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19 01, 2026

PuroClean Disaster Services Deploys Agentech to Enhance Claims Compliance and Accelerate Revenue Recovery

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-19T05:24:57-05:00January 19th, 2026|Tags: biohazard cleanup, Fire and Smoke Damage Mitigation, mold removal, property restoration, PuroClean, water damage remediation|

CHICAGO — PuroClean Disaster Services, the largest owner and operator of PuroClean franchises within the PuroClean Network, today announced the deployment of Agentech’s agentic AI platform to modernize claims operations, strengthen compliance with carrier guidelines, and drive incremental revenue recovery across its restoration business.

As claims volume and regulatory complexity continue to increase, restoration providers face growing pressure to deliver accurate, defensible estimates and documentation while maintaining operational efficiency. PuroClean implemented Agentech’s digital workforce to standardize estimating and invoicing practices, improve documentation quality, and support more consistent alignment with carrier and TPA requirements.

Agentech’s AI workflows continuously analyze estimates and job documentation to identify under-documented or omitted billable items, validate equipment usage against industry standards, and enforce carrier-specific formatting and compliance rules prior to submission. By embedding restoration industry standards and Xactimate/Cotality rule logic directly into the review process, the platform reduces rework, supplement delays, and payment friction.

Operating across seven distinct carrier guideline frameworks, PuroClean has leveraged the platform to standardize equipment setup, monitoring, and takedown calculations across locations, improve estimating discipline, and surface revenue opportunities earlier in the claims lifecycle.

“This platform provides immediate insight into documentation gaps and missed revenue opportunities, while reinforcing best practices and carrier alignment,” said Keegan Trudgen, PuroClean franchise owner. “It allows our teams to improve financial performance without compromising compliance or partner relationships.”

Since implementation, PuroClean reports identifying an average of $225 per file in previously unrealized revenue. In parallel, carrier partners benefit from more accurate submissions, standardized documentation, faster claim resolution, and fewer disputes.

“Restoration providers are being asked to do more with less while meeting increasingly stringent documentation standards,” said Robin Roberson, President and Co-founder of Agentech. “Our digital AI coworkers enable teams to apply carrier-specific logic and industry best practices at scale, improving both financial outcomes and claims quality, all in real-time.”

PuroClean plans to expand its use of Agentech’s platform to further standardize operations and strengthen collaboration with insurers and TPAs, underscoring a broader shift toward intelligent automation as a foundation for accuracy, compliance, and scalable growth in the claims ecosystem.

Agentech and PuroClean Disaster Services will be attending the INTRConnect 2026 Conference and welcome the opportunity to connect with insurance carriers, TPAs, independent adjusting firms, and restoration professionals interested in the practical application of AI within claims and restoration operations.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of over 500 North American franchise locations across the United States and Canada, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand.

About Go Mini’s
Founded in 2002, Go Mini’s® has become one of the fastest-growing portable storage and moving companies in North America with locations in 41 states in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2012, the brand converted into a franchise model and now has 114 sold franchises within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Go Mini’s is proud to have been recognized by Franchise Business Review as a Top Franchise in 2017, as well as being ranked 16^th by Entrepreneur Magazine in their list of 2017’s Top New Franchises. Go Mini’s Franchising LLC. was recently named a Top Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. Got a Project? Get a Mini. For more information, please go to https://www.gominis.com/.

19 01, 2026

The Designery announces new Denver showroom with grand opening celebration

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-19T05:20:27-05:00January 19th, 2026|Tags: Bath Design, Closet Design, HomeFront Brands, Kitchen Design, The Designery|

Local owner Rob Glynn provides refreshments, entertainment and tours of the showroom to introduce residents to comprehensive kitchen, bath and closet designs

DENVER — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Denver location on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the new showroom located at 3875 Steele Street, Suite 1145.

The Designery Denver is locally owned and operated by Rob Glynn, who brings experience and a customer-focused approach to the Denver market. Guests attending the grand opening celebration will enjoy an open bar, a food truck, live circus performers, exclusive giveaways and tours of the showroom.

