Way before the pandemic shuttered brick-and-mortar outlets, many companies had shifted operations online and prioritized innovation instead. Major players, like Ace Handyman Services, always valued the advantages that mobile- and home-based businesses offer, including low overhead expenses and flexibility. By Lizzy Yeserski

Way before the pandemic shuttered brick-and-mortar outlets, many companies had shifted operations online and prioritized innovation instead. Major players, like Ace Handyman Services, always valued the advantages that mobile- and home-based businesses offer, including low overhead expenses and flexibility.

“With our model, what we have always done, over the last 23 years, is focus on technology,” explained Colette Bell, vice president of franchise development. “The goal has always been to have a central base for all of our data so that franchisees can evaluate key performance indicators of the business, whether they are there while it’s happening or not. The business itself is actually happening in customers’ homes.”

Easy to run from anywhere, Ace Handyman Services is a true service-based business that utilizes exceptional marketing and the trusted Ace name to build its customer base. With the “do it yourself” (DIY) mentality declining and a significant rise in the “do it for me” (DIFM) segment, the handyman industry stands poised for skyrocketing growth.

Bell points out that the company follows a W2 employee-based paradigm and doesn’t hire subcontractors, distinguishing them from others in the field. This model allows for improved quality and customer service controls, both of which are currently lacking in the home-improvement industry. Plus, these costs are offset naturally. Hired craftsmen own their tools, and Ace Hardware supplies the needed materials, so there is no inventory for franchisees to manage.

“Our motto is we want our franchise owners to work on the business, not get stuck working in the business,” Bell said. “They’ll grow their business faster because they are going to hire more craftsmen.”

COVID-19 did not shut down training or onboarding for new Ace Handyman Services franchise owners. As of March 2020, Ace Handyman Services has been running virtual training, with plans to monitor safe travel and move toward in-person training when possible in 2021.

To learn more about Ace Handyman Services, visit acehandymanfranchising.com.

– Lizzy Yeserski