Amy Albert, CEO and co-owner of Ace Handyman Services The Woodlands, had no background in the home repair business before she and husband, Terre, purchased their Magnolia, Texas, franchise in January 2021. By Patty Horansky
Amy Albert, CEO and co-owner of Ace Handyman Services The Woodlands, had no background in the home repair business before she and husband, Terre, purchased their Magnolia, Texas, franchise in January 2021.
She was, however, familiar with Ace Hardware stores, the brand’s solid reputation and its instant name recognition among consumers.
“It was their reputation that spoke to both Terre and myself,” Amy said. “Ace is the helpful hardware store, not just inside the walls of the store but also in the community. Ace Handyman Services is the extension of that same great promise but into a customer’s home or business, and that intrigued us.”
Amy had worked in property management, before deciding to stay at home with the couple’s three children. She volunteered at school and community groups, such as the PTO and National Charity League and later worked in the front office of a local school.
Terre worked in theme park management and entertainment. When the pandemic struck in 2020, his job was considered nonessential, and the future of Amy’s position became unclear.
The Alberts then began to look at franchising, with the help of a consultant.
“Ace Handyman Services was No.1 from day one for us,” Amy said.
The Alberts have a love for family and giving back to the community – themes that run throughout the brand.
Founded by Andy and Colette Bell in 1998, and acquired by Ace Hardware in 2019, the Colorado-based Ace Handyman Services has earned a level of trust and quality among customers in more than 378 territories throughout the U.S.
The Alberts initially purchased two territories and recently added a third.
As CEO, Amy handles the booking, accounts receivables and payables, and she is skilled in customer relations. An office manager assists with answering calls and other day-to-day tasks.
Amy and Terre share networking responsibilities and both are involved in their local chamber of commerce and other community groups. Terre also works directly with their eight skilled craftsmen, all of whom are employees, not contractors.
The Alberts were in the brand’s top 10 performing offices for 2022, said Colette Bell, vice president of development. The couple has served some 3,000 customers, of which 35% are repeaters.
“We have several women-owned franchises within the system,” Amy noted, “And there are several more wife-and-husband teams like us.”
While Terre focuses on the nuts and bolts of daily operations, Amy said she often adds “the woman’s touch,” including an eye for design and décor.
“I do think I have some different insights as a woman in this business,” she acknowledged. “My goal is for our craftsmen and office to create bonds with our customers. We like to add that personal touch with our service. That may be taking dog toys to our customers for their furry friends or dropping off a baby gift for the couple that just had us build furniture in their new nursery.
“Many of our customers are women or are of a mature age, and I know what that feels like inviting people into your home,” Amy said. “You feel a little vulnerable. Making those connections and putting our customers at ease is very important to our whole team. We are not in the business of just fixing things; we want our customers to know they are valued and taken care of.”
Patty Horansky