“Our goal with The Designery Denver is to create a space where clients feel inspired and supported from the very beginning of their projects,” Glynn said. “By offering premium products alongside expert guidance in one location, we can help clients move forward with clarity and confidence as they bring their vision to life. Opening our doors in Denver allows us to establish lasting connections with homeowners and industry partners throughout the community.”

Casey Ridley, founder and president of The Designery, said the Denver location reflects the brand’s continued growth and commitment to delivering a high-touch design experience.

“Rob brings a strong entrepreneurial drive and a deep understanding of both project management and real estate that make him an excellent fit for The Designery,” Ridley said. “His experience managing complex projects, investing in and remodeling homes, and prioritizing customer service ensures that clients in Denver will receive a thoughtful, well-guided design experience from start to finish.”

The Designery Denver provides a comprehensive design experience by offering cabinetry, countertops, flooring and accessories all in one location, along with professional design support and project coordination. The location serves residents in Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Columbine, Conifer, Denver, Englewood, Federal Heights, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Parker, Sherrelwood, Southglenn, Thornton, Welby, Westminster and Wheat Ridge.

For more information about The Designery Denver, visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/denver/ or call them at (303) 536-6214.

About The Designery

The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery’s immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.

19 01, 2026

PuroClean Partners with Go Mini’s to Provide Fast, Reliable Storage Solutions for Restoration Projects Nationwide

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-19T05:09:55-05:00January 19th, 2026|Tags: biohazard cleanup, Fire and Smoke Damage Mitigation, mold removal, property restoration, PuroClean, water damage remediation|

National Partnership Enhances Efficiency and Customer Experience During Disaster Recovery

TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, is proud to announce a National Strategic Partnership with Go Mini’s, the national portable storage franchise known for helping families through life’s transitions. This collaboration enables Go Mini’s to deliver secure, on-site storage directly to PuroClean’s network of 500+ franchises across the United States, supporting property owners during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Through a collaborative partnership, PuroClean Franchise Owners seamlessly deploy Go Mini’s portable storage containers, which are delivered promptly to help protect customers’ belongings throughout the restoration process. Whether responding to water damage, fire, mold, or biohazard cleanup, this partnership ensures restoration teams can work efficiently, provides peace of mind to home and business owners, and reinforces PuroClean Franchise Owners as trusted, full-service partners during critical property restoration situations.

A critical component of many restoration projects is the pack-out and contents cleaning process, where belongings must be carefully removed, inventoried, protected, and restored while mitigation and restoration are underway. Go Mini’s portable containers act as secure, on-site extensions of the job site, allowing PuroClean teams to streamline pack-outs, reduce handling and transportation delays, and begin contents cleaning faster, helping return customers’ personal items more efficiently and with greater care.

Key Consumer Benefits:

15% National Discount: Every PuroClean franchise can offer customers a standardized 15% savings on container rentals and transportation costs.
Fast, Priority Response: Go Mini’s responds quickly to urgent requests, providing secure storage when homeowners need it most.
On-Site Safety & Convenience: Clean, weatherproof, ground-level storage is delivered directly to the property, minimizing disruption during the restoration process.
Streamlined Experience: A consistent process and discount structure across all PuroClean franchises ensures reliable service nationwide.

“During disaster recovery, every minute counts, and protecting homeowners’ belongings is a top priority,” said Steve White, PuroClean President. “Partnering with Go Mini’s allows our franchises to deliver fast, reliable storage solutions that enhance the restoration experience and give families peace of mind.”

Go Mini’s complements PuroClean’s restoration services with its extensive container selection, including industry-exclusive 20-foot units and compact solutions for smaller spaces. Its proprietary delivery system allows placement in tight areas where others cannot, while local Go Mini’s teams provide dedicated service to ensure on-time, on-budget projects that support efficient job completion and positive customer outcomes.

“Restoration projects move quickly, and protecting contents from further damage is essential,” said Chris Walls, CEO of Go Mini’s. “This partnership equips PuroClean teams with flexible, on-site storage solutions that support efficient pack-outs and contents cleaning, helping families recover faster while restoration work is completed.”

Through this national partnership, PuroClean and Go Mini’s are redefining the restoration experience by combining fast response, safe storage, and consistent service for homeowners across the country.

