Rick Cobden has been with City Wide Facility Solutions for nearly two decades as the company’s 11th franchise owner. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cobden opened City Wide South Carolina in Greenville in 2009, the smallest market at the time. Over the first year and a half, he worked to get the location off the ground and finally found the secret to success after attending a City Wide franchisee conference. Since then, he has gone on to open three more locations across the country, with the most recent opening in Chicago this year. By Shelby Green
Rick Cobden has been with City Wide Facility Solutions for nearly two decades as the company’s 11th franchise owner. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cobden opened City Wide South Carolina in Greenville in 2009, the smallest market at the time. Over the first year and a half, he worked to get the location off the ground and finally found the secret to success after attending a City Wide franchisee conference. Since then, he has gone on to open three more locations across the country, with the most recent opening in Chicago this year.
City Wide is a leading national facility services company that provides comprehensive facility management solutions. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships, the brand offers a wide range of services, including janitorial services, landscaping, painting, floor restoration, supplemental labor, security and access control and more. Through its scalable business model, City Wide empowers franchise owners to build successful businesses while providing clients with reliable and efficient facility solutions.
“What began as a small janitorial service has blossomed into a multi-state operation with over 60 dedicated team members,” said Cobden. “Our commitment to exceptional service, strategic partnerships and community engagement has been the cornerstone of our success. As we continue to expand our footprint, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver top-notch facility solutions and build lasting relationships with our clients.”
As a nine-time platinum award recipient from City Wide, Cobden’s hard work has paid off, growing his locations into a $40 million machine. Cobden has been able to reach this level of success largely due to the support from the company’s corporate team. From marketing and sales training to ongoing coaching and guidance, City Wide provides its franchise owners with the tools to succeed.
“The support center has grown tremendously,” Cobden said. “Whenever you buy a franchise, it’s like buying a present with a bow on it. Pick and choose which tools and paths you want to go on.”
Additionally, City Wide fosters a collaborative spirit among its franchisees. Cobden emphasized the power of the Franchise Associates network, a group of fellow owners who readily share knowledge and support each other.
Cobden takes a people-centric approach to running his business. According to him, future growth is based on the development of people, which is why he stressed the importance of investing in his team. His team members aren’t just employees but rather a family. Even his own children are actively involved in this business.
Cobden also is a dedicated mentor within the City Wide franchise community. He actively shares his expertise by visiting five to six cities annually to impart the “secret sauce” of his success. His dedication to helping others reflects his commitment to the City Wide network. City Wide, Cobden believes, is “a great franchise” and “an amazing model” because it allows its owners to customize their approach based on the market they’re in.
Looking back on his time with the company, Cobden has no regrets.
“I would do it all again,” he said.
Shelby Green