june 2022
home services
help keep the household running smoothly
tampa’s first trublue total house care
latest news
home services franchising
ultra pool care squad signs first two franchise agreements in texas Franchising MAGAZINE USA 23
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Get the App COVER STORY: Tutor Doctor
FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO GLOBAL MENTOR
follows suit, wanting to help others grow personally and find their purpose. As a mentor, he shares in the success he has been grateful to have.
How One Tutoring Franchise Owner Went from Living in His Car to Growing His Local Empire
In 2015, Byron Zahm embarked on a journey of self-discovery to reclaim his life after losing everything and being forced to live out of his car. A true experience seeker and risk taker, Zahm traveled across the country to find his new purpose in life. From working as a guide in Alaska for a year and a half to leading zip-lining courses in Minnesota, Zahm sought to make a bigger impact. That is when he discovered Tutor Doctor, the leader in one-to-one private tutoring. In 2019, his life changed as his franchise journey began. Zahm has taken his ownership of Tutor Doctor by the horns. Earning companywide praises, he has been named a Global Mentor at the company, serving as a mentor for both prospective and current franchise partners of the brand from across the world. His specialty? Touching others with his inspiring road of rediscovery and perseverance. While starting over can be scary, whether that be in business or life in general, you are never alone in your journey. Zahm has some words of advice for others going through a similar situation as a reminder that everyone can overcome even the most difficult times.
Value Relationships Build bonds with quality people. Zahm puts a lot of trust into his employees, clients and corporate, all of whom he owes part of his success to. When you surround yourself with good people, your confidence begins to soar in every aspect of life. His equation to success is hiring
Zahm proudly serves his community of Albuquerque, New Mexico and surrounding areas. Now a local celebrity, he can’t go anywhere without families recognizing him and sharing the impact he’s made. In fact, he even drives around in a Tutor Doctor wrapped Jaguar – talk about dedication!
great people that turn into great tutors who then put forth great systems that result in great reviews and great success. The self-proclaimed “match maker for education” loves connecting families with tutors – it’s actually his forte. Zahm has been invited to speak on four Global Team Calls for the company, sharing his success in converting consultations into loyal clients. In fact, his first consult as a Tutor Doctor owner ended up being his first client and they still have a great relationship to this day.
Embody Your Spirit and Values Identify your strengths and use them to excel. Zahm firmly believes that we all are doing the best we can with what we know. One of the values he most embodies is understanding and empathy. To Zahm, it is essential to extend grace to others in an empathetic and understanding way. Another is ownership.
Take the Leap Take the leap of faith – you never know what may come out of it. Zahm’s greatest challenge in starting over was the fear of past failures and risking it all once again not knowing the outcome.
VOL 10, ISSUE 7, JUNE 2022
“We never have to doubt ourselves if we do the right thing. And if we do fail in trying, own it and add a little ingenuity in the next effort,” said Zahm.
COVER STORY
TUTOR DOCTOR
Never be afraid to branch out and try something new. Zahm had a background in sales, but made a few career jumps along the way before he decided on entrepreneurship. Now, it’s the thing that changed his life.
In the end, Zahm has been able toFROM ROCK BOTTOM find his mission’s purpose – Tutor TO GLOBAL MENTOR Doctor. Thanks to the franchise, he has been given a second chance and the opportunity to grow as a person and heal from his past, paving the way to a brighter future for not only himself, but students and families across Albuquerque.
“Faith without action, is merely hoping. Faith with action is, believing. And believing is everything!” said Zahm. Having the courage to start over is something not many people have. Believe in whatever it is you are doing – trust the process. Zahm is eternally grateful that Tutor Doctor gave him the opportunity to restart his life, and encourages others to trust and take that leap of faith as well.
To everyone out there who may feel like they have hit rock bottom, remember that no matter your situation, you are starting over with more knowledge, strength and power than you had before. Any progress is still progress.
Inspire Others Always appreciating the mentor mentality, Zahm loves inspiring people. He was given a unique opportunity by someone who believed in him, and he
SOURCE: Byron Zahm, owner of Tutor Doctor – Albuquerque, the leader in one-to-one private tutoring. Since joining the franchise system in 2019, Zahm has been named a Global Mentor at the company, inspiring others through his journey of re-discovery and perseverance.
