Game Changers: Brands That Make a Difference, Part 2

Check out these innovators who recognized a need and answered it with a specialized product or service.

Bar-B-Clean

If your grill isn't properly cleaned, harmful carcinogens and food particles can be transferred to your food. Bar-B-Clean provides a simple solution with a professional grill-cleaning service. Having a clean grill keeps the family healthy, deters critters from visiting, prevent fires, and can extend the life of your grill. Find out more at www.bar-b-clean.com

Experimac

Macintosh owners tend to be very brand loyal, but those devices can be pricey. Experimac created a solution by offering a service that buys, sells, and repairs used Macintosh computers, laptops, and mobile devices. The company is big on service and prides itself with its warranty. Their pre-owned certification program gives customers “the premium Apple products you love, without the premium price.” Learn more at www.experimac.com

BirthdayPak

BirthdayPak franchise owners work with local business owners to feature their brand in a uniquely mailed gift package sent directly to women in their community. It offers first time and continued engagements with upscale businesses and an exclusive group of affluent consumers. Learn more at www.birthdaypakfranchise.com

Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar caters to women who want a quick, convenient, blow-out service. Rather than having to schedule an appointment, women can walk in and freshen their looks after work or on their way out on the town. Guests choose from signature styles featured in the Blo “hair menu,” from smooth and straight to runway-inspired curls. Learn more at www.blomedry.com

The Patch Boys

The innovators at The Patch Boys saw a hole in the market—and in walls—and filled it with a simple, yet brilliant concept. The company provides drywall repair services that are typically too small for contractors and a nuisance for most homeowners. This home-based business offers low overhead and high margins. Find out more at www.thepatchboys.com

RX2Live

RX2Live franchisees partner with doctors and help them grow their businesses by offering add-on services like chronic-care management, weight-loss programs, genetic blueprinting, and thermal imaging. Find out more at www.rx2live.com

Aussie Pet Mobile

Offering the ultimate in convenience for pet owners, Aussie Pet Mobile brings grooming services for cats and dogs right to a customer’s home. The experience is less stressful for pets and a time saver for pet parents. Franchisees enjoy recurring revenue and flexible schedules. Find out more at www.aussiepetmobile.com

CertaPro Painters

Any homeowner can tell you that service from local painting companies can be hit or miss. CertaPro Painters has changed that by putting a franchise model in place. Delivering top-notch customer service, CertaPro respects customers schedules by arriving on time and completing work efficiently and neatly. Find out more at www.certapro.com

GYMGUYZ

Filling a need for more convenient and accessible workouts, GYMGUYZ brings the gym to the customer. GYMGUYZ comes to a client’s home, office, or even to a public place and delivers a customized workout, while leaving no room for excuses. Learn more at www.gymguyz.com

Showhomes

First impressions count—especially when it comes to selling houses. Showhomes recognizes this and offers a way to sell homes faster. They match high-end vacant homes for sale with people who own beautiful furniture, artwork, and accessories, and need temporary housing. They also offer live-in professional caretakers who keep homes in show-to-sell condition. Learn more at www.showhomesfranchise.com

Pool Scouts

By franchising pool services, Pool Scouts is professionalizing the industry. Customers no longer have to wait around wondering if the pool guy will show up or go out of business before the season is over. Learn more at www.poolscouts.com

Green Home Solutions

Residential air pollutants can wreak havoc on your health, and many times victims feel ill and don’t know why. Draperies and carpets can contain mold, airborne allergens, and off-gasses which cause symptoms like headaches, fatigue, skin infections, asthma, and even neurological issues. Green Home Solutions recognized the problem and has built a franchise business around solving it by using plantbased enzymes to get rid of mold and odors. Find out more at www.greenhomesolutions.com

Screenmobile

Ripped window and door screens come with the territory if you have children or pets. And while fixing screens is relatively easy in the scope of home repairs, you still need to find the right person to do the job. Screenmobile comes to a customer’s house and fixes the screen on the spot. For franchisees, it’s a very simple model and a business that’s in demand. Learn more at www.screenmobile.com

HomeVestors / We Buy Ugly Houses

Selling homes can be challenging. And for those who want to sell a house quickly, it’s not a simple undertaking. We Buy Ugly Houses buys homes in any condition and offers cash. The demand is huge. From the need to sell an inherited property quickly, to relocating or job transfer, to divorce, there are lots of reasons folks use the service. Learn more at www.homevestorsfranchise.com

NerdsToGo

We have become increasingly reliant on technology and computers, so when one of these devices doesn’t operate correctly, we need help. NerdsToGo offers a convenient and responsive way to get devices fixed with a 24/7 service that comes to you. Learn more at www.nerdstogo.com

101 Mobility

Delivering solutions for people that are faced with limited physical mobility, 101 Mobility sells, rents, installs, and services products to give people full access to their homes and more. Products include stairlifts, ramps, and residential elevators. Learn more at www.101mobility.com

The Flying Locksmiths

The Flying Locksmiths franchise offers all-inclusive security services. They handle jobs ranging from replacing door hardware to installing high-tech security systems. The company prides itself in delivering fast and friendly service. They consider themselves to be a blend of old school ideals and newage technology. Learn more at www.flyinglocksmiths.com

Spray-Net

Spray-Net delivers on-site factory painting solutions that save time and money. The result is a permanent factory-finish that looks just likenew—not repainted. One sprayed application results in the equivalent of four brush and roller coats, but in a fraction of the time. Learn more at www.spray-net.com

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (ODL) helps people make their landscapes look beautiful. Trained outdoor lighting designers focus on highlighting all the best features of a property to increase curb appeal and create a welcoming ambiance. A holiday decorating service adds an additional revenue stream. Learn more at www.outdoorlights.com.

Monster Tree Service

Trees are big business and Monster Tree Service is taking full advantage by franchising services. Monster is committed to trimming, pruning, or improving the health of trees rather than removing them. As certified arborists, they can transplant large trees effectively and safely. Franchisees enjoy repeat business and may have opportunities to enter into government contracts. Learn more at www.monsterfranchising.com

InXpress

InXpress helps small and mid-sized businesses grow by providing access to best-in-class shippers at discounted rates typically offered only to large corporations. The carriers benefit by outsourcing some of the customer service to InXpress, and the franchisees earn money by finding customers who are looking for a combination of lower costs and better service. Learn more at www.inxpressfranchise.com

Real Property Management

Real Property Management gives property investors peace of mind with professional, reliable service. Learn more at www.propertymanagementfranchise.com

HOODZ

A properly cleaned kitchen exhaust system means cleaning beyond what you can see. Grease travels throughout the entire exhaust system. Poor ventilation of grease and the failure to adequately clean it, can contribute to the rapid spread of fire. HOODZ offers a solution with a mobile cleaning service. Learn more at www.hoodzinternational.com