Michael & Son Services - Industry Q & A

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.