Posts Tagged ‘Mr. Appliance’

The Franchise Run Down

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

By Laura Shaheen

Despite today’s downturned economy, or perhaps because of it, more and more business owners are discovering the secret of stability and prosperity: franchising. Franchising, though not for all businesses, is an ideal way to grow your company. Franchising allows for the duplication of successful business plans and then applies them directly to your own business. Through the aid and support from the Dwyer Group, you as an owner can spend less time bogged down in the time-consuming minutia of daily business life and can apply yourself to improvement and expansion.

The Dwyer Group is comprised of 7 potential concepts that you might be interested in operating. One of the greatest benefits of working with the Dwyer Group is that you can either convert your existing business into a successful franchise, or you can start from scratch and build your franchise from the ground up. This flexibility allows you the freedom to run your company, while also having support when you require it. Between the Dwyer Group’s proven business plans and excellent training opportunities, becoming a franchisee means starting out ahead and with more connections that you could previously dream.

There are 7 potential franchises that encompass the Dwyer Group, and each one has its own unique benefits and is recession-resistant.

Rainbow International- Rainbow International is in the smoke, fire and water restoration industry. This industry is both recession-resistant and profitable. In addition to those basic services, Rainbow International also offers mold removal services, biohazard clean up and commercial services. With a Rainbow Franchise, you will receive full training and support, and will receive help from our national accounts and marketing team in order to help you get the optimal number of jobs for your business.

Glass Doctor- Not only is Glass Doctor the largest fully franchised residential, business and auto glass franchise company in the U.S. and Canada, they also have the ability to make your existing glass company skyrocket. With a Glass Doctor franchise, you will have access to experts in specialty glass services that can drastically increase your client base. Through a franchise with the Dwyer Group, you will have access to discounts and rebates on all that you need to run your company, and access to special, proven business systems that will streamline your company and maximize results.  

Aire Serv- Aire Serv is a leader in the heating and air conditioning industry, an industry that is both competitive, profitable and always necessary. By opening an Aire Serv franchise, you can learn how to increase profitability, have access to our cutting-edge research and learn to expand your existing company into something much greater. With over 175 locations worldwide, there are hundreds of franchise owners in a support system, as well as the entire Dwyer Group team, who will provide help and information on running a successful business. 

Mr. Appliance- Mr. Appliance is the largest fully franchised appliance repair company in the world. By opening a Mr. Appliance franchise, you are getting the chance to benefit from fifteen years worth of experience in servicing high-end appliances and operating successful businesses.  The industry is both dynamic and competitive, and many people previously owning appliance repair services have made the switch to a Mr. Appliance franchise and seen their companies really take off.

Mr. Electric- Mr. Electric is an electrical home service provider with impeccable connections. Already the official electrical home installation partner of the Home Depot, this powerful alliance has helped our franchise owners become leaders in the industry. With this franchise, you will be able to provide special electrical services like solar patio lighting, security lighting, custom projects and much more. As a franchise owner in such a successful business, you will be allowed the freedom of running your own business with the security of support from other franchise owners and headquarters just a phone call away.

Mr. Rooter- A leader in the plumbing industry, Mr. Rooter allows you to build a successful franchise due in part to the training and business services you will receive on your induction into the franchise family. With a long, illustrious history, Mr. Rooter was founded in 1974 and has grown to over 300 franchise locations across the United States, Canada and Europe. Opening a Mr. Rooter franchise means that you will have access to important help that will allow you to focus your time on improving efficiencies and performance. As always, being a part of one of the Dwyer Group’s franchises also means that you will receive the immense discounts and rebates available through the Dwyer Group’s many connections. 

The Grounds Guys- The newest franchise opportunity in the grounds and lawn care industry, The Grounds Guys franchise comes with all of the systems, training, support and tools to become a fully profitable and competitive franchise. With all franchise territories in the United States open, opening a franchise has never been more accessible. Regardless of your experience, you will receive top of the line training  and you can focus on streamlining your business to maximize profitability.

Whether an existing business owner or a new one, any one of these franchises can help you take your business to new, impressive heights. Having the support of other franchisees and the invaluable training and resources from the Dwyer Group means adding layers of security and aid that are difficult to find in smaller, non-franchised businesses. Many franchise owners have praised the system, stating that they are able to devote their time to actually running the business and expanding it, rather than simply putting out fires as soon as they spring up.

Convinced? Click here to get started.

Helping Heroes For The Holidays

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

The magic of the holidays can often be found in the gifts to others.

Mr. Appliance® of Wilmington, along with Mr. Rooter® of Brunswick County, Mr. Electric® of Brunswick & New Hanover Counties and Glass Doctor® of Coastal Carolina are spreading the joy this holiday season by giving back to support disabled veterans.

Until December 25, these four companies will donated $5 from every service job to Step Up For Soldiers, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disabled veterans and their families.

