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| September 14, 2007 | |||||
| Business Showcase: Local business combines fantasy with altruism By Shannon Weatherford Reporter The garage. It’s the one place in the house that’s strictly utilitarian, devoid of the typical décor or creature comforts afforded the rest of the home. It’s the laundry room, the workshop, the storage area – some people even still park their cars there. But for others, the garage is an extension of their home. A place to hang out, watch the NASCAR race on Sunday or host a Monday Night Football party. For them, the garage is not just an attached storage shed. It’s as much the heart of their home as the kitchen is for others. It may not be the best looking room in the house, but it’s definitely the most fun. That’s where Mike Miller comes in. The creator of Fantasy Garages, he transforms the average garage into the ultimate fantasy playground with custom-designed packages limited only by, as he says, “how much your wallet can handle.” So, what is a Fantasy Garage? “Basically, it’s anything you want. Give us an idea,” says Mike. While the company does offer some starter ideas – tiki, sports teams and NASCAR themes – it really is all about how creative the client wants to be. “We offer free estimates and basically ask, ‘what is it you want to accomplish,’” he says. A full design staff that includes an architect is available to draw up the perfect setting, while the construction staff can breathe life into anything the design staff creates, with services including painting, drywall, electrical, plumbing and wiring for television and surround sound. Aluminum or laminate cabinets, sheet metal walls, drop ceilings and colorful rubber-mat floorings enhance whatever the look or theme is that the client is going for, and Energy Star appliances are used exclusively for their decreased energy consumption. Mike, who is semi-retired and lives in Canyon Lake with his wife, Cathy, says that he put Fantasy Garages together with a larger plan in mind. With a background in the infomercial industry promoting products and services for the likes of Richard Simmons and Tony Robbins, he is a master in developing and marketing ideas, and this idea is no exception. He eventually hopes to franchise and sell off the business as a complete concept to a larger company such as Home Depot, but not strictly for his own gain. “I really see this as a community-owned business,” he says and, as such, feels some of the profits from its sale should go back to the community. He envisions creating a foundation based on helping local families in need; currently 10 percent of the company’s profits are earmarked for charitable causes. “Cathy and I have always thought that it’s much more fun to give,” he says. In that same vein, Mike and Cathy have turned their own home’s garage into a Fantasy Garage showroom, hosting a number of get-togethers and events there for local clubs and groups. “Street Carts (of Canyon Lake) have already had one get-together here, and are planning another, and I’ve also talked to the Woman’s Club,” he says, adding that both he and Cathy want to get the word out and let other Canyon Lake clubs and organizations know about the venue. They also plan to join the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce and hope to host some Chamber functions in the future as well. Canyon Lakers ready to transform their ordinary garage into a Fantasy Garage can reach Mike directly at 259-9009. He encourages clubs and organizations to contact him as well if they are interested in using the Canyon Lake showroom for an event. Those interested in seeing what it takes to create a Fantasy Garage can view makeovers from start to finish at www.fantasygarages.us. |
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