home services

New partnership provides franchise owners with faster, compliant pathways to launch and scale property services businesses

RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, a franchisor of home and business services brands, today announced a strategic partnership with RMO Agency to help franchise owners more efficiently navigate contractor licensing requirements and accelerate business growth.

Through the partnership, Empower Brands franchisees, particularly those operating in contractor-focused brands, will gain access to a network of pre-screened Responsible Managing Officers (RMOs), enabling them to legally operate while working toward obtaining their own licenses. The offering is designed to remove a common barrier to entry and expansion, allowing owners to launch faster and operate with confidence.

“Supporting our franchise owners with the right tools and resources is central to everything we do,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “This partnership with RMO Agency gives our operators a clear, compliant pathway to get their businesses up and running more quickly, while also setting them up for long-term success as they work toward their own licensure.”

RMO Agency brings more than 20 years of industry experience, offering a compliance-focused approach to contractor licensing support. Its services include access to a vetted network of RMOs, flat monthly pricing, structured supervision plans aligned with state requirements and ongoing expert guidance throughout the licensure process. Franchisees also benefit from a user-friendly customer portal that simplifies communication and oversight.

The partnership is expected to be especially impactful for Empower Brands’ contractor-based concepts, including Bumble Roofing and Archadeck Outdoor Living, where licensing requirements can vary by state and often present challenges for new and expanding operators. By leveraging RMO Agency’s expertise, Empower Brands’ home service providers can reduce delays, maintain compliance and focus on building their customer base.

“As part of the partnership, franchise owners will also have access to exclusive incentives, including a credit toward their first month of licensure services, further lowering the barrier to entry for new operators,” said Scott Suttong, Chief Development Officer of Empower Brands. “By addressing operational challenges like licensing, Empower Brands reinforces its commitment to helping owners grow stronger, more sustainable businesses across its portfolio.”

To learn more about Empower Brands and its array of property services franchise opportunities across its award-winning portfolio, visit EmpowerFranchising.com.

Strategic leadership appointments position multi-brand franchisor for continued expansion following record 2025 performance

RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, a franchisor of home and business services brands, is reinforcing its leadership team with a series of strategic appointments and promotions over the last six months, positioning the company for continued growth in 2026.

Following a record-setting 2025, in which the company achieved significant expansion across its portfolio, with multiple brands earning national recognition and franchisees demonstrating strong unit-level performance, Empower Brands has expanded its leadership bench across marketing, operations, technology and brand leadership roles. These additions reflect a continued investment in franchisee support and platform innovation across its portfolio.

“Coming off a milestone year, we’re focused on building the right leadership structure to support the next phase of growth,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “These leaders bring deep experience and a shared commitment to helping our franchise owners succeed. As we move through 2026, this team will play a critical role in driving performance across every brand in our system.”

Key leadership updates include:

• Volker Wellman, Senior Vice President of Operations at JAN-PRO
• Chris Donnelly, Vice President of Information Technology
• Melanie Watts, Vice President of Brand Marketing
• Joe Dominiak, Brand Leader for Superior Fence & Rail
• Justin Mayer, Brand President of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
• Ben Wright, Brand President for Canopy Lawn Care
• Cory Lyons, Brand President of Wallaby Windows in addition to his role as Brand President of Koala Insulation
• Jeff Waters, Brand President of FRSTeam
• Andrew Eaton, Vice President of Growth for Bumble Roofing
• Neal Leon, Vice President of Business Development for JAN-PRO

The company’s continued investment in leadership reflects its commitment to building a scalable platform that supports both emerging and established brands. By strengthening expertise across key functional areas, Empower Brands aims to improve execution at the local level while creating new opportunities for franchisees to expand and grow within the system.

“Our strategy is centered on empowering franchise owners with the tools, leadership and support they need to succeed,” Zide added. “With this expanded leadership team in place, we’re well-positioned to accelerate growth, strengthen our brands and deliver long-term value across the entire platform.”

With a diversified portfolio and a growing base of multi-unit franchise operators, Empower Brands enters the remainder of 2026 focused on driving sustainable expansion, enhancing franchisee performance and continuing to build one of the leading service-based franchise platforms in North America.

To learn more about Empower Brands and its array of franchise opportunities across its award-winning portfolio, visit EmpowerFranchising.com.