Local Handyman CEO Colin Sprake has built a career in mergers and acquisitions, transforming struggling companies into successful ones. Beyond that, Sprake has dedicated his life to helping other entrepreneurs do the same. He’s an author of several books outlining his approach to business success. That expertise now shapes Local Handyman and provides a significant benefit to its franchisees. By Kelsi Trinidad
Rebuilding Franchise Model to Focus on Scalable Growth
Local Handyman CEO Colin Sprake has built a career in mergers and acquisitions, transforming struggling companies into successful ones. Beyond that, Sprake has dedicated his life to helping other entrepreneurs do the same. He’s an author of several books outlining his approach to business success. That expertise now shapes Local Handyman and provides a significant benefit to its franchisees.
Sprake came across the Local Handyman company in 2023. The company, founded in 2018, was built around each franchisee being a self-employed handyman – essentially a “man with a van.” He recognized that the model limited scalability and identified ways it could be improved.
“I saw the opportunity, went to the owners, made them an offer and bought the company eight months later,” Sprake said. “Then, I flipped the model completely. I only sell franchises to business owners who want to hire handymen who can then build a business, so that when they go on vacation their company keeps running.”
This business-owner-focused model allows franchisees to scale more effectively and focus on growth. Local Handyman has also made significant investments in franchise success, with most of its corporate team dedicated to coaching and supporting franchisees.
“My business future is built on royalty, so if I can help them be more successful and continue to show them value far beyond the sale, then they will buy into me as a human being, buy our system and see the value they get at the same time,” Sprake said. “Our whole philosophy is to show franchisees extreme value and wow them all the time – not just at the beginning.”
To encourage collaboration among franchisees, Local Handyman has set up tiered groups based on revenue. These groups allow business owners to share advice, answer questions and provide support that matches the maturity of their own business.
“It’s my background at the end of the day,” Sprake said. “That’s the reason why we’ve been so successful.”
Later this year, Local Handyman will partner with Habitat for Humanity for Local Handyman Day, an initiative in which franchisees will donate hours of labor to support the organization’s efforts in local communities. Sprake spearheaded the partnership to give back using skills franchisees already possess, addressing the needs that exist in many communities.
Sprake’s background in coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs has helped shape the Local Handyman model, and he remains invested in each franchisee’s success. His experience building businesses has positioned to help other motivated entrepreneurs.
“All I hope for all of them is that they achieve results they never thought possible,” said Sprake. “I get to see the opportunity to help hundreds and hundreds of franchisees achieve huge financial goals, which is hugely gratifying for me.”
Kelsi Trinidad