“People who have served our country gave everything to defend us,” said Matt Sarkela, owner of Mr. Appliance of Wilmington. “Through our donations to Step Up For Soldiers, we can make sure that soldiers are taken care of so their sacrifices don’t go unnoticed.”

Mr. Appliance, Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric and Glass Doctor offer services for home needs, including appliance repair and maintenance, plumbing, electrical services and glass installation/replacement.

“Many heroes come home missing an arm or a leg,” Sarkela said. “Each donation we collect during the month of December is a small step to help them resume their lives and continue to be heroes everyday.”

Mr. Appliance of Wilmington serves Brunswick and New Hanover counties.

For more information, visit the Step Up for Soldiers website at http://www.stepupforsoldiers.org.

Make your Thanksgiving Perfect- Tips from Mr. Rooter and Mr. Appliance

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

The turkey’s stuffed, table’s set and the TV’s on…but what about those Thanksgiving preparation and cleanup tips that aren’t on your to-do list?

To keep the oven, garbage disposal and kitchen sink drain in good working condition this holiday season, cooks need to take some precautions before and after the Thanksgiving feast.

“Oven problems usually go unnoticed until the turkey is already inside,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance® Corp. “Give yourself enough time before the big day to test your oven and if needed, call an appliance repair company for help. A few minutes spent checking your kitchen appliances could save your holiday season.”

Don't let this be YOUR Thanksgiving dinner...

A proper working oven is something you and your tableful of hungry relatives will be thankful for. This year, add these oven tips from Mr. Appliance to your Thanksgiving to-do list in preparation for the festive feast:

  • Avoid running the self-cleaning cycle before a big holiday dinner.
  • Remove caked on food from the gas vents or the heating element.
  • To test baking efficiency, buy a white cake mix. If cake is dry or undercooked, oven temperature isn’t set correctly.
  • Replace gaskets at the first sign of a leak or if moisture appears on outside of oven.
  • Use oven light to save cooking time and energy.

For those who aren’t do-it-yourselfers, appliance repair professionals can repair faulty gaskets and replace oven lights.

As for the cleanup process, there are five tips many don’t think about until it’s too late. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has this advice:

  • Wipe off greasy dishes before washing.
  • Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
  • Throw scraps in trash or compost pile.
  • Don’t overload the garbage disposal.
  • Don’t use dishwasher if disposal isn’t working.

When cooks combine turkey bones and potato peels with grease, they’ve got the ideal recipe for a backed-up kitchen sink. It’s a mixture that keeps plumbers busy over the holiday, unclogging stuffing-stuffed drains.

“It’s important to know what should and should not be put down the drain before the Thanksgiving frenzy,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter Corporation. “People also don’t realize how much food they put down their garbage disposal until the drain is backed up.”

About Mr. Appliance®:

Mr. Appliance is North America’s leading appliance repair franchise system. Established in 1996, its franchises provide full-service residential and light commercial appliance repair. Mr. Appliance has more than 150 locations throughout the United States and Canada and is consistently ranked among the top home service franchises by Entrepreneur magazine and other industry experts. Mr. Appliance is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information on opening your own Mr. Appliance franchise, visit www.mrappliancefranchise.com.

About Mr. Rooter®:

Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500” and Franchise Times Top 200, Mr. Rooter franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Mr. Rooter began franchising in 1974 and is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information on opening your own Mr. Rooter franchise, please visit our Web site at www.mrrooterfranchise.com.

What Can a Blog do for your Small Business?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

First of all, what is a blog?

A blog is a type of journal arranged online in the form of a web page, typically linked or included in the main web page of a site.

There are many types of blogs, but for this, we will focus on differentiating between two: Personal and Business blogs.

Personal blogs can have a vast range of topics, posts and links. They can be personal, opinionative, political, etc.

Business blogs can be an amazing social tool for communicating with customers and employees in order to share knowledge and build a customer following. They are about seeming impersonal while connecting with potential customers and building web traffic on your site.

Another great thing about blogs…They are completely traceable! You can measure your success, your website’s success, your business’ success; the list can go on.

  • Why do I want a blog for my small business?
  • Superb question! First of all, why not? Blogs are absolutely simple!
  • The software is far easier to manage than what it used to be. Beyond that, most small businesses have a Facebook. Included in that profile is a blog! Simply write in it, link your thoughts to resources or further reading, and publish! That blog will be available for all of your friends to see!
  • Don’t have a Facebook, and don’t want one?(First of all, shame on you! Free advertising and a way to get customer feedback, free of charge? Don’t pass that up!)
  • There are other options, besides Facebook, believe it or not. Blogger.com, Movable Type, Typepad, these all offer simple ways to get started!
  • Blogging offers you not only a free to low-cost way to get advertisement, web presence and customer feedback, but it also is an inexpensive alternative to learning html, hiring a web designer.
  • Making the commitment to blog at least 2-3 times a week is highly accomplishable for many. Find a topic that relates to your audience. It doesn’t always have to be solely about you! For example, perhaps an electric company wishes to post a blog. A rational topic could be how to cut back on that electricity bill, how to rewire something, the possibilities are endless!

