Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost-cutting consulting firm in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in Ontario in 1997 and franchised in 2004, the brand offers a low point of entry for potential franchisees who want to be their own boss and have a background in sales, marketing, consulting or upper management. By Patty Horansky
Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost-cutting consulting firm in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in Ontario in 1997 and franchised in 2004, the brand offers a low point of entry for potential franchisees who want to be their own boss and have a background in sales, marketing, consulting or upper management.
Unlike a traditional brick-and-mortar business, Schooley Mitchell is a professional, knowledge-based B2B franchise that provides its more than 260 franchisees with numerous benefits. These benefits include the ability to work from home, low overhead, scalability, portability, recurring revenue, territorial freedom, recession-resistance and unparalleled training and support.
Schooley Mitchell franchisees help small- to medium-sized businesses save money by identifying errors and waste in 16 cost-cutting categories, such as merchant services, small-package shipping, linens and uniforms, fuel and more. Franchisees review clients’ contracts and bills to help them understand where they are losing money, and then they help facilitate savings.
According to founder and CEO Dennis Schooley, most small-business owners don’t have the time or knowledge to look for mistakes in billing, seek better pricing or spot subtle shifts in their industries. Especially in times of recession, small businesses tend to reach for quick solutions for savings such as laying off employees or delaying the purchase of equipment.
Franchisees identify areas of savings that help businesses stay afloat and prosper, such as overcharges in billing or by negotiating deals with vendors. They are paid only if savings are found, making the brand’s risk-free environment attractive to potential clients. Since its founding, Schooley Mitchell has helped nearly 30,000 clients save over $540 billion, and it continues to grow by a rate of six to eight franchises a month.
“We’ve had some tremendous successes here. We’ve got people that are making a million dollars a year,” Schooley said. “The possibilities here have become more and more evident for people to really change their lives by being a franchisee.”
When someone becomes a franchisee, they can expect one week of training at brand headquarters, along with ongoing training and support, through webinars, conferences, seminars and more. The brand’s headquarters employs more than 100 support staff, including a research department that is continually looking for trends in business and new cost-cutting categories.
“Most people who want to start a business are looking for something where they have full control. We give them a great system, great training and great support,” Schooley said.
Schooley also revealed that the brand recently expanded its categories into the shipping and packaging of facility supplies. It also is poised to expand into the shipment of medical supplies, which is an area where businesses typically overspend.
When considering potential franchisees, Schooley Mitchell seeks those who are comfortable dealing with others.
“We just want people who want to build a great professional business and with very little cost,” Schooley said. “We’re going to have continual growth, with more expense categories added.”
The new year holds promise for franchisees and their clients alike, so now is the best time for people to get in on it and create a significant income for themselves as a Schooley Mitchell franchise owner.
Patty Horansky