From Repairs to Cleaning, All American Makes Hard Surfaces Like New

Even the hardest of household surfaces can be damaged and dirt will build up over time. That's when it's time to call Monterey Bay Refinishing and its subsidiary All American Stone, Tile and Grout Restoration and Maintenance.

"We've always been the go-to people for getting surfaces like bathtubs back to factory specifications," said Cathy McCoy, who along with husband, Ernie, have owned and run Monterey Bay Refinishing for 15 years. Ernie is well-known among local contractors for his ability to fix chips, cracks and other flaws in porcelain, marble, acrylic and more that can happen during construction.

"Rather than replace a new unit that has been damaged, Ernie makes invisible repairs to factory specifications," Cathy said. "He has an artist's eye, and can match color, swirls and everything."
They added All-American's surface cleaning in 2007, and still operate both with Ernie in the field and Cathy in the office.

"As construction slowed, we looked to add services in a related area. After researching the restoration of stone, tile and grout, we agreed that this was the direction we wanted to go," Cathy recalled.

All-American uses high-pressure water heated to 240 degrees and applied with specialized equipment that contains and recovers the water, allowing work on both horizontal and vertical surfaces with minimal mess. By adjusting cleansers and pressure, Ernie can clean tile, brick, travertine, flagstone, concrete and more, both indoors and out.

The new side of the business involves much more than mere power washing. It required learning about the specific characteristics of different surfaces."

"The way that we can use high pressure without damaging the surface is to know just how much pressure to use for each type of surface, and the specialized tools we use in conjunction with our power unit that prevent gouging," she explained. "This type of powerful cleaning is not the only tool we need, however—there is often chemistry involved, as well as a lot of elbow-grease, especially with heavy mineral buildup and staining. We also do honing and polishing of stone."

To help keep the surface clean once it has been restored, they can apply a sealer.
And All-American stays current with advances in cleanser and sealing offerings.

"Ernie is always testing new products as they become available, to see which ones provide the best repellency and cleaning, and have low v.o.c.'s (volatile organic compounds)," Cathy said.

Applying the Golden Rule
to Business and Life
When Ernie visits a potential customer to inspect and bid on a job, he looks for the best long-term solution and protection for the investment a homeowner has made. And if he thinks the surface should be replaced, he'll say so even it means he loses a cleaning job.

"Our clients are our neighbors. It's a big responsibility when someone invites you into their home. We're going to see them on the street next week or at church," said Cathy.

That approach has paid off in strong referrals, and they get most of their business by word of mouth, she said.

Understanding the importance of community support and awareness got them involved in Think Local First. Ernie has been a member of the Lion's Club since 1985, and currently serves with the Santa Cruz Host chapter, along with Michael Olson, a Think Local First Board member. He invited the McCoys to that non-profit. The idea of supporting other local business owners matched their long-time practice of referring work and buying products locally.

"We went to a meeting and said, that's it, we're in," Cathy recalled.

The McCoys "do unto others" approach extends beyond their business. A tradition of going to Mexico's Baja peninsula each year after Christmas to build modest homes and distribute shoes and food grew into the non-profit Club Dust. Last year it involved about 200 people, with Ernie serving as chef for the several days of work. Locally, the McCoys regularly volunteer for the Elm Street Mission.

And the Lion's Club work took a personal turn with its emphasis on providing glasses and helping the blind. Not only did Cathy know where to turn to get someone she knew glasses, Cathy herself has learned she has a degenerative sight disorder.

"Our business not only allows us to support our family, it supports our long-term goal of caring for our community and caring for the world," she said. "It all comes back to the same golden rule."

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From Repairs to Cleaning, All American Makes Hard Surfaces Like New