For more information on PuroClean, please visit https://www.puroclean.com/.
For more information on Go Mini’s, please visit https://www.gominis.com/.

17 01, 2026

Celebree School Expands Midwest Footprint, Bringing First Schools to Wisconsin

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-17T03:26:34-05:00January 17th, 2026|Tags: Celebree School, early-childhood education, preschool, summer camp programs, toddler care|

Bringing Innovative Early Education to the Milwaukee Area, Celebree School is Set to Open Its Doors in October 2027
Nurturing Children Six Weeks to Five Years Old, the School Offers a Creative, Play-Based Learning Approach
With a Commitment to “Grow People Big and Small™,” Celebree School Supports Families and Meets the Growing Demand for Quality Childcare

MILWAUKEE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, marks its debut in Wisconsin, with the first location in a multi-unit signed agreement set to open in fall of 2027. The new schools will offer a nurturing, curriculum-based environment that supports the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children while adhering to Wisconsin’s early education standards.

About the Owners

Owned and operated by Arpita and Snehasish Maity, the new schools aim to nurture, educate, and empower children while supporting families. Arpita brings a strong background in technology, operations, community engagement, and early learning, along with a bachelor’s degree in art. Snehasish serves as the Chief Information Officer at Fincantieri Marine Group, where he leads major digital transformation and innovation initiatives. Together, the Maity family is committed to bringing high-quality early education to their communities.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Celebree School experience to the Milwaukee area with a local school that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and provides lasting value for families,” said Arpita. “We believe that meaningful change starts with a strong foundation in education, and our vision is to build a place where children can truly thrive, and families feel fully supported. For us, this is much more than opening a business, as it’s an opportunity to help shape the next generation.”

The Maitys plan to open multiple Celebree School locations across Wisconsin in the coming years, supporting the brand’s long-term growth in the region.

The Celebree School Approach

Celebree School was founded on the promise to Grow People Big and Small™, believing that success in early childhood development stems from both exceptional curriculum and meaningful connection that extends beyond the classroom. Each Celebree School builds a village of parents, children, and educators dedicated to supporting the whole child and the whole family, while providing curriculum-based care that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.

At the heart of Celebree’s approach is The Creative Curriculum^® by Teaching Strategies, a nationally recognized, research-based program trusted by educators for decades. This curriculum encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on learning experiences, ensuring children build a strong foundation for future academic and personal success.

Wisconsin’s Demand for Early Childhood Education

While Wisconsin was ranked seventh in education, many students are still working to regain pre-pandemic academic achievement levels. Gaps in early childhood learning, specifically foundational and social-emotional development, have contributed to these challenges and can have lasting effects as students progress in their education. With a shortage of available childcare and early learning options across the state, Celebree School is stepping in to provide accessible, high-quality programs that build strong foundations and help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our mission take root in Wisconsin,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “Knowing that children will have the support and foundation they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally makes this work deeply meaningful. I’m confident the Maity family will carry our vision forward and create a nurturing place where families feel truly supported.”

With a 30-plus-year history of providing superior early childhood education, Celebree School delivers a stable, secure learning environment that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Programs are available for children six weeks to 5 years old with unique curriculum designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part time or full time and parents are welcome to drop in and visit at any time.

For more information regarding Celebree School, please visit https://www.celebree.com/.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

17 01, 2026

Sport Clips Haircuts Celebrates $1.22M Raised for Veterans’ Scholarships & Thousands of Free Haircuts Given During its 2025 Help A Hero Campaign

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-17T03:19:29-05:00January 17th, 2026|Tags: haircuts for men and boys, personal care services, Sport Clips, sports-themed haircutting franchise, veterans|

Donations to the VFW Foundation Now Exceed $16M Supporting Veterans’ Education Toward Civilian Careers

SAN DIEGO — Sport Clips Haircuts today announced its 2025 Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign raised $1.22 million in support of military service members and veterans pursuing higher education. In addition, Sport Clips locations across the U.S. provided thousands of free haircuts to active-duty service members and veterans on Veterans Day, a gesture of gratitude for those who serve.