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contents
home services FRANCHISING 28
32
What’s New 26 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
Feature Article 28 Home Services: Help Keep the Houshold Running Smoothly
Focus 34 HomeWatch Caregivers: Announces Collaborations with Chefs for Seniors
Franchisor In Depth
38
30 Griswald Home Care: Celebrates 40th Birthday and Launches National Caregiver Scholarship Program
Franchisee in Action 32 Ultra Pool Care Squad: Signs First two Franchise Agreements in Texas 36 The Carpet Chemist: Signs First Franchisee and Targets Major Cities in 2022 38 TruBlue: Tamps First Trublue Total House Care
Franchising MAGAZINE USA 25
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to assist with almost any home improvement or repair need. The brand currently operates in 60+ different service areas throughout North America and aims to open 20 new locations by the end of 2022. Since its founding in 1991, homeowners across North America have been calling on Handyman Connection for its professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Each Handyman Connection franchise is locally owned, operated, and backed by the brand’s integrated operating platform that allows for seamless customer and employee management, routing, and scheduling.
Handyman Connection Seeks National Expansion Through Franchising Locally-Owned Home Improvement Franchise Meets Increasing Demand by Targeting New Territories Across North America Handyman Connection – North America’s premier business liaison connecting customers to local craftsmen in their home community– is announcing plans to continue its expansion through the offering of new franchising opportunities. Handyman Connection provides over 430+ different services staffed by a top-tier team of professional craftsmen who are eager
“If there is one thing for certain in our industry at this point in time, it’s that there’s no shortage of demand when it comes to home improvement job opportunities,” said President and CEO of Handyman Connection, Jeff Wall. “We look to meet this demand by adding on to Handyman Connection is now actively seeking driven individuals looking to start their own business in the multi-faceted home improvement and repair industries. Potential franchisees can benefit from Handyman Connection’s already-existing franchise network with an established reputation, image, proven management and work practices, access to national marketing and advertising, and ongoing business owner support. The initial investment to open a Handyman Connection location, which includes the first 3 months of start-up, typically ranges from $99,369 – $148,756. For more information about Handyman Connection or its franchising opportunity, please visit https:// franchiseopportunity.handymanconnection.com
Transblue® Names Brett Estok to Vice President of Business Development Accomplished Business Executive to Amplify National Growth Strategy for World Class General Contractors Transblue®, a premier World Class general contractor headquartered in Seattle, WA, has announced the appointment of Brett Estok to Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Estok will lead the brand’s expansion strategy to enhance Transblue’s national presence, opening new doors for its business and franchise owners. With a strong background in sales and business management, Estok brings nearly 10 years of experience to the team. He has cultivated professional relationships with thousands customers overseeing large 26 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
property portfolios, providing him with the right foundation to start his for the role with Transblue. Specifically, in his previous position, Estok added millions in annual contracts with several high-profile clients in the facility maintenance space. “I am really excited about starting this new position and elevating the Transblue brand on a national level,” said Estok. “The executive team is incredibly strong and it has been great learning from them. I am looking forward to supporting the brand as they kick off 2022 with new Capex projects and initiatives”.
In his new position, Estok is prioritizing national projects such as electrical vehicle charging, snow removal services, and property upgrades such as asphalt and roofing projects. For more information on Transblue and its exterior services, please visit transblue.com/
Former Miami Football Standout Opens College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving in Miami
The Driveway Company Expands Commercial Maintenance and Repair Operations The Driveway Company, a leading franchise for concrete driveway repair and maintenance, has hired Christina Sandy as Director of Corporate Real Estate for The Driveway Company Commercial, a division offering national and regional property owners and managers a single source for the maintenance and repair of concrete floors, exterior hardscaping and warehouse facilities. The Driveway Company Commercial provides best-in-class service and cost-effective solutions to protect and enhance hardscape commercial investments at the national level. “The Driveway Company Commercial’s goal is to help businesses protect, maintain and beautify concrete surfaces and hardscaping in an affordable yet attractive way,” said Sandy. “As a respected leader in driveway repair and maintenance for over 30 years, The Driveway Company is leveraging its experience with commercial property projects to build a national account program. Mrs. Sandy brings her 30+ years of experience on Wall Street delivering solution-based services to investment firms and her insights as an owner operator in Southern California. “Our approach resonates with commercial property owners and managers alike. They value that our owner/operators are directly involved in providing dependable maintenance and repair solutions,” adds Sandy.
