Bret Aiken has been researching, applying, and experimenting with protective coatings for bathrooms and kitchens since the 1980s. During the 80s Bret and his bother James Aiken worked together in the shower door industry for Rainbow 80s and later Rainbow 90s, as part of a family business in California. Now Bret and James Aiken own Tekon Universal Sciences Inc. together, a company dedicated to pushing the envelop for green systems in sealing, protecting and cleaning home and public environments. “With new green cleaning technologies, there is really no reason to use harsh chemicals in the home or in public spaces any longer,” said Bret, “because Tekon’s hygienic and hydrophobic sealants can prevent the spread of germs. Tekon’s protective treatments work by sealing out the oxygen and leaving germs on the surface where they are easily wiped away.”

Bret began exploring sealants for shower doors in the 1980s. “Back then we were using a product similar to Rainex to coat shower doors. The sealant only lasts 30 days, and there is no aftercare recommended or provided.” In the 1990s James and Bret purchased a Diamond Seal Franchise, a superior coating for shower doors. “We thought this was a good product,” remembered Bret, “there wasn’t anything like it at the time. It had a longer capability of bonding to a surface.” The coatings would last for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years. “Then we would be asked to reapply it,” added Bret.

In late 1997, several forces coalesced in Bret and James Aiken’s lives. They began collaborating with Dr. Willis, who pioneered new nanotechnology coating processes, and Palmer Consulting Group. “By 1999 we had engineered a whole new coating process or system,” recalled Bret. He continued, “We named the company Diamond Seal Systems, since we innovated and improved Diamond Seal’s process.” The process sealed the surface to protect it from viruses, mold, bacteria, germs and other toxins, which are easily wiped away from the surface with aftercare sanitizers and a microfiber cloth. This revolutionary coating process is based on nanotechnology, which means a little of the product stretches a long way.

The Aiken brothers soon had an opportunity to test the protective treatment for glass in a public venue. Long Beach Transit and Omni Trans busses were badly in need of some restoration and renewal. “The maintenance crew would wash the busses and let them drip dry in the yard,” said Bret, who personally worked on the application for Long Beach Transit. “and the windows would etch and stain from this treatment. We developed a process to remove hard water damage from glass and restore it better than new. We also developed a restoration process for the corroded windows. After this cleansing and restoration process, we treated the busses with Diamond Seal System protective treatment.” Even today, Tekon application specialists continue to clean, protect and maintain the Long Beach Transit fleet of busses.

While implementing their new cleaning, sealing and protection process in the transit system, the Aiken brothers were also busy applying their revolutionary coatings in residential settings, as well. In 1997, Tekhome was born. Bret and James first began treating and sealing bathrooms to reduce exposure to chemicals, corrosion, and keep surfaces better than new. “Our customers were ecstatic about the work we provided for them,” said Bret. “Much of our business was through referral and word of mouth.” In August of 2000 the Aikens were invited to appear on a television program about the homes of the California Riviera called “Home of the Gibsons.” The Gibsons owned a design furniture and home items store in Newport, California. The Aikens demonstrated their process on the show, to much acclaim from viewing audiences.

Overall, support for the Tekhome coating process was widespread and growth came fast. With Tekhome, applicators began working in residences -- treating all solid surfaces: glass, stone, flooring, grout, windows, tile, cabinetry, stainless steel and metal. “Today we even treat the walls, carpet, and fabric, too,” said Bret. He continued, “We also leave behind Tekon’s green cleaning aftercare products like Empowered Daily, Empowered Plus Weekly, and Delta Wash once the process is complete. Clients can easily maintain surfaces at their optimum, or Tekon can train their housekeepers how to use Tekon products, if they like.”

Since 2002 Tekon has expanded even further into the chemical free, non-toxic, green cleaning world and is a leader in Green Disruptive Technology (GDT). Tekon developed and introduced do-it-yourself chemical free product lines for home use with Tekon’s Stone Care Kit, Bath Kit, Countertop Kit, Stainless Steel Kit and Microfiber cloths and mops. Tekon executives also continued to put emphasis on their strongest point – which is field applications of their non-toxic protective treatments for high profile public clients and homeowners alike. Tekon’s process coats public trains, busses, restrooms, hotels, and cruise ships and helps to prevent the public’s exposure to harsh chemicals, germs, bacteria, viruses and other toxins.

Tekon dealers include Cardinal Shower Doors, American Shower Doors and Visa Windows of Ohio who use Tekon’s protective treatment for glass. And, Sureshine Flooring and Royal Care Services utililize Tekon’s process to restore, polish and seal stone and ceramic tile. Green Envirotek is having great success distributing a full line of Tekon products in Northern California. Tekon US Inc. continues to strive to be an environmental leader in care for the great American home. To purchase Tekon home kits visit http:// www.tekon.com or find out about dealership opportunities by calling 714-432-7700.