To mark the announcement, a check presentation was held today at VFW Post 1774 in La Mesa, where members of the local Sport Clips team provided haircuts for current military members and veterans in the greater-San Diego area. At the event, it was announced that since the scholarship program’s founding in 2013, Sport Clips, along with its clients, team members and product partners, has contributed more than $16 million to the program administered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), making it the nation’s largest scholarship effort of its kind. The funds provide vital education and career training opportunities for service members transitioning from military to civilian life.

“We are incredibly grateful to our clients, product partners, franchisees, and dedicated stylists whose generosity and commitment made this year’s campaign another success,” said Gordon Logan, founder and chairman of Sport Clips and a U.S. Air Force veteran. “Their support is making a real impact through funds raised for scholarships and thousands of free haircuts that help honor the men and women who serve our country.”

“This incredible donation raised by Sport Clips is a life-changing investment in the future of our transitioning service members,” said Carol Whitmore, VFW national commander. “For many veterans, the path to a successful civilian career is blocked by education benefits that run dry before the finish line. This program ensures that the financial hurdle of a degree doesn’t stand in the way of their dreams. Together, we are doing more than just paying for classes; we are honoring the service of these men and women by empowering them to lead in the workforce. On behalf of the VFW, I want to thank Sport Clips’ team, partners and their dedicated clients for their unwavering support and for proving, once again, that they truly understand what it means to support those who serve.”

Transitioning from military service into civilian employment can be challenging. Every year approximately 200,000 service members make this transition and often seek additional education or training to secure meaningful post-military careers. Yet many find that existing benefits, such as the GI Bill, don’t fully cover the financial needs associated with higher education or career training, driving the demand for supplemental scholarship support like that provided by Sport Clips’ Help A Hero campaign.

To date, Help A Hero has provided 3,546 total scholarships. The total includes 163 recipients for the upcoming spring 2026 semester. See the full list of spring 2026 recipients here. To apply for a fall 2026 scholarship before the April 30 deadline or to find out more, visit SportClips.com/HERO.

About Sport Clips Haircuts
Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check in for clients, and ranks #52 in the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” for 2025 and was named a 2025 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. There are nearly 1,800 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and ranks #13 in the 2025 Top Franchise for Veterans list by Entrepreneur. Sport Clips provides “Haircuts with Heart” through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed more than $16 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, Minor League Baseball (MiLB), and partners with select NCAA teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit sportclips.com.

About the VFW
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and most established major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at vfw.org.

17 01, 2026

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500® Ranking

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-17T03:13:30-05:00January 17th, 2026|Tags: “executive” model, Home Inspector Franchise, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors|

Industry-Leading Home Inspection Franchise Earns Continued Validation for System Strength, Longevity, and Franchise Support

TAMPA, Fla. — Pillar To Post Home Inspectors (Pillar To Post), North America’s largest home inspection company, has been recognized on the 47^th annual Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500® list, marking the brand’s 29^th consecutive year upon the prestigious franchise ranking. The recognition marks another year of validation for the brand, which was inducted into the Franchise 500® Hall of Fame in 2024.

For nearly 30 years, Pillar To Post has remained a leader in home inspection franchising by prioritizing system durability, franchise owner support, and long-term scalability. The brand’s continued placement on the Franchise 500® reflects its ability to adapt to evolving market conditions while maintaining consistent performance.

“At a time when the franchise landscape continues to evolve, consistent recognition like this speaks to the strength of our model and the people behind it,” said Charles Furlough, CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. “Our focus has never been about chasing rankings. It’s about building systems that support strong operators, sustainable growth, and long-term success, and that discipline continues to serve our franchise owners well.”

A key differentiator behind Pillar To Post’s sustained performance is its Executive Model, which enables franchise business owners to build scalable inspection businesses without performing inspections themselves. By emphasizing leadership, team development, and operational leverage, the model continues to attract professionals from corporate leadership, military service, real estate, construction, and other industries seeking ownership.

In addition to its Franchise 500® recognition, Pillar To Post was also named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans list, underscoring the brand’s longstanding commitment to supporting military entrepreneurs. Veterans make up a meaningful portion of the Pillar To Post system, drawn to the brand’s structured support, leadership-oriented model, and proven pathway to ownership.