Ahmmon Richards Partners with Father and Co-Founders to Break Ground in New Territory An award-winning franchise and industry leader in the junk removal and moving sectors, recently announced the expansion of the brand’s Florida footprint with the addition of their newest franchise location in Miami. The expansion officially positions the ‘Sunshine State’ as the most active territory in the country for the College HUNKS team. The new location is owned by the father-and-son duo of Ahmmon Richards, a former University of Miami football standout and his father, Mark Richards. Together, they will be responsible for the operations of this newest addition to the franchise – College HUNKS 305 – where their primary goal will be to build the business into a multi-million dollar enterprise capable of supporting continued growth for both themselves and the people of Miami. After an incredibly successful high school football career, Ahmmon had committed to play for the University of Miami in 2016. His collegiate experience was then cut short during the 2018 football season after he suffered a career-ending neck injury. A text from Murphy three years later on the opportunities that existed with the College HUNKS brand piqued his interest in the business and propelled both he and his father to become business owners of their own.
The Driveway Company Commercial provides stringent employee training and ongoing upgrades to the newest methodologies used in the industry. The company utilizes innovative and cuttingedge techniques such as crack and joint sealing, surface cleaning and concrete staining. Each service provides increased curb appeal, increased safety, preventative maintenance for longevity and improved cleanliness.
“This industry reminds me a lot of being in a football atmosphere, and the core values of the company reason resonated with me,” said Ahmmon. “It was really a no-brainer at that point. I get to run a business with my dad and start a new chapter of my life in the city I love.”
To learn more about The Driveway Company Commercial, visit https://thedrivewaycompany.com/national-account-vendor/
For more information, please visit collegehunkshaulingjunk.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 27
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FEATURE ARTICLE: Franchising USA
home services help keep the household running smoothLy
A house cannot generally function without the help of outside services to keep things looking good and running smoothly. For this reason alone, whether it’s everyday upkeep or emergency services there are a number of franchises in this category to choose from.
Cleaning and Maintenance When one thinks of the everyday chores of a household, the thought of all the necessary duties needed to keep a house in shape can be daunting. More and more homeowners are opting to pay for the convenience of outsourced assistance.
Maid services Franchises can now partake in the ongoing cleanliness of homes and gain a profit. With more families on the road and locking more hours outside of the home, their free time is precious and can’t be wasted on chores and cleaning. The cleaning service industry brings in over $46 billion annually, while residential 28 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
services are expected to reach over 75 million by the end of 2022. A lot of residential cleaning services are mobile franchises, with smaller start up fees and investments, as well as a better work life balance. Franchisees can allow their teams of employees to run the business and submit reports, while sitting back and gaining a profit.
Lawncare and landscape Dependent on the territory, a landscaping franchise can be a successful home service investment. When people are staging their home, they invest in lawn care services to bring the give their homes the best curb appeal, while other homeowners depend on landscaping services for monthly maintenance, including gardening, raking, weeding, and more. A state that has high temperatures year round would likely garner more profit and customers as a lawn care and landscaping franchise. Though this type of franchise provides residential services, some have good partnerships with buildings and offices to gain more profit.
passion in such a franchise, while also
Speciality Cleaning
Repairs and Maintenance
While a maid services adheres to the to do list of every household, there are also specialty services that are not used as frequently, but eventually need attention. Such as deep carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning, or air and duct cleaning, for example. These services are franchise options, but usually come with a long list of industrial customers as well. If one is willing to take on both residential and business clients, it’s a lucrative business that doesn’t expect much time investment.
Small repairs may come easy to most homeowners; unfortunately, the big jobs cost money and outsourced expertise, which in turn, creates a lot of business opportunities and franchise options.
gaining a nice profit. While those with a
House detailing
to offer and the size of the business they
Some franchises have partnerships with retail stores to connect clients after a product is sold that may need cleaning, or even connections with real estate agencies to share clientele.
With all the home renovation and design tv shows nowadays, homeowners also want to make their homes Pinterest and Instagram ready. The aesthetic upkeep of a home requires an expert’s hand to insure a clean and professional look. There are plenty of choices for franchises within the field: painting, staging, home design, roofing, windows and much. Those with a flare for design and a keen interest in home renovations could find
background in carpentry and roofing could find a specific field that adheres to those talents.
Depending on the service one would like would like to run, there are numerous
options to consider. A brief understanding of expectations, possible profit margins,
one’s franchising goals and passions could help narrow down the options.
