Our Story - Unconventional Solutions
Your Trusted Partner in Corrosion Protection and Composite Repair
Since 2002, Unconventional Solutions (USI) has been dedicated to helping industries protect their assets and extend equipment life with innovative corrosion protection, composite repair, and industrial coating systems.
Founded by Doug Klingensmith, USI was built on one powerful idea — real service still matters.
While others moved to emails and call centers, we showed up in person — providing hands-on expertise, technical training, and practical solutions that keep operations running.
More than 20 years later, that approach still defines who we are:
“We show up. We solve problems. We deliver results.”
Built on Partnerships and Performance
In 2004, USI became a distributor for E. Wood Ltd., manufacturer of Copon, ThistleBond, and Thortex — marking our entry into industrial coatings and corrosion protection.
By 2005, we built our first warehouse to meet growing demand.
When 3M acquired E. Wood Ltd. in 2007, we proudly became a 3M Scotchkote distributor.
Today, we support industrial, utility, and pipeline maintenance teams across:
Water and wastewater treatment
Steel, sugar, and paper mills
Automotive and manufacturing plants
Pipeline and energy infrastructure
Every partnership is backed by fast delivery, technical expertise, and a commitment to reliability.
Committed to Education and Expertise
We believe great products are only as good as the people who apply them.
That’s why education and training are central to our mission.
Founder Doug Klingensmith has presented at leading industry events, including the Appalachian Underground Corrosion Short Course (AUCSC) and the Underground Corrosion Short Course in Fort Wayne, IN.
Since 2016, he’s taught Introduction to Coatings and co-chaired Practical Application — sharing real-world knowledge that helps teams apply coatings right the first time.
At USI, we don’t just sell coatings — we help you apply confidence.
Expanding to Serve You Better
By 2012, sales exceeded $1 million, and Doug and Tiffany Klingensmith purchased our current headquarters in Wixom Michigan to support our growing team.
In 2017, we opened our Springboro, Ohio branch to better serve partners like Duke Energy, led by Jason Taylor, who embodies our service promise:
Fast. Friendly. Technical. Reliable.
We answer the phone. We return calls the same day.
And we do whatever it takes to keep your projects moving forward.
Leadership, Recognition, and Community Impact
Our success reflects the passion of our people and the trust of our customers.
Under Tiffany Klingensmith’s leadership, USI continues to grow while giving back to the community.
Key milestones include:
2019: Sales exceeded $3 million
2022: WBE of the Year – Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (MI & IN)
2024: Small Business Person of the Year – U.S. SBA & Great Lakes WBC
Honored in Washington, D.C. and recognized by the Governor of Michigan in May of 2024.
The Future of Unconventional Solutions
As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering innovative corrosion protection and composite repair solutions backed by technical training, hands-on support, and reliable service.
We’re proud to partner with engineers, maintenance professionals, and facility managers who rely on our expertise to keep infrastructure safe and operational.
At Unconventional Solutions, we don’t just fix problems — we prevent them.