Each year, Entrepreneur evaluates franchises using an extensive methodology that analyzes more than 150 data points across areas such as costs and fees, size and growth, franchise support, brand strength, and financial stability. The Franchise 500® has become one of the most comprehensive and competitive benchmarks in franchising, serving as a key research tool for prospective franchise owners.

“Our continued inclusion on the Franchise 500 reflects the depth of our support infrastructure and the consistency of our franchise network,” added Furlough. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on attracting the right owners, strengthening our systems, and helping franchise business owners build durable businesses in their local markets.”

To view Pillar To Post in the full Franchise 500® ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 or see the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands now.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, visit www.franchise.pillartopost.com.

About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors^®
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are 400+ franchises located across the United States and Canada. The company has been named as Best in Category in Entrepreneur Magazine‘s Franchise500® ranking for 20 years in a row. For further information, please visit www.pillartopost.com.

15 01, 2026

ALL 19 NEIGHBORLY® BRANDS EARN SPOTS ON ENTREPRENEUR’S 2026 FRANCHISE 500® FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-15T15:12:47-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: home based franchise, home services franchisor, Neighborly, Neighbourly, owner operated franchise opportunity, residential and commercial clients|

Seven Neighborly brands rank No. 1 in their respective categories

WACO, Texas — Neighborly^®, a family of global brands dedicated to delivering remarkable experiences for both consumers and franchise owners, today announced that all 19 of its North American franchise brands have once again been recognized on Entrepreneur‘s 2026 Franchise 500® ranking. This marks the second consecutive year every eligible Neighborly franchise brand has been recognized on the industry’s most comprehensive and competitive franchise list.

The achievement reflects Neighborly’s continued momentum and the strength of its diversified portfolio, spanning repair, maintenance, restoration and home improvement services. Notably, seven Neighborly brands – Aire Serv®, Dryer Vent Wizard®, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® Plumbing, Precision Garage Door Service® and Real Property Management – earned the No. 1 ranking in their respective franchise categories.

“This recognition highlights the incredible dedication of our franchise owners and the remarkable experiences they create for their customers every day,” said Mike Davis, chief executive officer of Neighborly. “With all 19 of our brands performing strongly in the home services market, we’re more confident than ever in the power of our platform, from the systems we’ve built to the way we support owners in growing trusted, local businesses. The future is bright, and we’re excited to continue connecting customers with the right services at the right time, driving innovation and growth across the industry.”

Widely regarded as the gold standard in franchise rankings, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list evaluates franchise brands across more than 150 data points, including unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand power, costs and fees, and ongoing support. Only the top 500 franchises earn placement each year.

The following 19 Neighborly brands earned spots on the 2026 Franchise 500®:

Aire Serv® #251, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Dryer Vent Wizard® #318, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Five Star Painting® #396
Glass Doctor® #172, Ranked No. 1 in Category
The Grounds Guys® #268
HouseMaster® #256
Junk King® #434
Lawn Pride® #399
Molly Maid® #67
Mosquito Joe® #387
Mr. Appliance® #302
Mr. Electric® #174, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Mr. Handyman® #289
Mr. Rooter® Plumbing #116, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Precision Garage Door Service® #279, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Rainbow Restoration® #101
Real Property Management #73, Ranked No. 1 in Category
Shelf Genie® #254
Window Genie® #340

Neighborly’s continued presence across the rankings highlights the company’s long-term strategy of building category-leading brands while empowering franchise owners to deliver reliable, high-quality service to homeowners across North America.

“Today’s franchise owners are looking for brands that can perform across economic cycles and grow with them over time,” said Brad Stevenson, chief development officer of Neighborly. “This recognition reinforces the advantage of Neighborly’s diversified home services portfolio and our ability to support franchise owners at every stage, from onboarding and launch to scaling through technology, marketing and operational excellence.”

To view all 19 Neighborly brands in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

To learn more about Neighborly, visit www.neighborlybrands.com/.

About Neighborly®
Neighborly® is a family of global brands focused on being remarkable with consumers and franchise owners. What began as one brand in Waco, Texas, in 1981 has grown to more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchise locations across North America and Europe serving millions of customers. Neighborly offers a proven path to business ownership accompanied by established systems, award-winning brands, training, and continued support throughout the franchising journey.