Look out for our next special feature in the July issue of Franchising Magazine USA : Trending Franchises. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 29
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franchisor in depth: Griswald Home Care
griswald home care
Celebrates 40th Birthday and Launches National Caregiver Scholarship Program
The in-home senior-care brand celebrates turning 40 in 2022 by paying it forward, offering up to $2,000 to qualified caregivers who intend to further their education in a care-related field. Meeting critical homecare needs for seniors has been at the heart of Griswold Home Care since its founding 40 years ago, which is why it’s no surprise that the Jean Griswold Foundation is continuing that mission by launching a National Caregiver Scholarship Program. At least five scholarships will be awarded to qualified caregivers throughout the year. “We’re so grateful to the caregivers and excited about being able to support them in their careers,” says Maryanne Murray, chairperson of the Jean Griswold Foundation. “It’s our way of supporting passionate individuals who can help carry on Dr. Jean’s legacy of care.” Dr. Jean Griswold, affectionately known as “Dr. Jean,” began Griswold Home Care in 1982 after being confined to a wheelchair due to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She understood all too well the desire for adults with disabilities, illness and injuries to remain comfortably at home while receiving care. Today, the brand has since grown to more than 170 independent franchise units in 30 states. 30 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
In 2010, Dr. Jean took her mission to give back further and started the foundation as a private nonprofit to support caregiving organizations in times of hardship. Until this year, funds raised through private donors, corporations, franchisees and employees had been primarily awarded to individuals and programs dedicated to senior care – such as Meals on Wheels, Lutheran Social Services and other nonprofits that “supported our mission of aging with dignity,” Murray says – but
passionate individuals who can “ It’s our way of supporting help carry on Dr. Jean’s legacy of care. ”
will set us apart from other homecare “ The scholarships agencies, and will helpus recruit caregivers, too. ”
the intention was always to offer a way for caregivers to improve their ability
to pursue care-related work. It took the
foundation more than a year to navigate
the legal process of changing to a public charity so that it could award individual grants.
Murray, who has been with Griswold
Home Care for more than 20 years, says she learned home care from “the master herself.” After working for Dr. Jean at
the Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, office in the early 2000s, Murray longed to be an owner for the brand. She eventually bought the Delaware territory, and soon after won Franchise of the Year from the International Franchise Association, as well as the SBA Delaware’s Person of the Year award in 2005. Maryanne is currently supporting her daughter, Erin Pickrell, as she develops the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland, territory for Griswold. To expand on the foundation’s goals for caregivers, which include raising additional funding to increase the number and dollar amount of scholarships offered, Murray says they are actively searching for a full time executive director who will help to advance the cause. “The scholarships will set us apart from other
homecare agencies, and will help us recruit caregivers, too,” she adds. “It’s also a good way to distinguish ourselves during a time of caregiver shortages and so much competition.” Scholarship applicants don’t have to be associated with Griswold Home Care in order to be considered; they simply need to start the application process. Once awarded, funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education. Murray says she hopes that more people will decide to pursue the rewarding career of in-home care for seniors and the differently abled. “I changed my life for the better when I started working with Griswold, and I want everyone to feel that way about their jobs,” she says. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 31
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franchisee in action: Ultra Pool Care Squad
Ultra Pool Care Squad
Signs First Two Franchise Agreements in Texas Growing Pool Care Franchise Expanding into San Angelo and New Braunfels with the Help of Local Entrepreneurs Seeing the Growth Opportunity in the Pool Industry. Ultra Pool Care Squad, a new pool and spa service franchise founded in 2021 by Explore Industries, a worldwide fiberglass pool and pool cover manufacturer, has announced the signing of its first two franchise agreements. The new franchise locations are set to open in San Angelo, TX and New Braunfels, TX in Summer of 2022. Newly signed franchisees include Slater Chapa, an owner of a contracting, plumbing and pool business in San Angelo, 32 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
TX, who plans to offer more services to his customers and more opportunities for employees, and Angel Rocha, a pool services operations manager now turned entrepreneur, who aims to leverage his experience in the field and make a positive impact on the New Braunfels, TX community.
gives me the chance to make my mark and bring my own experiences to the table to help drive growth and build this brand. Plus, this service offering lets me provide more value to customers and employees of my existing business without having to expand geographically – a huge plus as a business owner.”
