Brothers start mobile blasting business
Garret blasts stainless steel semi stacks. (Submitted photo)
Brothers Gatlin and Garret Keehner have started their own business, Keehner Mobile Blasting Service (KMBS), which is based in Monona. Here, Gatlin sponge blasts pipes inside a water treatment plant, preparing the surface for epoxy paint. (Submitted photo)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
Brothers Gatlin and Garret Keehner have started their own business, Keehner Mobile Blasting Service (KMBS).
Based in Monona, the venture was inspired by the boys’ parents, Justin and Angie, who had a mobile blasting service in Montana before moving to the area.
Gatlin is a 2015 MFL MarMac graduate, while Garret is currently finishing up his senior year at the school. The two found there were people in the area in need of this type of service, so decided to make the jump into owning and operating their own business so they could offer a solution.
KMBS offers several options for different kinds of “media blasting” for both residential and commercial projects. They can use a low-grade silica media for classic sandblasting, such as surface prep or cutting heavy rust on automobiles and trailers.
Other types of media are fine grit glass or soda. The soda media is able to clean or “resurface” almost any type of material. That includes stained and varnished wood (cabins or decks), fire-damaged wood or rock (it absorbs the smoke odor), graffiti surfaces, aluminum, concrete, stainless steel, restaurant equipment and more.
“This will not warp metals and is water soluble,” KMBS said. “Certain media used is dust-less and can be used indoors.”
“Different types of media can be used depending on the job,” they added. “Being universal is a must.”
The Keehners said it’s not just their fast, quality work that sets them apart, but also the fact that the business is mobile.
“We can come to you or we have a shop to provide services also,” they explained.
Gatlin and Garret said they are excited to grow relationships with their customers. They encourage other young entrepreneurs to consider implementing their own business goals.
“Do not be afraid of hard work,” they noted. “Be willing to take a chance if you see the opportunity.”
If you would like to learn more, find Keehner Mobile Blasting Service on Facebook, visit keehnergatlin.wixsite.com/mobileblasting or contact (563) 329-0357 or (563) 329-0358. KMBS offers free estimates and free test-blasting. The business is licensed and insured.