Finally, business blogs allow your small business a chance to get a vast web presence and share your expertise. It can be a powerful tool in gaining customer trust and assurance, while establishing your name!

Have a look at some of The Dwyer Group concepts’ blogs here:

http://www.rainbowintl.com/blog/

http://mrsrooter.com/

http://www.mrappliance.com/blog/

From Mr. Banker to Mr. Appliance

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Eric Feder, a 55-year-old former banker, decided to open up his own Mr. Appliance franchise after years of finding finances for someone else’s business.

“For several years, I underwrote loans for small businesses, but opening my own business has been a dream of mine,” Feder said.

After 21 long years as a financier and banker, he began searching for new career opportunities. Because he was an Air Force Academy graduate, he was invited to the Service Academy Career Conference in San Diego last year. It was there he saw The Dwyer Group booth and seized the opportunity to invest.

The new franchise business in San Gabriel Valley will benefit from Feder’s number-crunching skills and professionalism. Feder has also passed the certified public accountants exam and is a chartered financial analyst. These years of training in finances gave Feder the confidence to open his own business.

Not long after purchasing the franchise, Feder attended a training course on customer service techniques and the latest technology. Soon after that, he hired Daniel Estevez, a service technician who has more than 27 years of experience under his belt. Despite the focus on professionalism, Feder hopes to add an amiable touch to his franchise.

“Mr. Appliance of San Gabriel Valley will have a personal touch of a locally owned operation,” Feder added. “Give us a try, we have the technology and the experience and we’ll treat you right.”

Blame it on the Weather

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Anyone else noticed how crazy the weather has been this year?  Believe it or not at one point this winter there was snow in at least some part of 49 of the 50 states, over 60% of the country blanketed in snow at one time.

Owning your own home service business can be unpredictable, too.  At times, there’s too many calls coming in, and there’s no way you can get everything done. Other times, you’re begging for the phone to ring just once. How do you find a balance?

Systems. Plain and simple.

If your business is running on solid systems, like the franchises at Leading the Service Industry, you’ll be better suited to handle variables in the marketplace. Marketing, planning, training and support are just a phone call away.

Keep your customers happy. Keep your staff happy. Find balance with systems.

We have systems in place that easily help you prepare for the unexpected.  We can assist you with new technologies, cross marketing, national advertising, an established brand and networking that can help you avoid the dry spells by constantly increasing your customer base.

When times are busy, our customer delivery system, pricing system, and technologies will help ensure that you have the most efficient route, quick and easy pricing and estimates, and technology that will help you and your crew get the job done faster.

Get prepared for whatever storm may come your way.

Forget the Garage – Clean Up Your Business

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

It’s almost that time again.  The grass is starting to get greener, temperatures are starting to get warmer, it means spring is right around the corner and with spring comes spring cleaning.  Our franchises focus on getting houses in tip top shape, but have you ever thought about what kind of cleaning up your business needs?

When you join our team we can help you clean up and organize your business so it runs more easily, efficiently and effectively.  We have tried and true methods that can help you “clean up” a number of different aspects of your business, including:

  • Adding technologies that will improve your customer delivery system, saving you time and money.
  • New strategies for recruiting, compensation and retention that can help improve your employee turnover rates, increase your profit margins and help you build a base of loyal customers.
  • Assistance with financial management and “keeping up” the books.
  • Statistical tracking, research and development to help you better focus your business efforts and marketing campaigns on the groups that will be most profitable.
  • Providing you with an already established brand name and reputation as well as free national marketing and a huge network of other franchisees you can cross market with.

Who says spring cleaning can’t be fun?  Clean out your business life and start fresh this year. Get the systems. Get the support. Get in gear – your solution is just a click away.

Expecting the Unexpected

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Snowfall at The Dwyer Group in Waco, Texas.It’s nothing compared to what people in the Northeast received earlier this year, but Waco received a big snowfall today. Roads closed. Schools closed. It disrupted the normal course of business. This kind of thing happens almost every day in places like Minneapolis and Toronto. But for us in Texas, it’s quite unexpected.

Is your business prepared for the unexpected? What if you’re sick for an extended period of time? One of your service trucks goes down. Do you have the systems and support in place to push on in the face of the unexpected?

Don’t let life’s unexpected problems cause big trouble for your business. Get the systems. Get a plan together. Prepare for the sunny days and the snowy days. It will bring you peace of mind and a more successful future.

