Explore the opportunity offered by Michael and Son Home Services from Basim Mansour-

How was Michael and Son Home Services originally conceived and started?

It was conceived through the owner of the company who had put much thought, money and effort into franchise development over the last 2 years. We believed that our company has developed a very successful business model that has seen tremendous growth over the last 5 years. He wants to share the knowledge, secrets and business systems that have attributed to the company's growth.

What was your original vision for Michael and Son Home Services?

To offer home service customers a Memorable and Superior Service Experience! It has not changed over time but has become an obsession with us.

What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?

The franchisor's ability to offer its franchisees the potential for strong revenue and profit growth in a given territory through its investment into training resources, marketing support, coaching and its belief that the franchisee is the company's partner and not just a someone who pays us royalties.

Why should someone choose your franchise over other similar franchises?

Extensive training and ongoing educational programs we offer, our use of technology in enhancing our products and services, our belief in marketing and continued marketing regardless of a business's successes, our MATCHED marketing funds up to $25,000 to a franchisee in the start-up phase of their business, our national call and dispatch center that operates 24/7 included in the royalty fee and the rarity of this type of franchise in the market place today. Very few franchisors offer electrical, plumbing, HVAC and duct cleaning franchises.

What makes your industry attractive?

Necessary home services that homeowner's use on a regular basis.

The potential for high revenues and profit if operated at high standards.

What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?

Ambitious, hard working, financially capable, has leadership qualities, customer service skills and works well within a structured environment.

What do your franchise fees and royalties cover?

4 weeks of initial training at corporate along with 2 weeks of onsite set-up/grand opening support along with continued educational classes at our corporate headquarters for free. 1/800, 24/7 call and dispatch center. Matched start-up marketing funds up to $25,000 and the continued use of our in-house marketing department which produces; radio, TV, print ad set-up and production. Michael and Son's ongoing assistance through a knowledgeable support staff, we provide 365 days of coaching and problem solving support for every franchisee. Periodical corporate visits to franchisee's site location to offer advice and support for their operational.

Why has your franchise model been successful?

Because we are a family operated that is dedication to customer service, we offer value for services to our customers, our use of technological advances in our industry and our dedication to marketing our brand and services.

Where do you see Michael and Son Home Services in 5 years and 10 years?

Expanding into national territories with franchise partners and helping them to run thriving, healthy businesses

What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?

Put your full effort into your business, work hard, be patient, never give up and devote your business to pleasing the customer!

What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?

Investing into something new can be scary and financially stressful, all entrepreneurs have financial concerns but the key to overcoming the fear is by ensuring that they have ample financial resources to get the franchisee through the start-up period, usually 6 months to a year.

On average, how long does it take to start a new franchise from the franchisees point of view?

2-6 months

 What was your background and experience before founding this franchise?

A college student, who inherited the family business after my father unexpected passed away.

The Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and Duct Cleaning Home Services industry is growing. Learn more why Michael and Sons could be your invitation into this booming business.

Can you tell us more about your industry?

We provide home service repair and installation in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and duct cleaning industry. These services are necessary for most homeowners today; the business is recession proof, always growing and will always be needed by homeowners who have no knowledge of our special trades.

How has your industry changed in the last 10 years?  20 years?

More technologically advanced and more dedicated to training staff and technicians.

What trends do you see in your industry over the next 5-10 years? 

Big box stores entering the home service industry and a consolidation of smaller companies to successfully compete in the marketplace. Franchises and their partner will have a distinct advantage with name branding, marketing and controlled service options for the customers.

What is the biggest concern about your industry that a franchisee candidate should be aware of and investigate?

The pit falls of starting a new business, any new business on a shoe string budget. Developing a strong thriving business takes time, money and hard work. Also investigating the amount of competition in the area you want to locate in, there prices, size and marketing effort.

Why do you think Michael and Sons stands out in the industry?

Many reasons including customer devotion and service, branding and marketing in our service areas and the hometown family appeal we offer to our customers and employees.

What makes the Michael and Sons opportunity more attractive than your competitors?

Everything, we offer more support and training, we offer marketing funds, we stress customer service, we offer more franchise possibilities, our advanced approach to technology and our desire to keep and continue our great reputation in the marketplace.

Describe the ideal candidate. 

We are looking for franchise owners who are interested in a unique ground floor business opportunity. Owners who have great customer service skills, sales and management experience, are hard working, goal oriented and believe in a strong team concept. Experience in the services trade is very helpful but not necessary. They will need to be ready to make a full-time commitment to our franchise concept.

What's the strongest skill you require in a candidate? 

Customer service- being able to satisfy and make your customers happy.

Describe the working environment of your franchisees.

Office environment usually, a new franchisee a can start from their home. Most technicians take their work vehicles home for reasons such as brand exposure, easier area coverage and emergency call access to equipment and parts. The technicians use mobile field tablets that sync with the office software system. All pricing, jobs and invoicing are done through their field tablets and printers. Technicians report back to the office at the end of each day to settle accounts. Franchise owner or manager have  computer GPS information installed into trucks that gives them real time information on all technicians routes, progress , miles driven, etc. in the field at anytime.

Why has Michael and Sons been successful?

We like to think we work with people rather than employ them. We also surround ourselves with quality, hard working people who are good at their jobs.  Other reasons include; customer devotion and service, branding, marketing in our areas of service and the family appeal we offer to our customers and employees.

What advice would you give someone interested in buying a franchise in your industry? 

Research every option, speak to the top people in the company and get their honest take on their company. Speak to other franchisees of the company were possible.  Look more strongly at companies that suite your strengths; management, personality, experience.

How much experience in this industry should a franchisee candidate have should they consider buying a franchise in your industry?

Although we can teach anyone to run our business systems, manage people, market, and build a business, it's preferable that a candidate has some construction trades experience. Each industry has a mentality and sense of its own that sometimes takes time to develop and understand.