Construction Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Fresh Coat Painters is bringing its professional services to Chicago’s North Shore with the launch of Fred Alsen’s franchise to serve Winnetka, Evanston, Northbrook, Highland Park and their surrounding communities.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) May 23, 2012 - With the launch of his Fresh Coat Painters franchise, Fred Alsen hopes to complement his already successful interior design business by providing professional painting services in Chicago’s North Shore communities. “Fresh Coat gets that it’s about client service, being friendly, listening, and being flexible to address each client’s needs,” he said. “I know that starting a business often involves a long process to make it work. With Fresh Coat, I felt all the elements were already in place to make it work...

May 22, 2012 // Franchising.com // NEW HOLLAND, PA. - Homeowners and builders both have the opportunity to win an Apple® iPad® in the "Living with Superior Walls Video Contest" running now on Facebook through July 16, 2012.* The promotion allows people ages 18 and older to create and submit a testimonial video online until July 2. Online voting between July 3 and 16 will determine the two winners.
"If you're a homeowner, we want to know why you like --- or love --- living with a Superior Walls foundation in your home," says Jim Costello, president of Superior Walls of America. "And, if you're a builder, we invite you to submit a video that tells us why you like --- or love --- to build your homes with dependable Superior Wall foundations...

WIN Helps Veterans Be Their Own Boss
May 17, 2012 // Franchising.com // Madison, AL – WIN Home Inspection announces its’ achievement of being ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide, and being named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs Magazine. At WIN, Veterans represent 1/4 of their company’s franchisee base and they consistently provide realistic opportunities for Vets to become successful business owners.
WIN honors military veterans all year ‘round by offering service members a discount of 10% off the franchise fee. Additionally, they choose up to five Veterans a quarter as recipients of their "WIN for America" initiative, waiving the franchise fee for those that qualify...

May 09, 2012 // Franchising.com // Ann Arbor, MI – There’s nothing better as a gift for Mom than knocking off a few pesky chores that have built up for years around the house. When it comes to the perfect Mother’s Day gift, sometimes it is the thought – and handiwork – that counts.
Mr. Handyman, the largest employer of handymen nationwide, has released a list of the top home repairs that Mom would consider a real treat. All of the projects can easily incorporate help from the kids as well. For a fun gift idea, kids can make a booklet showcasing which of the projects they will complete.

Organize the Garage: This means installing a hang rack for brooms, shovels and tools, as well as general clean-up and consolidation of items not needed anymore by the family...

Clockwork, FKM become first team in new AMC series to launch a full-scale marketing campaign.
May 08, 2012 // Franchising.com // Houston – Houston-based full-service ad agency FKM edged out the competition on AMC’s new original series “The Pitch” to win a national marketing contract with Clockwork Home Services, one of the largest home services providers in North America. The episode ,which chronicled an intense agency battle to create the winning pitch and launch Clockwork’s three most prominent home services brands nationally – is the first in the series to produce a full-scale advertising and marketing campaign.
A television ad, one of four produced in the effort, featuring Clockwork’s Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning brands debuted on AMC following the episode and gave viewers a glimpse of the end result of a successful pitch...

DALLAS, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireman's Contractors, Inc. (OTCBB: FRCN) (OTCQB: FRCN), a commercial contractor offering business-to-business commercial franchises and services in the pavement maintenance and parking lot maintenance industry, announced today it has launched beta testing on its proprietary construction management software, Firebase™, as part of Fireman's franchise development program and ongoing efforts to streamline business management in the commercial contracting industry.
This robust software platform includes the necessary online management tools to help a contract service business run successfully, including accounting/invoicing functions, customer relationship management software, business development resources and more...

First-Ever Survey & Analysis of More than 1.2 Million Members Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Current Design Trends from Across the Country
May 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // Oaks, Pa. - CertaPro Painters has been awarded “Best Of Remodeling” 2012 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. The nation’s largest franchised residential and commercial painting company was chosen by the more than 1.2 million registered members of the Houzz community.
“We’re thrilled that our work has been recognized in the ‘Customer Satisfaction’ category,” said Kathi Mello, creative art director for CertaPro Painters. “As we continue to build our brand and work to increase awareness across every platform, it means a lot that we’re acknowledged by a prominent name in the residential remodeling and design industry...

Mark Benoit is turning his decades of experience as a painter and carpenter into a new business opportunity as he and his wife, Lori, launch their Fresh Coat Painters franchise to serve North Central, Mass.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) May 02, 2012 - Mark Benoit is turning his decades of experience as a painter and carpenter into a new business opportunity as he and his wife, Lori, launch their Fresh Coat Painters franchise to serve North Central, Mass. “There is always a need for painting services, so it does come down to the trust factor. People want to know who’s in their homes,” Mark said. “With Fresh Coat, we can help provide reassurance because we employ the personnel and we’ve done background checks.” As part of the launch, they will participate in the May 10 Business Resources Expo hosted by the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce in Devens, Mass...

