For years, Kyle Young worked in the construction business. As a short-term real estate investor by trade, he earned his living flipping houses, installing custom closets, and working on detailed home renovations. By Jessica Jones
For years, Kyle Young worked in the construction business. As a short-term real estate investor by trade, he earned his living flipping houses, installing custom closets, and working on detailed home renovations. Locally famous for restoring historically significant properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, his efforts were even featured on an episode of CashPad, a CNBC reality show that followed both him and his wife, Lauren, as they turned a nationally registered bank building into an Airbnb.
But, last year, as the couple welcomed their second child, Young decided to cement his interests in the industry even further and open an Honest Abe Roofing franchise. Launching the endeavor in his hometown of Austin, Texas, the talented contractor says the move has been a wise choice.
“The uncertainty of COVID encouraged me to seek out a path that was evergreen and recession-proof,” noted Young, who signed on with the franchise in September of 2020. “We started looking into all kinds of home-service franchises – painting, handyman, anything that was deemed an essential business. When we came across Honest Abe Roofing, we realized the opportunity was head-and-shoulders above the rest for many reasons. We signed on because, for us, it made perfect sense.”
Young shares the responsibilities of the business with his wife, who works full time as a college professor. Together, the couple is also raising two children under the age of four. That’s why they were attracted to Honest Abe Roofing’s strong culture of support as well as its impressive online university. Young says it’s those aspects of the business that have offered the invaluable guidance they needed as first-time franchisees.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” he said. “We’ve been to company headquarters in Terre Haute, Indiana, several times, and attended a sales training seminar in Orlando, Florida. We’ve also been able to experience weekly Zoom meetings with other franchise owners throughout the entire process, which has been extremely helpful. We’re very happy with this decision.”
And after just a few weeks in business, Young’s Honest Abe Roofing franchise had already sold more than $250,000 in services.
“This is exactly why we chose to launch this franchise,” Young said. “Roofing is essential and necessary; you don’t choose when your roof fails. Leaks and hail storms happen, and a roof needs to be replaced, whether you like it or not. It’s the most important aspect of your home – not a luxury item that you can live without.”
Young was also attracted to the brand for its quality.
“No matter what I’ve done – closets, renovations – I’ve always searched for the highest quality possible,” he noted. “Honest Abe Roofing was a perfect fit because their products are premium, top-of-the-line, and their customer service is second to none.”
For more information about Honest Abe Roofing products and franchising opportunities, visit honestaberoofingfranchise.com.
– Jessica Jones