Harry Grubbs, Jr. - Conroe, Texas

The Grubbs family knows the true meaning of family-run business. Harry Grubbs, Sr. dreamed being his own boss, and 11 years ago he invested in a Mr. Appliance franchise. He built it up with his own two hands – and with that, he built a legacy. About 4 years ago, he was suddenly and unexpectedly short one technician, but luckily, he had a son, Harry Grubbs, Jr., to help pick up the work. He gave Harry Jr. a tool bag and a cell phone and sent him on his way. Two and a half years later, Harry Jr. was still working as a technician. He started to work in the office and help his dad build the business up even stronger until Harry Sr. was ready to retire two years ago. Harry Sr. turned the business over to his wife, Natalie Massey-Grubbs, and his son, Harry Jr. To this day, there’s no stopping this Grubbs legacy – and the sky’s the limit for their future.

What has it meant to you to take over the business your father built?

To be given the ability to take over and run a business that he started himself and has run for more than 10 years – it’s unreal. It’s almost like leaving your baby with someone else to take care of. It’s been quite a challenge, but I’ve learned a lot along the way.

How has Mr. Appliance shaped the way you conduct business?

Well, the whole point of buying a franchise is to have access to a proven business system. We follow the Mr. Appliance system to the best of our ability every day. That’s why you buy the business – to follow the systems. If you’re not following the system, what’s the point? So the systems are an integral part of how we run our office.

What is the biggest benefit of owning a Mr. Appliance franchise?

My plan is to retire when I’m 50, so it’s good to be a part of a business where I can have an exit strategy.

What advice do you have for finding and hiring techs and other employees?

We look for people that have very good social skills and are conscientious about the job they’re doing for somebody else. I look for those skills more than actual experience. You can teach someone how to repair appliances, but you can’t teach them how to treat the customers. That’s in their personality. You can find people anywhere – two of our technicians were recruited as customers.

How is life outside the office different now that you’ve settled in?

I worked 60 hours a week for most of the last two years. Now that the business has gotten larger and I’ve been able to hire people to do some of these jobs I used to have to do myself, I’ve got a lot more leisure time outside the office.

What do you see in the future for your business?

I see continued growth.

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