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Are You Fit to Franchise?
Find out if franchising is the right path to help grow your business
Many remodelers are looking for ways to offset a slowing remodeling market. One direction some are choosing to head in is national franchise operations.
A franchise can be a great opportunity for some remodelers, in terms of national brand awareness, marketing support and a team of peers that are working toward the same goal. However, not all franchise companies are created equal and the key to optimizing a franchise system is fairly simple — do your homework.
A franchise relationship is akin to a marriage, where both parties must mutually agree to work with one another to achieve a common goal. Prior to getting involved with any new business venture, find out if this relationship fits your business structure and lifestyle.
QR gathered Mark Richardson, CR, president of Case Design/Remodeling; Doug Dwyer, president and owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen; Robb King II, vice president of operations, Paul Davis Restoration; and brother and sister team, Darren and Karen Sager, principal owners of MasterShield Gutter Protection, to find out who is the right candidate to operate a typical franchise.
Questions to ask yourself before pursuing a franchising path.
Richardson: Do I want a business or do I want a practice? Ninety-nine percent of the remodeling community in the U.S. are practices and the practice generally is dependant on the principal to even exist. If you really yearn for more of a business and to exit from the business at some point, I think that’s a good question to ask yourself and I think franchising is a vehicle to be able to do that.
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House Doctors Handyman Service is a respected name in the handyman industry and opens many doors in this recession proof market. The home repair and improvement market is likely to grow to over $215 billion and a House Doctors franchise places you right in the middle of it. New franchises are provided with a comprehensive training program including marketing, technical knowledge and business procedures. House Doctors is a business you manage while the technicians perform the work. Indicate #173 on e-Inquiry.
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Gutter Pro USA LLC is a leading manufacturing company for Gutter Protection systems. It manufactures two systems; Gutter Pro and LeafSlugger. Both are Clog Free Management Systems designed to protect a home from potential water damage, and keep homeowners from having to clean they’re gutters. These products are made of premium quality material, cut to fit 5 or 6 in. gutters, and are available in 12 different colors. They are designed to mount over existing gutters. In addition, these systems provide incredible curb appeal for any home. Gutter Pro USA LLC distributes products through home remodeling companies or small contractor businesses nationwide. These products are packaged and shipped in boxes that contain 100 ft. of panel, .027 gauge thick, and 50 support brackets. It also offers exclusive professional grade support in sales, marketing and administrative areas to all its distributors. Please contact Gutter Pro USA LLC at 1-800-273-6080, for more information on becoming a dealer or locating a dealer in your area. Indicate #12 on e-Inquiry.
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ClearVue Patio Covers features a breakthrough glazing system and simple, elegant construction to make the best patio cover available today. Solving the problems inherent in glass and double wall skylight systems, CleraVue Patio Covers and Screen Rooms let the light in, block UV and are simple to clean. This product is an excellent fit for patio cover/sunroom dealers, deck builders, as well as remodelers who wish to add a high margin product to their business. Indicate #13 on e-Inquiry.
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If you have a desire to run a successful home improvement business, are committed to that business, and want to set yourself apart by offering the nations leading sunroom product, then this is the opportunity for you. Admiral Sunrooms offers a profitable new addition to your business and a competitive edge in your market. With no franchise fees, Admiral’s extensive product line, training programs, and support systems provide you with the tools and experience necessary to quickly excel in the sunroom industry. Indicate #14 on e-Inquiry.
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More and more window replacement contractors are expanding their product lines with custom blinds and shutters. The Blind Brokers Network can help you add on custom blinds and shutters or connect you with one of its 400 plus dealers nationwide. You’ll be able to offer huge discounts on name brand products because of the BBN’s multi million dollar buying power. The BBN offer free training and support for all members. Indicate #16 on e-Inquiry.
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Owens Corning has been creating innovative products since 1938. Its extensive knowledge of building science led to the creation of the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System, a product designed to meet the unique needs of the basement environment, and Owens Corning SunSuites Sunrooms, that combine the best features of traditional materials with the advantages of fiber glass. For a company that consistently delivers innovation with experience, the choice is clear: Owens Corning. Indicate #17 on e-Inquiry.
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Get the FOG out with the original glass and window restoration service from Crystal Clear Window Works. The pervasive problems of moisture ingress, energy loss and damaged glass are serviceable on site with this cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative to replacing glass. Chosen one of the ‘Top New Franchises’ by Entrepreneur.com, this business opportunity offers unique licenses, high margins, marketing support, lead generation, technical and operations training, back-end business systems, and corporate warranty protection. Get more customer calls. Get immediate returns. Getthefogout.com. Indicate #18 on e-Inquiry.
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Re-Bath specializes in one-day bathroom remodeling with acrylic bathtub liners, wall surround systems and showr base liners designed to fit over ugly, dingy and out-of-date bathrooms. the company was started in 1979 and has more than 165 dealers. Re-Bath has instsalled more than 1 million units in residential and commercial properties over the past 25 years. Indicate #19 on e-Inquiry.