“The opportunity to become an Ultra Pool Care Squad franchise owner was something I couldn’t pass up, as pool ownership has grown substantially over the last few years, resulting in a demand for ongoing pool care and maintenance,” said Slater Chapa, the franchise owner of the San Angelo, TX location. “As the first Ultra Pool Care Squad franchisee, it also
Ultra Pool Care Squad provides pool owners with the highest quality care for swimming pools and spas with professional pool experts going above and beyond to make sure the swimming pools and spas they service are clean, healthy, balanced, and inviting. Ultra Pool Care Squad eliminates any doubts that the pool is safe to enjoy by thoroughly and
“
Having a superior product gives you the basic foundation you need to scale.
”
Slater Chapa
ABOUT ULTRA POOL CARE SQUAD: Founded in 2020 as a company under the Explore Industries umbrella, Ultra Pool Care Squad’s mission is to provide pool owners with the highest quality care for their swimming pools & spas. The franchise owners are professional pool experts who go above and beyond to make sure the swimming pools & spas they service are clean, healthy, balanced, and inviting so families can enjoy worry-free backyard recreation. The Ultra Pool Care Squad cares for pools and their people
“
With a low initial investment, no brick-andmortar store and minimal employees, the franchise is attracting existing and aspiring business owners.
”
expertly servicing each pool on a weekly basis, and providing over-the-top customer communication to elevate the brand experience and meet the needs of new and long-time pool owners. “We are happy to welcome these new franchise owners with different professional backgrounds and experience to Ultra Pool Care Squad, as it is a testament to how this franchise opportunity is a perfect fit for many types of entrepreneurs,” said Amy Lawhorne, Chief Operating Offer of Ultra Pool Care Squad. “We expect Slater and Angel will leverage their strengths to provide the highest quality care, going above and beyond, to meet the needs of new and longtime pool owners in the San Angelo and New Braunfels communities.” With a low initial investment, no brickand-mortar store and minimal employees, the franchise is attracting existing and aspiring business owners who resonate with its eye-catching brand, monthly recurring revenue model, and turnkey pathway into the pool and spa service industry.
Angel Rocha Ultra Pool Care Squad provides franchise owners with top-notch, thorough education and time-tested processes to successfully operate their franchise business. In addition to an extensive, turnkey marketing strategy and discounted pricing through approved vendors, all franchise owners will attend the 11-day Ultra Pool Care Squad University, featuring an interactive classroom and scenario-based, immersive training. Due to Ultra Pool Care Squad’s industry relationships, franchise owners also have access to other channels of revenue they can choose to add to their business in addition to pool servicing, including the
Ultra Pool Care Squad “ provides franchise owners with top-notch, thorough education and time-tested processes to successfully operate their franchise business.
”
installation and maintenance of pool covers and replacement of liners. Pool equipment, branded chemicals and delivery/spa setup
will be added optional channels over time. For more information about Ultra Pool Care Squad’s franchise opportunities, visit https://upcsfranchise.com/ Franchising MAGAZINE USA 33
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focus: HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS
HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS
ANNOUNCES COLLABORATIONS WITH CHEFS FOR SENIORS, HEALTHALIGN, VIVENTIUM AND PARADIGM SENIOR SERVICES
Strategic Alliances to Expand Company-Wide Services Across the Country for Homewatch CareGivers’ Business Owners
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Homewatch CareGivers, a premier provider of full-service home care, is furthering its mission to provide tailored services to communities around the country with the announcement of its collaborations with Chefs For Seniors, healthAlign acquired by The Helper Bees, Viventium and Paradigm Senior Services. With a mission to further expand services across the platform, these alliances provide forward-thinking enhancements to benefit Homewatch CareGivers’ franchisees and the communities they serve.
after a family relative could no longer cook for herself and ultimately had to receive support at an assisted living facility. Since 2013, Chefs For Seniors has prepared over 590,000 meals for seniors. Each menu is customized to not only fit the client’s dietary needs, but also excite their palate with fresh flavors and ingredients. This alliance further expands Homewatch CareGivers mission to provide the care and tools to franchisees that enrich seniors’ lives with supportive independence.
enhanced services in our industry as it continues to evolve. - Jennifer Tucker.
