Our History
From One Technician to an International Franchise Group
The Doctor Services Group began in Brisbane, Australia, in 1989 as a small, one-person mobile repair operation specialising in automotive vinyl restoration.
What started as a simple service repairing vehicle interiors quickly revealed a much larger opportunity, professional, on-site repair and restoration services that could extend the life of valuable surfaces across homes and businesses.
Over three decades, that single operation has evolved into an international franchise network, operating across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and the United States.
Business Formation
Founded in Brisbane, Australia as a one-person mobile vinyl repair service specialising in automotive interiors, the business established the foundation for a scalable mobile franchise model.
Franchising Begins
The concept evolved into a structured franchise system under The Vinyl Doctor brand, introducing protected territories and system-based operations that would guide future expansion.
The Leather Doctor Expansion
Growing demand for leather restoration led to the evolution of The Leather Doctor brand. National expansion accelerated with improved branding, uniforms, systems, and commercial partnerships.
International Launch - Dubai
The first international expansion took place in Dubai under a master franchise structure, demonstrating the strength and adaptability of the franchise model across global markets.
The Timber Doctor Launch
The Timber Doctor brand was introduced to service timber and specialty surface repairs, expanding the group’s technical expertise and service capability.
The Fabric Doctor Launch
The Fabric Doctor was launched, further strengthening the multi-brand structure and allowing franchisees to diversify their services and income streams. Franchise numbers reached 50.
International Launch - New Zealand
With strong demand and established systems in place, The Doctor brands launched in New Zealand. Early territories were quickly secured, marking the beginning of sustained growth in the region.
100+ Franchise Milestone
The network surpassed 100 franchise partners across Australia and New Zealand, reflecting long-term stability, system maturity, and strong franchise demand.
The Stone Doctor Launch
The Stone Doctor brand was introduced to complement the Timber Doctor, expanding into granite, marble, tile, porcelain, and engineered surface repairs. This completed the four-brand service structure.
International Launch - United States
International expansion continued into the United States, with the first Leather Doctor franchise established in California. This marked the next phase of global growth for the group.
The Doctor Services Group Rebrand
All brands were unified under The Doctor Services Group, strengthening global positioning and consolidating Leather, Fabric, Timber, and Stone services under one international identity.
Today
The Doctor Services Group operates across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and the United States, supporting franchise partners and delivering professional surface repair and restoration services worldwide.
Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
Extending Asset Life
At the core of The Doctor Services Group is a repair-first philosophy. Every restoration extends the usable life of furniture and surfaces, reducing landfill waste and supporting a circular economy.
Across our global network, tens of thousands of furniture pieces and hard surfaces are
restored annually that would otherwise be discarded.
Environmentally Responsible Products
Our brands exclusively use waterbased, low-toxicity repair and cleaning products. This reduces environmental impact while ensuring safe application in homes and commercial spaces.
Where possible, products are developed and manufactured to strict quality and environmental standards.
Mobile Model = Reduced Environmental Impact
As a mobile service franchise, our model reduces the need for:
- Large retail premises
- High-overhead operations
- Unnecessary transport and logistics
This results in a lower operational footprint compared to traditional service businesses.
Community & Charity Support
The Doctor Services Group and its franchise partners actively support charitable and community initiatives across our operating regions.
Our network has partic ipated in fundraising campaigns and community programs supporting cancer research, healthcare foundations, and local initiatives.
A Proven Network Built on Experience and Growth
With over three decades of operational experience and more than 100 franchise partners globally, the group continues to evolve while remaining committed to system excellence and long-term partnerships.
Delivering specialised repair and restoration services across leather, fabric, timber, and stone, the business has established a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
McGrath Foundation
For several years now, The Illawarra Leather Doctor, Ian, who’s wife passed away from Breast Cancer, has been actively involved in raising money for the McGrath Foundation. Ian runs the “Pink Docs” campaign. He wears pink Doc Martins to all of his Leather cleaning jobs.
