After 23 years of military service, Sheldon Hawe is now the proud owner of a B.Protek franchise serving the St. John and Fredericton regions. He’s charting a new course—this time as an entrepreneur.
For Sheldon, the decision to join B.Protek was deeply personal. “After retiring from the army, I was ready to generate income on my own terms,” he explains. Inspired by his parents, who ran a business for nearly two decades, Sheldon sought to build something meaningful and lasting. Although he explored multiple franchises, it was B.Protek’s low-pressure, human-centered approach that ultimately won him over. “They were more interested in me and my story. That made all the difference.”
Despite having no prior experience in the concrete industry or business management, Sheldon felt empowered by B.Protek’s comprehensive training and ongoing support. “I started with a week of classroom and hands-on training in Montréal. Then I spent time on real job sites with experienced teams. That experience gave me the confidence I needed.”
His days begin early with prep and client confirmations, followed by on-site work and evening quote calls. He also handles administrative tasks and plans ahead for future installations. Weekends are occasionally reserved for business clients who require minimal disruption to their weekday operations.
The work itself is deeply satisfying. “The best part is seeing the reaction from clients when they see the final result,” he says. One particularly memorable project involved a floor with major structural issues—large holes and cracks. “I wasn’t sure I could fix it, but with help from fellow franchisees and the right materials, the result was incredible. The client was blown away.”
Sheldon also highlights the sense of community within the B.Protek network. “Whether it’s team members in Ontario or Winnipeg, I can always call someone. We share tips and innovations, and we support each other. That peer connection is invaluable.”
Beyond technical guidance, Sheldon appreciates the operational excellence behind B.Protek. From a responsive call centre to regular updates on products and procedures, the system keeps him organized and accountable. “They’ve built a solid foundation for franchisees to succeed.”
Sheldon’s journey is proof that with the right support, transitioning into business ownership—even from a completely different field—is not only possible, but rewarding.
Learn more about franchising with B-Protek Concrete Coatings