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The Interior Door Replacement Company is the largest interior door replacement company in the United States specializing in the replacement of old, ugly, flat doors with designer raised-panel modled doors. Since 1997, IDRC has been commited to establishing the industry standard for quality products and exceptional levels of customer service. From providing a propriettary five-day start-to-finish installation system to offering a wide selection of products, and performing most work off-site to eliminate messes, the IDRC business was designed to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible for the homeowner. Indicate #20 on e-Inquiry.
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Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) is a perfect fit for builders and remodelers who are looking to create new revenue streams within their customer base, while growing new customer relationships, too. New franchises will use OLP’s proven model in creating elegant custom landscape and exterior architectural lighting for discerning customers. This includes a Complimentary Lighting Design Consultation where a prospect’s home is temporarily illuminated using an OLP demo kit, the installation of exclusive Handcrafted Copper & Cast Brass Exterior Fixtures; and an optional Annual Maintenance Plan for a recurring revenue stream with offering multiple customer touchpoints. Internationally acclaimed for its branding and marketing expertise, OLP invites you to visit the Franchise Opportunities page at OutdoorLights.com, or call Tiffany Miller at 704-841-2666 ext 12. Indicate #21 on e-Inquiry.
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MasterShield Gutter Protection offers a turnkey marketing program designed for home improvement companies and marketing organizations interested in exclusive territories. Dealers get product, a message and materials to quickly differentiate their business. Installation is easy and fast; clogged gutters are nonexistent and that is why MasterShield is backed with a manufacturer’s money-back warranty. MasterShield offers innovative lead programs and access to media proven to cut lead/sales costs. Indicate #22 on e-Inquiry.
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PremierGarage specializes in creating garage environments that equal the style, quality and attention to detail found throughout its customers’ entire homes. PremierGarage has been recognized by Inc. magazine the last three years as one of America’s 500 fastest-growing companies. It was named one of the top 20 new franchises in Entrepreneur magazine in 2006 and was ranked first in its category for 2006 and 2007. The PremierGarage franchise network will complete an estimated $58 million to $62 million in installations in 2007. Indicate #23 on e-Inquiry.
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DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen specializes in working with remodelers who want to build a stronger and more successful interior remodeling business. As an exclusive bath and kitchen remodeling franchise, DreamMaker® systems and coaching will allow you to focus on taking your business to the next level. With more than 30 years franchising experience, DreamMaker has over 110 franchise locations nationwide. Indicate #24 on e-Inquiry.
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Paul Davis Restoration is a single-source provider of restoration contracting services for the property insurance industry. PDR has been in business since 1966 and currently has 222 franchised units. PDR’s training/support includes a comprehensive four week training at Paul Davis Restoration headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., followed by one week of training on-site at new franchise location. Ongoing telephone support available.
Qualifications include: management, marketing, sales, insurance or construction skills helpful, but not necessary. Commitment to follow system, honesty and integrity a must. Indicate #25 on e-Inquiry. |
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Corbond Performance Insulation is a tough, spray in place closed cell insulation product which seals, strengthens and permanently adheres to all kinds of surfaces while helping to eliminate the chance for mold. While manufacturing and distributing its own product, it also sells the installation equipment and offers in-house training and certification for installers. For more information about becoming an installer please call (888) 949-9089 or visit www.corbond.com. Indicate #26 on e-Inquiry.
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Clear Choice USA offers “America’s Best Value For Quality Replacement Windows.” Its energy-saving, premium grade white vinyl double hung windows are only “$185 Any Size Installed” per unit in most markets. Our alliances with the leading window manufacturers in the country, combined with our “Price-Value” commitment, make Clear Choice USA an excellent solution to consumers and an excellent business opportunity. Visit www.clearchoice-usa.com or call 866-604-1999 for more information. Indicate #168 on e-Inquiry.
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Window Depot USA is one of the nation’s fastest-growing “Licensors” of companies that specialize in replacement windows and doors. With over 40 locations in 24 states, Window Depot USA offers exclusive and protected markets with no licensing or royalty fees. Window Depot USA offers the consumer the absolute highest quality, energy-efficient replacement windows at the absolute greatest value. Indicate #27 on e-Inquiry.
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Get a Window Medics license to perform its revolutionary fog removal technology on your client’s thermal pane windows.
On-site Removal of fog & moisture without ever removing the window. - Environmentally friendly - Convenient, no scheduling delays - 50 to 70 percent less expensive than replacement - On-going technical and marketing support - High profit margins - Increase your core business - Cash daily - No licensing fee - No Royalties Indicate #28 on e-Inquiry. |
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Case Handyman and Remodeling Services, LLC is the United States’ largest full-service residential remodeling company. With headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, the multiple award-winning organization is recognized as one of the country’s premiere remodeling companies. Through its headquarters and Case franchises in over 180 territories around the country, Case continues a tradition of industry innovation and superior design and remodeling service. Indicate #29 on e-Inquiry.
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