Female leadership is prevalent at all levels of Ace Handyman Services®, despite franchising and the skilled trades being traditionally male-dominated industries. Vice President of Operations LaShelle Taylor has spent more than 30 years in franchising and has witnessed the positive impact women leaders have had across the brands she has encountered. By Erika Ortega
Leading With Heart While Building Franchise Success
Female leadership is prevalent at all levels of Ace Handyman Services®, despite franchising and the skilled trades being traditionally male-dominated industries. Vice President of Operations LaShelle Taylor has spent more than 30 years in franchising and has witnessed the positive impact women leaders have had across the brands she has encountered.
“Franchising was born out of inspirational, wonderful men, but the introduction of women in franchising has been incredible,” she said. “Because we are so relational ourselves and franchising is built on relationships, we are well equipped to move businesses forward.”
With Co-Founders Colette and Andy Bell still leading Ace Handyman Services after 28 years, partnering with the right franchisees, building and retaining talented teams and maintaining a customer-centric approach to services have remained core priorities. Their vision has always been to provide clients with reliable, top-quality handyman services while making a positive impact in their communities. The franchise model is designed to help owners build generational wealth while creating employment opportunities for skilled craftspeople specializing in home and commercial repairs, installations and renovations, including doors, tiles, fences, drywall and carpentry.
Senior Manager of Implementation Heather Haak oversees onboarding, training and support programs designed to help franchisees achieve long-term success.
“I love to hear owners express how our model is truly co-prosperous,” Haak said. “Beyond the basic franchise success model where the franchisor wins when franchisees win, our handymen and women are paid for their skills and expertise that bring the customer’s experience from promises to real life. Our model truly ensures the full team wins and helps employ folks with unique skills that are often overlooked but increasingly needed.”
With many franchises focused primarily on big-picture growth, Ace Handyman Services is dedicated to the individual success of its franchise owners.
“We are very much servant leaders with a family atmosphere and a leading-from-the-heart approach,” said Eastern Regional Director of Franchise Support Fatima Agin. “There are a lot of franchises out there with the goal of private equity sale. Our driver is to make sure our owners are successful. If they’re successful, we’re successful.”
What drew these leaders to Ace Handyman Services was the culture and people. Franchise Business Consultant Rennay Blizzard has worked with entrepreneurs in franchise systems for decades. As a competitive skydiver and coach, she focuses on helping franchisees improve performance, build talented teams and achieve success.
“Our culture is genuine,” she said. “Across departments, everyone is working toward the same goal: helping franchise owners build thriving businesses while delivering an exceptional customer experience. That collaborative spirit is one of the biggest reasons I love what I do.”
Each leader is excited about the future with Ace Handyman Services.
“I see nothing but blue sky here,” said Taylor.
“When you get on a rocketship, you don’t ask which seat,” said Haak.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than watching an owner achieve an all-time sales record, hire their first team or gain the confidence to expand their business,” said Blizzard.
Erika Ortega