Ace Handyman Services franchising offers individuals from all walks and stages of life the opportunity to run a first-rate, essential business while serving local communities. These home improvement and maintenance experts have applied quality craftsmanship and superior service for over two decades and continue to expand even amid a pandemic. By Rose Mango
Ace Handyman Services franchising offers individuals from all walks and stages of life the opportunity to run a first-rate, essential business while serving local communities. These home improvement and maintenance experts have applied quality craftsmanship and superior service for over two decades and continue to expand even amid a pandemic.
Andy and Colette Bell incorporated the Colorado company in August, 2000, under the Handyman Matters name. In September 2019, they partnered with Ace Hardware, which sought them out specifically to provide Ace customers a much-needed, in-home service that typical do-it-yourselfers did not want to take on alone. At that time, the Bells changed their business name to Ace Handyman Services Franchise Organization. “The acquisition and partnership between Ace Hardware and Ace Handyman Services provides a platform from which Ace Hardware can further deliver on their helpful promise to consumers, while expanding their presence in the growing do-it-for-me segment,” said John Venhuizen, President and CEO of Ace Hardware Corporation. “This acquisition combines a proven home-repair and maintenance franchise system with Ace’s trusted brand and renowned helpful service. Providing increased support to existing franchisees while aggressively recruiting more is part of a compelling evolution in our plan for strategic growth and our retailers’ continued success.”
Today, Ace Handyman Services is a leading franchise organization whose entire development team is female. It comprises locally-owned-and-operated and company-owned locations that offer professional and multi-skilled craftsmen and craftswomen trained to handle a homeowner’s to-do list in addition to larger projects. “All employees are W-2 and not independent contractors, which makes a big difference for our customers as they feel more secure about who’s coming to their home,” stated Colette Bell. The Ace Handyman Services franchise provides an opportunity for not just men in the handyman business but women, too. Women who own an Ace Handyman Services franchise often find that they have more opportunities to speak to the females in the home who are redesigning a space or have a specific vision for updating their home.
As Stacy Hust, Ace Handyman Services franchise owner, acknowledged, “We are really excited because we are able to offer home repairs and remodeling to Ace Hardware customers, which goes far beyond the typical handyman experience. Most of our customers are female, so it helps being a female owner. Because I am a female owner, I am able to work really close with our customers. The typical Ace Hardware customer is a do-it-yourselfer, and now, by adding Ace Handyman Services, customers are able to still manage the DIY project but no longer have to stress over the bigger projects and can confidently hire us to help them with anything, or we can do it for them. Also, I am able to work from home and tend to my family while running my business. The balance is wonderful. “
Ace Handyman Services franchising also appeals to the 30 year corporate professional searching for an exit strategy. Brian Wigutow, an Ace Handyman Services franchisee, saw an opportunity in an unfamiliar industry and jumped on it. “I realized there was a need in the service industry. Though my background was in restaurants, this was attractive to me back when it was Handyman Matters because the investment was lower than a restaurant, and you don’t need a brick and mortar to run it. I knew my restaurant management skills would translate well into managing this business. I was so pleased, that I renewed with the franchise after 10 years and grew a second territory. Franchising gave me the opportunity to have work/life balance and the scalability with the Ace Hardware merger. The change has been incredible. It was great with Handyman Matters, and now as Ace Handyman Services it is powerful!”
Ace Handyman Services proves to be a terrific investment for today’s millennials, too. About four months ago, Brian and Kristina McMahon took over the Ace Handyman Services franchise which had been operated by Brian’s aunt and uncle, Randy and Sandy McMahon. The business has been running for 16 years. Brian McMahon said, “This is something I have always done as a hobby. Though you do not have to be handy to run this business, I chose it because I enjoy fixing and repairing things. You do need to be an entrepreneur to run a business like this, and I have that experience, so it fits. What got me into this is I’ve always wanted to help people. Helping my community and providing a great experience to customers is what I wanted to do, and Ace Handyman Services allows me to do just that under the umbrella of a highly respected company known as the red-vested heroes, Ace Hardware. Our superior customer experience is valuable and sets us apart.”
Indeed, while passion and commitment are requirements to run the business, handyman experience is not. “Our franchisee isn’t necessarily the handyman type. Our franchisees are business-minded people, entrepreneurs, that see an opportunity to provide a service to their communities,” said Colette Bell.
The Bells said that they see the Ace Handyman Services franchise as an opportunity to build strong, much-needed home-repair in every community. They’re expanding and would love to invite you to take a look at their stellar model while considering your advancement in life. Learn more at acehandymanfranchising.com.
– Rose Mango