As Ace Handyman Services enters its 25th year, Colette Bell, vice president of franchise development, recently looked back at some of the franchise’s accomplishments and shared some insights into its goals for 2023. By Patty Horansky
As Ace Handyman Services enters its 25th year, Colette Bell, vice president of franchise development, recently looked back at some of the franchise’s accomplishments and shared some insights into its goals for 2023.
Bell and her husband, Andy, founded Handyman Matters, a Colorado-based home-repair and maintenance franchise, in 1998 and partnered with Ace Hardware Stores in 2019 to become Ace Handyman Services.
The partnership gave Ace Handyman Services instant recognition – and rapid growth. In 2020 alone, 61 franchises came on board and another 111 joined in 2021. By September of this year, the company boasted 330 franchises across the U.S. and remains on track to have added 130 franchises in 2022.
Consumers have an affinity for the Ace Hardware name and its nearly 100-year reputation as a trustworthy, reliable brand. With more than 4,800 Ace Hardware locations throughout the country, an average Ace Handyman franchise has about three stores within its territory, Bell said.
It’s not so much about the numbers but “responsible, sustainable growth,” she said. “We have a duty to protect the Ace brand and the Ace culture.’’
The franchise employs experienced craftsmen who are background-checked and screened, resulting in repeat customers. To ensure consumer and franchisee satisfaction, Ace Handyman uses a regimented recruiting, interviewing and onboarding process.
With aging baby boomers less able to make improvements and repairs, and younger generations wanting to spend more time outside of their homes, Bell said the demand for services will continue to grow. A slower housing start and a sluggish economy going into 2023 are only plusses for franchisees, as more builder-experienced workers seek employment.
Plans for the new year include adding staff in support and onboarding, improved technologies, executive-focused training from the top down and website upgrades to draw more consumers to the brand.
Franchises are available throughout the U.S. to candidates seeking an affordable business with quick returns. No handyman experience is needed; superior training and ongoing support are a part of what makes the franchise a standout.
“It’s a process of growing with the right people in the right places,’’ Bell said.
Patty Horansky