Today we’d like to introduce you to John Schremser.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the carpet and textile cleaning industry started unexpectedly over 30 years ago. I was at a men’s breakfast when someone mentioned that a friend was selling their cleaning business. At the time, I was feeling unfulfilled in my work and open to a change. I’d cleaned carpet once before, and something about the idea stuck with me. I looked into it, and my mindset was, “If he can do it, I can too.” So I jumped in—and just like that, I was in business.
In those early years, I threw myself into learning the craft. I took as many training courses as I could, eventually becoming certified in ten areas of cleaning and repair. I applied myself day in and day out, determined to master the work. Around my tenth year in business, I was introduced to the owner of a custom wool rug manufacturer based in Grand Rapids—a relationship that would help shape the next chapter of my journey.
One of the first rugs I cleaned for them turned out to be a 1,300-square-foot piece they had made for the White House seven years earlier. They trusted me with it. I spent 12 hours cleaning it—and a few months later, I received a formal thank-you letter from Gary Walters, the Chief Usher of the Executive Residence at the White House. That letter is still framed in my office. That moment opened up new doors and helped solidify my reputation in the industry.
Over the years, I grew that business into a multi-truck operation and attended conferences around the country, building friendships and learning from others along the way. Then, about seven years ago, someone introduced me to a fabric protection technology that was PFAS-free and long-lasting. Unlike most protectants, which need to be reapplied every year, this one offered more sustainable protection. I was intrigued. Even though I was already busy, I began offering it to clients. Today, Fiber ProTector applications are at the heart of what we do at Fiber ProTector of West Michigan. It’s been a great fit for our clients—especially designers, builders, and flooring professionals who care about both performance and environmental impact.
More recently, a longtime friend introduced me to a water purification system that removes 99.9999% of toxins and contaminants. That got me thinking—why not clean with purified water? I already try to live a healthy lifestyle, especially after surviving cancer. I eat clean, drink clean—so why not clean clean? Now, in most cases, we use purified water and offer botanical, plant-based essential oil cleaners as an option. My philosophy is simple: if I wouldn’t want it in my body, I don’t want to leave it behind on a client’s rug.
Today, my work is about more than just clean carpets. It’s about protecting and preserving fine textiles, extending their life, and helping people take pride in their investment. That mission is central to everything we do at Fiber ProTector of West Michigan. Our values—integrity, reliability, environmental stewardship, and respect—guide how we care, how we communicate, and how we serve. I’m proud of the work we do and the relationships we’ve built.
Outside of work, I stay active by going to the gym several times a week and tending a large garden at home—over 80 feet long. Living strong and living clean go hand in hand for me, and I bring that same mindset to the work we do for our clients every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, no—the road hasn’t always been smooth, and I think most business owners would say the same. As I mentioned in my story, I jumped into this business after cleaning carpet just once. That’s a far cry from truly knowing what I was doing! I didn’t want to just clean carpets—I wanted to genuinely help people. That meant diving into a steep learning curve, especially in the early days, while also trying to keep the business afloat and growing.
A lot of what I know today came from that drive to serve our clients well and make every project look as close to “brand new” as possible. And as that reputation grew, so did the questions from clients: “Can you fix this bleach spot?” “Can you repair the rug corner my dog chewed?” “Can you handle this carpet pull from the vacuum?” These kinds of requests require not only hands-on experience but a lot of specialized education—and, honestly, some trial and error.
I tend to be a perfectionist, which sometimes made challenging projects even tougher. And I’ll admit, not every job turned out perfectly. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from every single one—and I’m still learning.
This industry is constantly evolving. New textiles are being developed, new cleaning agents are introduced, and it’s important to understand how all of that affects both performance and safety. I want to be confident that what we’re using is safe for our clients—not just today, but long-term. That’s why I’m proud to work with Fiber ProTector, which is PFOA-, PFOS-, and fluorocarbon-free, and CleanSeal approved. We even clean with the same purified water I drink myself—because I want to protect my clients’ health and homes just as much as I protect my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fiber ProTector of West Michigan, LLC?