”
The Helper Bees via healthAlign
The collaborations include:
Through its acquisition of healthAlign, The Helper Bees is an industry leader, managing over one-third of all in-home support Medicare Advantage benefits offered including home modification, transportation, meal delivery and in-home care. The company’s platform enables a network of fully credentialed in-home care service providers to be connected to beneficiaries at no cost to the client or provider and is funded by the insurers. Through this collaboration, Homewatch CareGivers offices can be offered as a solution to people seeking to utilize their in-home support benefits.
Chef’s For Seniors
Viventium
Founded by a father and son team in Madison, Wisconsin, Chef’s For Seniors’ highly skilled personal chefs prepare delicious, home-cooked meals from the comfort of their client’s kitchen. This culinary-focused company was created
The company provides flexible software and expert guidance through its payroll services to Home Care Agencies and Nursing Facilities. With over one third of Homewatch CareGivers franchise owners enrolled with Viventium, the company
“Homewatch CareGivers is dedicated to offering enhanced services in our industry as it continues to evolve,” said Jennifer Tucker, COO at Homewatch CareGivers. “Our alliances with Chefs For Seniors, healthAlign, Viventium and Paradigm Senior Services were created so that we can provide more well-rounded services on a company-wide level to not only clients, but also our franchisees.”
CareGivers “ Homewatch is dedicated to offering
provides support with the nuances of payroll and HR in the home care arena, which varies from state to state. Having a payroll processing partner that understands the industry with features to support the needs of the workforce helps retain caregivers.
Paradigm Senior Services As local offices are focused on delivering the highest quality in-home care, including veteran care, Paradigm Senior Services assists providers with tapping into increased reimbursement rates and veterans with accessing more services through the Veterans Administration Community Care Network, Working closely with VA’s thirdparty administrators (TPAs), Optum and TriWest. Paradigm Senior Services helps home care agencies become credentialed providers, effectively bill, manage authorizations, and efficiently receive payment on new and outstanding unpaid claims, minimizing denials and delays. For more information on Homewatch CareGivers, please visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 35
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franchisee in action: The Carpet Chemist
Louisville-Based, The Carpet Chemist Signs First Franchisee and Targets Major Cities for Growth in 2022
There’s no other brand out “ there like The Carpet Chemist — one that does it all, from the repair process to dyeing and from carpet to hardwood floors, - Hettiger said.
”
Dave join us,” said Eric Anderson, President of The Carpet Chemist. “Dave will play a key role in our brand’s history as our first franchisee and we are looking forward to his growth and continued expansion with us.”
Forging ahead as a leading carpet cleaning and repair company, Louisville, Kentuckybased The Carpet Chemist continues its path of expansion this year by looking to grow in its home state. The brand, with a goal to reach 10 or more locations by the end of 2022, is now focusing franchise growth efforts and just signed its first franchisee, Dave Hettiger. Hettiger will expand the brand to Illinois and bring providing The Carpet Chemist’s niche services to LaGrange, Riverside, Brookfield and Oakbrook.
“There’s no other brand out there like The Carpet Chemist — one that does it all, from the repair process to dyeing and from carpet to hardwood floors,” Hettiger said. “Nobody is really doing the whole broad range of things we offer, and they’re not offering the same level of expertise. These days, people want one contractor for basically everything. They don’t want to call three different companies.” Hettiger, an Oak Lawn resident, decided to look into potential franchise opportunities in the Chicago area last summer. After his college football career, Hettiger spent time working in almost every industry, from hospitality to construction. His first foray into entrepreneurship started in 2015 when he opened the Broadview protein shake store, The Flex Bar. Now, he’s found the perfect opportunity to grow his portfolio with The Carpet Chemist, the emerging home-service franchise, and provide a much-needed service in his community. This will be Hettiger’s as well as the brand’s first franchise agreement. “We could not be more excited to have
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The Carpet Chemist is a comprehensive resource for carpet cleaning, repair, restoration, dyeing, and stretching. Trained to meet the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification standards for water damage remediation and restoration, The Carpet Chemist can clean and repair rugs and upholstery, setting the brand apart from its competitors by making it a one-stop-shop for all carpet concerns. “There is no direct competition for the services we offer at The Carpet Chemist, and we continue to see incredible growth because of that,” said Brandon Cerrito, founder of The Carpet Chemist. “We take traditional notions of carpet cleaning and amplify the services we offer to include not only incredible cleaning but dyeing and stretching services as well. We even offer air duct cleaning to ensure carpets stay in great condition long after being serviced.” The Carpet Chemist is a unique low-cost alternative, with startup costs ranging from just $79,000 to $109,000, which includes everything the franchise owner needs to successfully run and scale their
business. The brand’s low startup costs and overhead allow franchise owners to quickly turn a profit and expand their business, making it an easily accessible franchise option for those with or without cleaning industry experience. Cerrito and Anderson have also helped refine The Carpet Chemist’s operational model to get new owners up and running quickly, and the range of consumer services it offers makes the business viable in virtually any market. “We want franchisees who are
passionate and determined about life in general,” said Cerrito. “They want to create something for themselves, have the determination to make it happen and want to build a lasting business with us” The new Chicagoland location is part of The Carpet Chemist’s plan to award 10 units to franchisees in 2022 and open 5 new locations. The Carpet Chemist is looking to target both new and existing markets including additional territories in their home state of Kentucky but also, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana
We take traditional notions “ of carpet cleaning and amplify the services we offer to include not only incredible cleaning but dyeing and stretching services as well.
