Before becoming CEO of Rolling Suds Power Washing and crafting a successful franchise legacy, Aaron Harper developed his management skills while working in the film and television industry. By Jessica Petrucelli
COVER STORY
Before becoming CEO of Rolling Suds Power Washing and crafting a successful franchise legacy, Aaron Harper developed his management skills while working in the film and television industry.
“It was a very tough industry. I was working 17-hour days and not loving the outcome,” said Harper. “After five years, I realized it wasn’t my path.”
Then, he shifted into a B2B sales role at a Fortune 15 and became one of the company’s top-producing reps.
“I knew sales was my strength and that job allowed me to put quantifiable numbers behind it,” Harper said. “But I still wasn’t fulfilled. I wanted to help people, do something meaningful and change lives. I just didn’t know in what capacity.”
One day, Harper called his college buddies and asked if they enjoyed their jobs, and a friend who worked for Chem-Dry at the time told him he should pursue franchise development.
“I wasn’t particularly passionate about carpet and floor cleaning, but what I did hear during that conversation was that my friend was helping people become business owners,” Harper said. “I knew that was something I could get behind.”
Harper didn’t know much about franchising, thinking fast food chains were the only types of brands in the business. When he found out that the industry was filled with independent business owners seeking and dreaming of success, he jumped in feet first.
“I think I emailed the boss at Chem-Dry every three weeks for six months until he hired me,” said Harper. “Eventually, I became franchise development director there and helped grow that company by 200 units in three years.”
When BELFOR Franchise Group acquired Chem-Dry, Harper was promoted to senior director of franchise development for both Chem-Dry and The Patch Boys. During his tenure, he awarded and helped open over 400 territories. However, he still dreamed of more, and in 2023, he stepped out on his own to become the franchisor for Rolling Suds.
“I started to think about what it would look like to be a franchisor probably about a year prior,” Harper said. “It was almost like an epiphany. I knew this is where I could really ignite my original mission of helping people launch their own businesses.”
Harper researched dozens of business concepts such as HVAC, plumbing, roofing, solar and epoxy coating before meeting the founders of Rolling Suds.
“I went to Springboard and was introduced to Brian Wendling Jr.,” he said. “The next day, I drove 55 minutes north to see his operation. I was sold.”
Harper rebranded the company, took it to market in February 2023 and signed his first franchisee in March. Since then, he has sold 256 territories in 31 states to 78 franchise owners.
Considered one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S., Rolling Suds is known for its proprietary cleaning process which utilizes high-quality materials and a specific dilution of soaps within its wash method. State-of-the-art equipment and continuous training and support are just part of what is offered to franchisees.
“The business has grown fast over the past two years, but we’re still truly in the infancy stage,” Harper concluded. “We are building the biggest power washing brand in the world, but our main focus is helping franchise owners achieve their dreams.”
Jessica Petrucelli