Fiber ProTector of West Michigan began as a way to offer something more to the clients I was already serving. After being introduced to the Fiber ProTector technology, I couldn’t stop thinking about the benefits it could bring—not just in terms of stain and wear resistance, but in helping preserve the quality and longevity of the textiles my clients had invested in. The more I learned, the more I realized it was a natural fit for the level of care and integrity I already brought to my work.
From the start, what stood out to me about Fiber ProTector was its integrity. It’s PFOA- and PFOS-free, WoolSafe approved, rigorously third-party tested, and the only fabric protectant in the U.S. that holds the EnviroSeal certification. That credibility matters to me, and it matters to the homeowners, designers, and businesses we serve. Our mission is to protect and preserve fine textiles—extending their life, maintaining their beauty, and protecting the investment our clients have made in their spaces.
But when we say “protect,” it’s not just about the textiles. It’s also about protecting you—your family, your home, your health. We’re mindful of what we bring into your living space because I believe that what surrounds you should contribute to your well-being, not compromise it.
Protecting what you love—your textiles, your home, your health.
That mindset led us to expand our services. Many clients wanted more than protection—they wanted healthier cleaning solutions that aligned with the same standards. That’s when I started exploring purified water cleaning. Knowing that we remove 99.9999% of contaminants and toxins from the water before it ever enters your home gives me peace of mind—and I hope it gives my clients the same.
For those who want an even healthier clean, we also offer a specialized process using purified water combined with plant-based, essential oil cleaners. This botanical option includes added steps—not only do we clean thoroughly, but we also apply a disinfectant that functions as a sanitizer, and we expedite the drying process. Every choice is made with care for the health of your home environment.
In addition to Fiber ProTector applications, we offer a full range of specialized services, including rug washing, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, leather cleaning and conditioning, and tile and grout cleaning. Whether it’s preserving heirloom textiles or refreshing everyday surfaces, our goal is always to clean with intention and care.
Where does it go from here? We’ll keep innovating. Whether it’s new methods, improved products, or smarter technology, we’re committed to finding the safest, longest-lasting ways to protect your textiles—and protect you.
At Fiber ProTector of West Michigan, it’s not just about what we do—it’s about why we do it. We believe that protection, preservation, and peace of mind should go hand in hand. That’s the heart behind everything we offer.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think my view on risk-taking has evolved over the years. In the beginning, the risks were almost built in—mostly because I didn’t have the depth of knowledge or experience I do now. I’d have a client point out a loop sticking up in their carpet—“Can you fix that?” Or a pulled row from a vacuum—“Can you fix that?” Or a rug chewed up by the family dog—“Can you fix that?” My answer was always, “Yes, I’ll figure it out.” I wanted to do more for my clients, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.
Over time, I’ve learned that good communication with clients is part of managing risk. For example, does Mrs. Jones expect her rug to look brand new when I’m done? Or is she just hoping I can help preserve a damaged heirloom? I’m grateful to have grown in how I connect with people to understand what “success” looks like to them. I’ll admit, being a bit of a perfectionist, I’ve sometimes created more work for myself trying to get things just a little bit better. But seeing Mrs. Jones’ face light up when her rug turns out better than she expected—that’s worth it every time. Maybe that’s part of what sets me apart: I always try to go a bit further.
You’d think that at this stage in my life, I might be slowing down on the risks—but honestly, I don’t think I’ve learned that lesson yet. With Fiber ProTector of West Michigan recently expanding its services again, we’re taking on quite a bit for a small business. But that fire is still there—the desire to do more for my clients and friends. With healthier cleaning options and a safe, high-performance protectant, I’m always asking: Can I do more to help not just their home, but their health?
So I suppose my view on risk is this: if there’s a chance to improve someone’s life—even in small ways—it’s a risk worth taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fiberprotectorwm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiberprotectorofwestmichigan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiberProTectorofWestMichigan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93218012/admin/dashboard/
