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.
From Soldier to Surface Specialist: Sheldon Hawe’s Inspiring B.Protek Franchise Journey in New Brunswick
Sheldon Hawe, a former Canadian Armed Forces member with over two decades of military service, has found a new mission: transforming concrete surfaces across the St. John and Fredericton regions as a B.Protek franchisee.
“It wasn’t just B.Protek,” Hawe explains. “My whole journey was based on the interest of me owning my own company.” Inspired by his entrepreneurial family roots, he wanted a venture where he could “make income on [his] own terms.” After evaluating multiple options, he discovered B.Protek and was drawn to its niche market and welcoming approach. “I just felt there was no pressure from [B.Protek]. I felt comfortable from the very start.”
With no prior experience in concrete coatings, Hawe brought a strong foundation in leadership and logistics from his military background. “I’ve never had any previous concrete experience,” he admits. “I’ve never managed a business of my own either, just managed personnel in the military.” But the lack of direct industry experience didn’t hold him back.
Hawe’s B.Protek days are driven by client satisfaction. “My typical day usually starts around seven,” he says. “I have my products loaded into my trailer. I usually confirm with my clients the night before, letting them know I’ll be coming the next day. By the end of the day — around 4 or 5 p.m. — I’m usually wrapping things up and heading home. During lunch, I try to reach out to any other clients I need to contact, and if possible, I’ll try to schedule a visit for that same evening before going home.”
What keeps him motivated? “It’s always the end project of each job… the satisfied look on my client’s faces.” Reflecting on a recent project, he beams. “You can just tell that they’re amazed by how it looks.”
Hawe highlights the outstanding support from B.Protek’s head office: “Fantastic. I have full access to the customer call centre… and a representative who calls me every two weeks.” The open, non-hierarchical culture stood out to him: “Nobody’s screaming at me to say, ‘Hey, chain of command.’” He also appreciates the continuous training: “They implemented a new product in our line… that’s the kind of stuff I was interested in.”
Hawe’s connections with other franchisees have also played a big role in his success. “If I have any questions, I’m usually reaching out to those guys,” he shares. “We do true Messenger where we can see each other’s pictures.”
Looking back, Hawe’s proudest moment remains completing his very first floor. “Everything went well. The customer was completely satisfied,” he recalls. “That’s kind of where my proudest moment is, when I hear that.”
Through determination, adaptability, and a commitment to quality, Sheldon Hawe is not only growing his own business—he’s helping elevate the B.Protek brand across New Brunswick.
Learn more about franchising with B-Protek Concrete Coatings
