Anneker is a great example of how an entrepreneur doesn't have to have wealthy backers to bring a new product onto the market. "I did not have an investor, so I had to (just) pay as I went," Anneker said, ruefully. Every spare minute he could afford from his fabrication business was spent in research and development of the perfect scratch removal system for stone. His system is a combination of a polishing compound of his own invention, and a uniquely-shaped polishing pad, whose curved radiating ridges concentrate the compound and move it back into the middle of the pad, reducing the amount needed for a job.
His product is produced in the U.S., and the pads have a serged edge for strength, and are all finished by hand.
He has tried his product on many surfaces: "...I'm not scared of any stone!" When he tested his system on another piece of scratched Black Galaxy, he found he could completely restore the stone to its original polished finish in under eighteen minutes.
Financial difficulties were not the only setbacks Anneker encountered while working toward his goal. He had the ill fortune of experiencing a crushed foot when a falling stone struck it. Since remaining at home was out of the question during a stone installment, he used his problem-solving skills to create a solution, and showed up riding a skateboard. He got some "priceless" looks, but was able to finish the job and keep food on the table, as well as getting back to his research. "Ever tried bullnosing while sitting on a skateboard? It's quite tricky!"
Anneker has carried his engineering skills into his current business, which mostly handles projects in hotels and other commercial properties. "We train all of our people to hand-fabricate stone, in order to teach what to look for and what not to do with stone." He also instructs his fabricators to inspect each other's work to ensure quality. "We call this the `Second Set of Eyes' Program." Along with businesses, they continue to fabricate for residences as well, with 30% of their work going into homes. They currently utilize CNC equipment and waterjet machines in their shop, as well as equipment for on-site work. "But the most important tool to us is not a tool at all; it's our people."
His partner and business manager, Tim Parker, has helped him greatly by handling the sales, shipping and administrative end of the business, leaving Steve to do what he does best: new product development and improvements to current projects. "Without Tim, I wouldn't have nearly enough time to do what I like to do!"
His future plans include perfecting a polishing system for engineered stone. This involves a different compound formula and usage, geared specifically for ES. With his analytical mind, and his drive to create solutions, we have no doubt Steve Anneker will achieve his goals.
Polishing Pro Systems is offered exclusively by Braxton-Bragg. For more information or to place an order, call toll free, 1-800-575-4401, or visit their website at www.braxton-bragg.com.You can also contact Tim Parker at 541-915-7094 or email him at tim@polishingprosystems.com .
For more information about Precision Surface of Eugene, Oregon, please contact Steve Anneker at swanneker@yahoo.com .
Top: Anneker begins a scratch removal process with diamond polishing pads and a squirt of water as a lubricant. Inset: The actual Tropical Brown test piece shown in these pictures
Left: Anneker tested his pads and polishing powder over a period of years to develop his system. Only a small amount is needed for each polishing step.
Right: A good variable speed grinder, a rigid back-up and Anneker's polishing pads are essential tools for a successful polish restoration. Working the powder into a paste, the specially-designed pads efficiently distribute the paste over the entire surface, allowing you to achieve the deepest polish possible.
Bottom, Left: The Polishing Pro System can even restore the reverse, "raw" side of a granite slab to a factory polish - a very dramatic example of how well it works.
Bottom Center: The Tropical Brown sample tile looks even better than new. Bottom Right: Using Anneker's system you can refinish an entire countertop.
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