To learn about franchising opportunities, visit franchise.neighborly.com
To bring your passion to Neighborly, visit neighborlybrands.com/careers
To find trusted service professionals for any project, visit Neighborly.com

Correction: The ranking of Dryer Vent Wizard® has been updated.

15 01, 2026

Two Five Star Franchising brands honored on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-15T15:03:33-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: Bio-One, crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, decontamination and biohazard cleanup services, Five Star Franchising|

Five Star Bath Solutions (No. 123) and Mosquito Shield (No. 269) both recognized among top franchises in the country

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Two brands from the innovative and rapidly-growing Five Star Franchising platform have been recognized on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, denoting them as two of the top franchise opportunities in the country. Five Star Bath Solutions made the list at No. 123 while achieving the No. 1 position within the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling category. Mosquito Shield came in at No. 269.

The prestigious annual list represents a gold standard within the franchising industry, highlighting the brands that offer the best overall owner performance. Rankings are determined based on unit growth, financial stability and overall brand recognition.

This year’s rankings boast a number of notable milestones for the Five Star Franchising platform, including:

Five Star Bath Solutions’ eighth consecutive appearance on the list.
The first time Five Star Bath Solutions has topped its category.
Mosquito Shield’s fifth consecutive appearance on the list.

“When aspiring owners start vetting potential franchise opportunities, one of the main things they’re looking for is consistency,” said Scott Abbott, Co-founder and CEO of Five Star Franchising. “Having our brands make so many repeat appearances on this list confirms that they are reliable revenue-drivers and growth engines, year after year.”

The Franchise 500® list has been sought-after within the franchise space for 47 years now, with an ever-evolving rankings formula that accounts for more than 150 data points. In assigning rankings, Entrepreneur’s editorial team considers everything from growth trajectories to initial costs and fees.

“We have brands ranking across multiple categories, which attests to Five Star’s breadth of opportunity within the residential service space,” said Colt Florence, senior vice president of franchise development for Five Star Franchising. “For those looking to build their own business within the proven structures of a franchise system, our platform offers numerous points of entry.”

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

To view the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

About Five Star Franchising

Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of home service brands with more than 1,600 total locations throughout North America. Franchise owners across Five Star’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, Mosquito Shield, 1-800-Packouts, and Card My Yard enjoy a robust support network and access to industry-leading tools such as ProNexis, the 24/7 sales support solution tailored for home service businesses, and Five Star Marketing Services, Five Star Franchising’s elite marketing engine. Five Star Franchising’s commitment to core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — ensures its brands are category leaders and empowers franchise owners to maximize profitable growth and secure their financial destiny. Five Star Franchising is consistently recognized as one of the most successful companies in the industry. The company has appeared on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times total, ranking #780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in its home state, with positions on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

About Five Star Bath Solutions

Five Star Bath Solutions is the premier bath transformation franchise in the home remodeling industry. The company, named to the highly competitive Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years, designs and builds dream bathrooms through expertise and trust providing affordable transformations and beautiful solutions. Part of the Five Star Franchising portfolio of home service brands since 2014, Five Star Bath Solutions is one of the fastest-growing bath remodeling franchises in the world with more than 250 franchise locations. Five Star Bath Solutions was also recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. and Canada by Entrepreneur in 2024 and named a Top Low-Cost Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. For more information, visit fivestarbathsolutions.com. To learn about franchising with Five Star Bath Solutions, click here.

About Mosquito Shield

Mosquito Shield is America’s trusted provider of effective residential mosquito, tick and perimeter pest control service. Combining an innovative proprietary blend of natural oils and select control products with a responsive spraying schedule designed around real-time pest population analysis and weather conditions, Mosquito Shield delivers the best results in the industry to help customers in over 400 territories enjoy their outdoor spaces. Mosquito Shield, part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands, was ranked the top pest control franchise in the U.S. by Entrepreneur in 2023, 2024 and 2025. For more information about Mosquito Shield, visit moshield.com. To learn about franchising opportunities, click here.

15 01, 2026

58% of US Job Seekers Say Finding Work Will Be Harder in 2026 — Yet 42% Are Already on the Hunt

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-15T14:56:31-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

New survey reveals rising workloads, shrinking opportunities and growing pressure for better pay and balance as the new year begins.

