Join Kris Simonich and Andrea Floyd on The Perfect Franchise Podcast as they speak with Zach Munroe, VP of Franchise Development for Stellar Service Brands and its flagship company, Restoration 1. Zach shares the fascinating history of Stellar's evolution, from a single brand founded by an immigrant to a multi-brand powerhouse backed by private equity. The discussion provides a high-level overview of the Restoration 1 business model, which focuses on water, fire, and mold remediation. Zach explains the concept's "urgent demand" and recession-resistant nature, highlighting why franchisees can be the "hero" for homeowners in a crisis. The conversation also sheds light on the crucial role of digital marketing and boots-on-the-ground relationship building, and provides essential advice for aspiring and new franchisees in any industry.
Highlights:
▸The Stellar Service Brands Story: Learn how a single home service business, Restoration 1, evolved through strategic acquisitions to become a multi-brand platform with a focus on franchising.
▸The Restoration 1 Business Model: Understand the core services of water, fire, and mold remediation and why they are always in demand due to both man-made and natural disasters.
▸The Insurance Dilemma: Zach explains how the industry has changed, with many customers now seeking out a restoration company before calling their insurance provider to avoid premium hikes.
▸Marketing & Lead Generation: Discover why a Restoration 1 franchisee's success depends on a hybrid marketing approach, combining boots-on-the-ground relationship building with plumbers, property managers, and insurance agents with a strong digital presence.
▸Independent vs. Program Work: Zach clarifies the key difference between Restoration 1's independent model and competitors who rely on insurance company "program work," highlighting how the independent model can lead to higher margins and better customer service.
▸Startup & Scaling: Learn about the different operating models—from owner-operator to executive—and the minimal initial staffing required. Zach provides advice on how to strategically scale by reinvesting profits.
▸Transferable Traits: Zach outlines the ideal franchisee profile, emphasizing the importance of soft skills like the ability to respond well under pressure and a desire to serve as a "hero" for people in a moment of crisis.
▸Valuable Advice for Franchise Buyers: Hear Zach's top tips for anyone considering franchising, including the importance of talking to franchisees who are average or above-average performers and thoroughly vetting the franchisor's field team.
▸Navigating the First Year: Zach shares wisdom on planning for a successful launch, including the importance of having sufficient working capital and reinvesting early profits to fuel future growth.
Interested in a business with urgent demand and the potential to be a hero in your community? Restoration 1, a Stellar Service Brand, offers a proven model in the resilient restoration industry. If you're ready to take on a challenge and build a profitable business by helping others, explore the opportunity today.
📌 Stay Connected:
Visit our website: www.theperfectfranchise.com
Kris Simonich: LinkedIn | Email: kris@theperfectfranchise.com
Andrea Floyd: LinkedIn | Email: andrea@theperfectfranchise.com
Zach Munroe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-munroe-b9a1a0104/
Stellar Service brands: https://stellarservicebrands.com/
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