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Put your story in the frame
What made you take the leap? The concept gives the owner a voice, beyond the finished space or the sign above the door.
Now Seeking Business Owners
You're building a business. Let's tell the story.
We're developing a commercial-construction docuseries following entrepreneurs and franchise owners as they turn empty spaces into businesses ready for opening day, with Surge Kalashnik and HTL Builders guiding the construction journey.
Series concept in development.
The concept
Before the doors open, there's a story.
An idea becomes a commitment. You invest in a space, make decisions that matter, and work toward the day you can welcome your first customers.
This series concept follows the people behind that work: their vision, the investment, the construction challenges, and the excitement of opening their doors. The business owner is at the center of the story.
Apply to Be Featured
Surge Kalashnik · Proposed host
The owner’s vision. The builder’s perspective.
Surge is the owner of HTL Builders and the proposed host. His role would connect your vision with the people bringing the space to life, following the decisions and construction work behind opening day.
Who we're looking for
A new location. A real owner. A story worth following.
We're seeking entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and operators opening or expanding a business in Charlotte and across North Carolina and South Carolina. Tell us what you're building and why it matters to you.
First-time business owners
Franchise owners
Operators expanding or relocating
Retail and service businesses
Restaurants and hospitality
Medical and dental practices
Early planning, a lease in progress, or a buildout already underway? Tell us your stage and opening timeline. You must be open to discussing filming access; applying does not guarantee selection.
Why share your story
Let people see what it took to get here.
These are the aims of a series still in development. Filming, release, distribution, or business exposure is not guaranteed.
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Show the work behind opening day
Follow the choices, unexpected problems, and progress that customers rarely see. The goal is an honest story, not a polished promise that every day goes to plan.
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Discuss construction if you need it
You can also tell us whether you'd like to explore working with HTL. Potential participation and any construction scope would be discussed separately.
How it works
Start with your story.
No polished pitch or finished space is needed to apply. Give us an honest picture of your business and where the project stands.
Send your application
- Tell us about the business, its location, your timeline, and your willingness to be filmed.
Talk through the fit
- If there's a potential fit, HTL will contact you to discuss the story, project, and practical filming considerations.
Agree on what comes next
- Any selected participation, filming permissions, and construction scope would require separate discussion and agreements.
Apply to be featured
Tell us about your opening.
Share a little about yourself, your business, and the space you're planning. Required fields are marked. HTL will review the application and reach out if there's a potential fit.
Before you apply
This is a commercial-construction docuseries concept in development. Applying does not guarantee selection, filming, release, distribution, compensation, or construction services. No network, streaming-platform, or production-company partnership is being announced. Participation and any construction work require separate discussion and agreements.