OKLAHOMA CITY — With 2026 in full swing, U.S. job seekers are entering the new year with mixed emotions and mounting challenges. While optimism about higher wages persists, the majority believe the road to landing a job will be harder than ever.

According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 58% of job seekers expect it will be more difficult to find a job in the next six months, and 37% believe there are fewer opportunities compared to a year ago, a sharp decline from 48% in 2025.

At the same time, 46% anticipate overall wages will increase in 2026 compared to 2025, fueling hope amid uncertainty.

Interest in full-time work remains strong, with 82% of job seekers focused on securing full-time positions, compared to just 35% considering part-time roles.

Contract and freelance work appeals to 24%, while temporary or seasonal positions hold steady at 23%. Entry-level roles are attracting 22%, and only 11% are willing to accept positions below their most recent pay level, signaling a continued emphasis on stability and growth.

The intensity of job searches is also shifting. Currently, 42% of job seekers report actively looking for a new job, up from 35% in the spring of 2024 but slightly down from 44% in the spring of 2025. This trend suggests a market where urgency is rising but caution remains.

For those already employed, the grind is real: 47% report working longer hours or more shifts than usual in the past year, and 37% have logged more overtime.

Those with household incomes above $50,000 are feeling the strain most, with 49% working longer hours and 39% taking on more overtime, compared to 36% and 28% among lower-income workers.

Why are employed job seekers looking to make a move?

42% want better growth opportunities within their current industry.
41% are seeking the work-life balance they’ve been missing.
36% cite the need to negotiate better compensation.

Top concerns about staying put:

34% worry about not getting the salary increase they deserve.
32% fear a slowdown in work opportunities.
28% are concerned about losing their job if the economy declines.

Despite these pressures, satisfaction gaps remain a driving force behind career decisions.

Salary continues to lead with a 20-point gap between importance and satisfaction, followed by work-life balance at seven points and advancement opportunities at five points. While these gaps have narrowed slightly since the spring of 2025, they underscore persistent frustrations that could shape the job market in the months ahead.

“As the job market continues to evolve, success will come to those who stay focused, flexible and proactive,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who invest in their skills, remain open to new opportunities and clearly communicate their value will be best positioned to thrive and find the right fit in 2026.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

15 01, 2026

BrightStar Care Ranks Among Top 500 Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2026

Paul Zboichyk2026-01-15T14:51:35-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: BrightStar Care, home care and medical staffing franchise, home health care, medical and non-medical services, Moving Health Home|

The Brand Earns #159 Ranking After Year of Accelerated Expansion and Strong Franchisee Performance

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of in-home care and medical staffing, has been recognized, for the 16th year in a row, as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, BrightStar Care jumped nearly 30 positions from the previous year, now ranking as #159 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“As demand for home-based care continues to rise, BrightStar Care’s continued momentum in the Franchise 500® reflects the strength of our franchise model,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “We’re proud to offer franchise owners a model that delivers strong financial results while making a meaningful impact for families, caregivers, and healthcare partners nationwide.”

In 2025, BrightStar Care opened more than 30 new locations, welcomed 20 new franchise owners, and saw existing owners expand into 21 additional markets. BrightStar Care’s multiple revenue streams provide franchisees the opportunity to grow their business beyond traditional companion and personal care, which drives greater market penetration and strong financial performance.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief.

As part of Entrepreneur’s ongoing commitment to evaluating the constantly evolving franchise landscape, the editorial team conducts in-depth research across a wide range of criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and overall financial stability.

About BrightStar Care
Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care is a leading franchisor of home care services with more than 420 franchised locations nationwide that provide skilled and unskilled home care to clients and custom medical staffing solutions to corporate entities. BrightStar Care franchise agencies employ more than 15,000 caregivers and 5,700 registered nurses who oversee the care and safety of each client. All BrightStar Care agencies are accredited by The Joint Commission, and the brand has been recognized as an Enterprise Champion for Quality for over a decade. In addition to supporting families at home, BrightStar Care partners with healthcare organizations to meet staffing needs with experienced, credentialed professionals. Learn more at www.brightstarfranchising.com.

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