”
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franchisee in action: TruBlue
Tampa’s First TruBlue
Total House Care
After Seeing Parents’ Health Decline at Home, Accountant Opens Tampa’s First TruBlue Total House Care to Help Local Residents Age Safely at Home. Diane Crowthers has been in the accounting industry for over 25 years, working as an IRS agent before opening her own payroll business. All of this experience, though, did not prepare her for when her mother, a relatively active and healthy 72-year-old, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in both her brain and lungs. Crowthers and her husband moved her parents into their home and saw firsthand the modifications they would need to make in order for her parents to safely live in their home. Sadly, both of Crowthers’ parents passed away within 11 days of each other, but through her grief came a passion for helping aging adults safely stay at 38 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
home, even if their relatives are thousands of miles away. After speaking with a client at her payroll company, Crowthers began exploring franchise opportunities and soon discovered TruBlue Total House Care, a handyman service brand focused on providing an affordable, worry-free living for seniors and hassle-free home maintenance for busy adults by providing full-service, trustworthy house care services. “It’s exciting knowing that I have this incredible opportunity for growth with a brand whose values align with mine,” said Crowthers. “I love being able to help people locally that may not have family
“
TruBlue not only offers needed services for seniors but also for busy adults, and provides a helping hand around the house – inside and out.
”
Having a superior product “ gives you the basic foundation you need to scale. ”
or who don’t know what direction to go as they get older. TruBlue serves as that backbone for them — the support they need to access the services that they may not know about so that they can live and age comfortably at home.”
Crowthers has signed to open three TruBlue locations across Tampa with the goal of owning all territories in the market. “The senior services industry in Tampa is booming due to its increasing population, and that handyman services are in particularly high demand,” said Crowthers. “But with TruBlue, my niche will be providing a one-stop-shop for home maintenance services for seniors. TruBlue not only offers needed services for seniors but also for busy adults, and provides a helping hand around the house – inside and out. Services include to-do list chores, handyman services, house cleaning, maintenance, yard work, seasonal work, and preventive maintenance. Over the course of 2021, the brand’s footprint saw 63% growth in new franchise locations across the country, many of whom set record sales numbers within the first few months of their opening. Additionally, TruBlue saw a systemwide sales increase of 73% from 2019-2020 and a continued 68% increase in sales from 2020-2021. Crowthers’ in-depth accounting experience has helped in her new venture as a TrueBlue franchisee, giving her a solid financial foundation, allowing her to focus on other components of the business. “I can now focus on responding to prospective clients, scheduling estimates, marketing efforts — all the new things that come with opening a business,” said Crowthers. “Because I’m not in the trenches learning the numbers of the business, I am not bogged down and able to respond quickly to people, whether
“
Services include to-do list chores, handyman services, house cleaning, maintenance, yard work, seasonal work, and preventive maintenance.
”
they’re potential employees applying for
positions or customers inquiring about our services.”
With an ultimate goal to own all remaining Tampa Bay territories, including the popular retirement destination of
Clearwater, Crowthers is motivated to
get the word out about TruBlue and the services it provides.
“Diane’s TruBlue locations are filling a void for the home maintenance and support services for seniors in the Tampa Bay area,” said Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue. “We look forward to seeing more and more community members realize the value of the one-stop-shop platform our brand offers for quality at-home senior services, and we expect her to see massive growth in the coming years.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 39