Not only is it a great conversation starter where Ian can promote awareness of the cause, but he also donates fifty dollars from every lounge clean to the McGrath Foundation to help find a cure and support those effected by Breast Cancer.
Ian raised close to $5000 for the cause over recent years, and will continue his fantastic efforts fundraising into 2019 and beyond. Look out for Ian if you live in the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
Reducing Pollution
The Leather Doctor’s core skills are repairing and restoring goods. Every repair extends an items useful life, therefore keeping it out of trash piles and land fill for longer.
Via our commercial system alone, our franchise network have spared in excess of 24,000 pieces of furniture from turning into ground fill in the past year – a significant contribution to the environment.
Eco Friendly Products
For a number of years now, The Leather Doctor has exclusively used water based repair and cleaning products. This is a significant step reducing environmental impact and encouraging community wellbeing.
Our full range of products are also Australian made.
Leather Doctor cleaning products are available for purchase via your local Leather Doctor, or via our Products page.
Pink Ribbon
In late 2018, 15 Leather Doctors from across the national network agreed to participate and contribute to the Pink Ribbon fundraising initiative. Each have committed to donating either a percentage of proceeds from either:
- The leather repair work they complete during October,
- The leather cleans they complete during October, or
- The sales of DIY Leather Cleaning Kits during October.
As a group, we raised $3,300 to donate to the worthy charity.
The 15 Leather Doctors participating in the October fund raising were: Arthur (Scarborough), Matt (Bayside and Port Melbourne), Luiz (Virginia), Charles and Ashley (Port Macquarie), Nev (Noosa), Nick (Runaway Bay), Brett and Angela (Geelong), Glen (Newcastle South), Ivan (Turramurra), John and Amy (Hills & Hawkesbury), Mick (Albury), Reuben (Stafford), David (Strathpine), Hayley and Marty (Broadbeach) and Ian (Illawarra).
To find out more about the Pink Ribbon initiative that was conducted in 2018, read our blog.
We enjoy helping customers make their leather live longer, and we look forward to stepping up to the battle of helping ladies across Australia live longer through the research into and eradication of women’s cancers in future campaigns.
Extending Asset Life
We believe that contributing to the community and helping reduce the impact on the environment is important.
There are a number of ways in which The Timber & Stone Doctor group, as well as individual Timber & Stone Doctors, contribute to this vision.
Reducing Land Fill
Our core skills are repairing and restoring furniture and surfaces. Every repair extends an items useful life, therefore keeping it out of land fill for longer. Being a mobile based service provider offers convenience to customers in having their wood, stone, laminate & tile surfaces looking better, sooner. Most importantly, our repair and restoration services spare tens of thousands of pieces of furniture and hard furnishings from turning into land fill each year – a significant contribution to environmental preservation.
Eco Friendly Products
The Timber & Stone Doctor exclusively produces and uses its own line of water-based repair and cleaning products that are expertly formulated for use on wood, stone & specialty finishes. Our commitment to water-based, non-toxic, non-hazardous products is an important step towards reducing environmental impact and encouraging community wellbeing.
Awards & Industry Recognition
The Doctor Services brands have been recognised by the Franchise Council of Australia and national industry bodies for excellence in franchise system development and multi-unit performance.
The Doctor Services Group has been named a finalist in the following categories:
- 2016 – Established Franchisor of the Year
- 2017 – Established Franchisor of the Year
- 2018 – Multi - Unit Franchise of the Year QLD/NT
- 2018 – Multi - Unit Franchise of the Year VIC/TAS
- 2018 – Established Franchisor of the Year
- 2026 – Australian Franchisor of the Year
- 2026 – Australian Franchisor of the Year 50+ Units
- 2026 – Franchise Finance Manager of the Year
These recognitions reflect the strength of our systems, franchise support structure, and the performance of our franchise partners across Australia.
To find out more about our franchise system, click here.
To request more information on becoming part of the Doctor Services franchisee as a Leather, Fabric, Timber or Stone Doctor, click here.
