Local Handyman is redefining how franchisees launch, build and expand their businesses. The corporate team empowers entrepreneurs to become local leaders while providing complete marketing support to establish brand loyalty. Still, one of the biggest differentiators that sets the company apart as a pacesetter in the growing handyman market is its robust team culture. By Lizzy Yeserski
When Robert Harman, a franchisee of five Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ locations in North Carolina, got the call to work on the newly purchased Frying Pan Shoals Lighthouse, he knew it would be unlike any project his team had tackled before. By Kelsi Trinidad
Home and commercial services franchisor posts 15% increase in franchise development and takes one brand to Canada
RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, a franchisor of home and business services brands, today announced strong first-half growth, including a 13% year-over-year increase in new franchisees added across its portfolio and a 15% increase in total transactions, which include new agreements, transfers and expansions by existing franchise owners.
The news comes as the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies recently forecasted total residential improvement and repair spending to exceed $522 billion this year, with aging homes and slower new-home construction continuing to drive demand for services that help consumers protect and maintain their most valuable assets.
The performance underscores the strength of Empower Brands’ diversified portfolio, which includes JAN- PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Bumble Roofing and Canopy Lawn Care.
During the first six months of 2026, Empower Brands continued expanding across the United States while also entering Canada through Superior Fence & Rail. The brand launched north of the border in February and has already welcomed four new franchise owners who will help establish its foundation for sustained growth in the market.
“Our strength is not simply in how we grow, but in how thoughtfully we grow,” said R. Scott Sutton, chief development officer of Empower Brands. “We remain committed to ensuring the right new owner is matched with the right brand, at the right time and in the right market, creating the strongest foundation for long-term success.”
First-half 2026 highlights include:
“We’re continuing to build a more sophisticated and disciplined franchise development platform, supported by strong leadership, clearer sales execution and smarter technology,” Sutton added. “These investments allow us to engage candidates more effectively, improve the development journey and create stronger matches between the right owners and the right brands.”
To learn more about Empower Brands and its array of property services franchise opportunities across its award-winning portfolio, visit EmpowerFranchising.com.
About Empower Brands
Empower Brands is a commercial and home services platform company encompassing ten industry-leading brands: JAN-PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Bumble Roofing and Canopy Lawn Care. Empower Brands is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industries while simultaneously delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses. For more about Empower Brands, visit the company’s website at EmpowerFranchising.com.
“What do I want to be when I grow up?” – a question that Keith Burney asked himself before becoming a Paul Davis Restoration franchisee. After a career in the Navy and as a lawyer, Burney found himself in a corporate job that wasn’t fulfilling. He was fortunate enough that his wife’s salary alone would cover their expenses, so he took the opportunity to quit and figure out exactly what he wanted to do. By Kelsi Trinidad
Lawn care is evolving, and NaturaLawn of America is at the center of that shift. Known as the nation’s leading organic-based lawn care franchise, the brand is focused on expanding across the South and Midwest, bringing its environmentally responsible approach to more homeowners and communities. By Shelby Green
Over a decade ago, Robert Moschorak excelled as president and general manager of Ace International. He went on to work with other organizations following a five-year tenure but was impressed with Ace Hardware Corporation’s brand, team and leadership quality. By Erika Ortega
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.
About Empower Brands
Empower Brands is a commercial and home services platform company encompassing ten industry-leading brands: JAN-PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Bumble Roofing and Canopy Lawn Care. Empower Brands is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industries while simultaneously delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses. For more about Empower Brands, visit the company’s website at 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:
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.
About Empower Brands
Empower Brands is a commercial and home services platform company encompassing ten industry-leading brands: JAN-PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Bumble Roofing and Canopy Lawn Care. Empower Brands is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industries while simultaneously delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses. For more about Empower Brands, visit the company’s website at EmpowerFranchising.com.
Convenience has become the currency of modern homeownership. For busy families and property owners, juggling multiple vendors for routine maintenance is not just frustrating. It’s inefficient. HomeSmiles built a franchise around solving that exact problem, and in just a few short years, the brand has expanded into more than 25 states and sold over 150 territories, positioning itself as one of the fastest growing concepts in the home services franchise space. By Rose Mango
Local Handyman CEO Colin Sprake has built a career in mergers and acquisitions, transforming struggling companies into successful ones. Beyond that, Sprake has dedicated his life to helping other entrepreneurs do the same. He’s an author of several books outlining his approach to business success. That expertise now shapes Local Handyman and provides a significant benefit to its franchisees. By Kelsi Trinidad