10 Ways Franchising Can Make Your Life Easier

Friday, February 19th, 2010

1. Learning From Experience.  Leading the Service Industry is about systems. We’ve developed these systems after years of experience in the field with customers. The “front line” of home service. This experience and expertise is immediately at your fingertips. Your franchise coach and other franchise owners are there to help you navigate through day-to-day business with ease.

2. Brand recognition.  Your company has a recognizable and respected brand. Years of marketing, national exposure and a history of quality instantly make your business the most trusted service brand in town.

3. Help with Business Functions.  Do you know your numbers? Do you know exactly how efficient (or inefficient) your business is operating? Your franchise coach and a team of small business experts are only a phone call or e-mail away. And they’re working every day of the year to research the industry to keep all of our franchise owners on the cutting edge of home service.

4. Training. The cornerstone of a solid business starts with the right training. After becoming a franchisee, you will be part of a world-class initial training course. And throughout the year, there are ongoing training meetings that are regional, online or on-site at your location. We can help you stay ahead of the changing marketplace.

5. High Success Rate.  We succeed when you succeed. Year after year, studies and surveys prove franchise businesses have a much higher success rate than independent businesses. That’s because with a franchise, you have a full support team, advice from other franchise owners and much more purchasing power (more on that later).

6. Cross Marketing.  You’re not alone in your local market. Because of the different concepts in our franchise network, your customers now have a hometown service team. You can partner with other franchise owners in your market to create a home service powerhouse.

7. Purchasing Power. Buy more. Pay less. It’s simple. Leading the Service Industry partners you with other franchise owners to deliver the best materials for the lowest prices. With so many franchisees, we have negotiated great rates on everything you need to run your business. Discounts and rebates on your favorites – vehicles, insurance, tools, parts, supplies, marketing materials and more. We want to make sure you don’t waste a penny.

8. Improve Your System.  Time is money. And fuel is money. Don’t waste anything. Our systems and use of technology can help your company run more efficiently so your technicians aren’t wasting valuable time on service calls. We can help you find the best customers, deliver fast, quality service and be on the cutting edge.

9. Networking.  Leading the Service Industry is made up of more than 1,500 franchise owners – their expertise and experience are at your service. Regional meetings and our annual Reunion (in June in San Antonio this year) are a great place to exchange ideas and improve your operations.

10. Prepare for Future Competition.  With a stronger, more solid foundation, your company will be well represented in your local market. We’re working every day to help you succeed.

The Dwyer Group Adds The Grounds Guys To Franchise Lineup

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

The Dwyer Group Adds The Grounds Guys to Its Franchise Lineup

The Dwyer Group has announced a business agreement with Canadian-based Sunshine Grounds Care and will market franchises in the United States under the brand of The Grounds Guys, effective immediately.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The deal introduces the first grounds care franchise to The Dwyer Group’s trades service brands, which include: Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter and Rainbow International.

The Grounds Guys franchise opportunity will offer lawn care, landscaping and maintenance services — a complementary line of business to the residential and commercial target customers that The Dwyer Group’s existing concepts already serve.

“The grass is now greener at The Dwyer Group,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO and Chairwoman of The Dwyer Group.  “We knew that landscape maintenance was a natural extension of our family of franchise brands, but it was the expertise of Sunshine Grounds Care in Canada that helped us deliver a business model with a proven track record.”

Based in Orangeville, Ontario, Sunshine was established in 1987 by Tim van Stralen and quickly grew to include his nine brothers. By 2004, the grounds care division of Sunshine, began franchising and today counts 25 franchisees in its network.

Then in 2009, the van Stralen family met The Dwyer Group, and conversations began on how they could collaborate to benefit both companies.

“The Dwyer Group brings extensive franchising experience and Sunshine Grounds Care brings the grounds care expertise,” said Peter van Stralen, President and CEO of The Grounds Guys Canada.  “It was clear that we each had good things to offer one another.”

“Having grown up in a family business, we saw a lot of ourselves in the van Stralens and what they were doing in Canada,” said Dwyer-Owens.

Peter van Stralen added that his company was attracted to The Dwyer Group’s Code of Values as a foundation that has helped grow and sustain a large franchise network.  “The corporate culture they have created and the values they promote made this a relationship we could all feel good about,” he said.

The result is a one-of-a-kind agreement for The Dwyer Group to sell franchises in the United States with added business training to be provided by Sunshine Grounds Care.

More information about The Grounds Guys and Sunshine Grounds Care -

Sunshine Grounds Care was founded by Tim van Stralen, the oldest of ten brothers, in the town of Caledon in 1987.  Since then, Sunshine Grounds Care has expanded rapidly across Ontario and even to other parts of North America.  As the company has grown, so have the other nine van Stralen brothers, who today all play a part in making Sunshine a business that operates on family values of respect, effort and a mutual interest in the well being of the group. For more information about Sunshine Grounds Care, visit www.sunshinelandscape.com.