later, Chapman Custom Baths has seen growth far beyond his wildest dreams.
“We had a tub and shower display in our garage at home and then we moved to a storage unit,” Chapman said. “When that got too small, we moved to a 2,400-square-foot building. Half of it was a warehouse and the other half was a showroom.”
Just last year Chapman celebrated the grand opening of their building at the corner of Main Street and Odell Street in Brownsburg.
“We have a beautiful showroom and we built a pole barn to store materials,” Chapman said. “We have three crews now and my fiancée, Julie, answers the phones and signs off on all deliveries. I’ve got a right-hand man who has awesome customer service skills.”
He remembers the days when he was the only guy doing all the work, but with his growth and success, Chapman can focus on what he loves to do most.
“I love talking to people,” he said. “I love helping people. I think if I can help someone, that’s the best feeling in the world.”
He said they haven’t yet encountered a bathroom they couldn’t remodel or repair. They have a lifetime warranty on all products, and fair prices.
“We use an Onyx product that we feel is better than tile,” Chapman said. It cleans easily and looks awesome. We only use Delta fixtures with a lifetime warranty, and if there’s an issue, you can always call us and we’ll take care of it.”
A bathroom remodel can be an intimidating task for many. You might not be sure who to call or who to trust, but longevity and quality reviews can go a long way.
“We have seven complete bathrooms in our showroom with different vanities, flooring and more,” Chapman said. “A lot of people want to feel the material, touch it and see it, and I think we have one of the best showrooms in the bathroom remodeling business.”
It’s also important to ask who the company will be sending to do the job, and Chapman prides himself of supplying his own vetted crews, employed by Chapman Custom Baths.
Up next is expansion. They plan to open a new office in Carmel in the near future.
“I figured it out one time,” Chapman said. “I looked at how many bathrooms I thought were in Indianapolis and surrounding areas, and I figured probably 20,000 of them need to be redone each year, and that’s a low estimate.”
He’s determined to exceed expectations.
“We are extremely customer oriented,” he said. “We’re not done until the customer is satisfied, and we want a five-star review every time.”
Comments 1
John’s crew did a bath for me a few years ago. Excellent work. Highly recommended.