Best Practices | Neighboring Franchisees Join Forces

Colorado-based Handyman Matters is a franchise operation with locations in 38 states. The company offers repair, restoration and maintenance services for residential and commercial clients. The two local franchisees work mostly with residential customers.

Telephone: 913-825-6205 for the Kansas franchise; 816-734-1370 for the Missouri franchise.

Address: 14405 W. 123rd Terrace, Olathe; 11109 N. Oak Trafficway.

Web site: www.handymanmatters.com Employees: Each franchisee has seven employees.

Ownership/top management: The Kansas franchise is owned by Laurie Thompson and covers Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami, Douglas and Franklin counties. The Missouri franchise is owned by David and Karen Pierce and covers Jackson, Clay and Platte counties.

Challenge: Operate the related businesses more efficiently.

Background: David Pierce, who had worked more than 20 years in construction, bought a Handyman Matters franchise with his wife in 2007.

"Learning to put in the operating procedures to run the business was a bit of a challenge for me," Pierce said.

Thompson, who was in management with several companies but had no construction experience, bought her franchise in 2008.

Before making the purchase, she contacted David Pierce.

"I talked with him about the challenges he faced, the problems. �Why re-invent the wheel?" Thompson said.

Pierce said he quickly realized Thompson's experience in business management could help his business.

Action steps: "Laurie called me the first week (she was) in business to do joint advertising," Pierce said.

Thompson created newspaper ads and the businesses split the cost. With directory advertising, both franchise phone numbers are given.

They also share ideas on operational policies.

"We modified some things such as service charges," Thompson said. "We shared information on compensation of craftsman and policies on estimating as well. ...If the scope of work changes on a job we use the same change order form." During the winter, when business slowed, the franchisees shared top craftsmen "to keep them busy and staying with us," Pierce said.

Earlier this year, the franchisees teamed up for the home show at Bartle Hall.

"We designed a booth together that was creative and we staffed it together," Thompson said.

Results: By promoting both offices, Pierce said, he has lowered his overhead and increased business.

"It's costing me half as much as it would have for me to go it on my own," he said.

By sharing expert craftsmen, Thompson said, training costs have reduced.

"When we share employees, they are already familiar with Handyman's procedures and systems," she said. "It also keeps them busy and happier."

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