After spending a few months convincing his wife, Jimmy Zeski and his wife, Brandie, have opened a Fresh Coat Painters franchise to serve Summerville, Charleston and their surrounding South Carolina communities.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) April 25, 2012 - After spending a few months convincing his wife, Jimmy Zeski and his wife, Brandie, have opened a Fresh Coat Painters franchise to serve Summerville, Charleston and their surrounding South Carolina communities. “Jimmy has wanted to own his own business for a long time,” Brandie said. “When he pitched it to me, I wasn’t convinced. After all, there’s a million painters, so where’s the opportunity? But he proved it to me. Clients said he often was the only one who showed up to provide a quote...

SuperGreen Solutions to offer "One Stop Shopping" Concept For Energy Efficient Products
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperGreen Solutions, a premium one-stop shop for all your energy efficient needs, announced today its plans to expand nationwide by offering franchise opportunities to qualified candidates. The announcement was made during The United Franchise Group's World Expo taking place in Las Vegas from April 15th-18th. SuperGreen Solutions is part of a joint venture with United Franchise Group, The Global Leader For Entrepreneurs.
SuperGreen Solutions opened its first corporate-owned U.S. location in North Palm Beach, Florida in 2011. The store was a huge success and generated more than $775,000 in sales in its first eight months...

Merle and Marian Ottenberg have opened their Fresh Coat Painters franchise to home and business owners in and around Knox County, Tenn.
Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) April 23, 2012 - Fresh Coat Painters has opened its second franchise in Tennessee just weeks after opening its first in that state. The newer one, owned by Merle and Marian Ottenberg, will serve Knoxville, Farragut, Clinton, Mascot and other communities in and around Knox County.
For the Ottenbergs, the franchise offers a way to “recycle and reinvent” themselves, Marian said.
She and Merle have spent most of their lives each working two and three jobs at a time to build a better life for themselves and their family.
“We saw this as an opportunity to work together for ourselves while employing good people, promoting good business practices, and providing good services at affordable prices,” she said...

After 25 years advising other business professionals, Fred Crowe has launched his own business as the owner of a Fresh Coat Painters franchise serving Northern Colorado.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) April 17, 2012 - Fresh Coat Painters has expanded operations in Colorado with the launch of Fred Crowe’s franchise serving Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and other communities in Larimer County and northern Weld County. “I’ve found many service companies, even some well-established companies, to be not really very professional,” he said. “People who need these services, though, actually may prefer not to do the work themselves. They’re always asking around for recommendations, and my hope is that Fresh Coat will become the name that tops people’s lists...

Fresh Coat Painters is continuing its rapid growth with the addition of 17 new franchises in the first quarter of 2012 in locations all across America.
Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) April 11, 2012 - Since the beginning of the year, Fresh Coat Painters has added 17 new franchises across America. Like their fellow franchisees, these owners were attracted to Fresh Coat because its structure is helping to change the negative stereotypes often associated with painters. “Business professionals know that running a painting business isn’t just about painting,” said Bernie Brozek, Fresh Coat president. “It’s about the client’s experience from the initial call through the consultation, the job completion and the follow-up...

DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireman's Contractors, Inc. (OTCBB: FRCN) (OTCQB: FRCN) today announced that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will recognize Fireman's at the 2012 America's Small Business Summit as one of the Free Enterprise Honorees announced earlier this year. The 2012 Small Business Summit, which will be held May 21-23 in Washington, D.C., will unite small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the country for two days of networking, education and sharing of ideas. Through the "Rally on the Hill" portion of the program, attendees will also have the opportunity to influence public policy by communicating directly with representatives on Capitol Hill to advocate pro-business U.S. economic and political initiatives...

Nation's Leading Handyman Franchisor Helping Homeowners Everywhere
ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring has arrived, meaning it's time for home repairs. Spring fix-ups are a necessity after houses have been bruised and battered throughout the long winter months.
Mr. Handyman, the largest employer of handymen nationwide, has released a list of the top five actions homeowners should take to get their houses in shape:

Gutter Installation/Cleaning – Gutters, one of the most underrated aspects of any home, will extend the life of the roof, soffits and fascia of a house. For the integrity of the roof, having the gutters cleaned is highly recommended.
Window Frame Repair – It's time to let in the fresh air and cool breezes...

DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireman's Contractors, Inc. (OTCBB: FRCN) (OTCQB: FRCN) today announced the completion of $46,868 in parking lot maintenance and repair projects for Texas locations of four businesses: a national pet supply retailer, a children's hospital, a large property management/warehouse supplier, and a leading specialty retailer of outdoor merchandise.
In addition, the company is proceeding with its franchise development initiative by hosting two Discovery Days for potential franchisees in Fireman's Contractors on April 9th and April 16th.
Renee Gilmore, CEO of Fireman's Contractors, said, "We are excited to host our first full-day sessions for individuals who are interested in exploring franchise opportunities in Fireman's Contractors...

April 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recently announced that NiteLites of Kansas City Outdoor Lighting won the Kansas City Section award for their residential lighting projects. As stated on their website, "The IES Section Service Award recognizes outstanding service that has significantly furthered the purpose of IES over a number of years in various programs and activities.The IES seeks to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public." 
NiteLites of Kansas City Outdoor Lighting focuses on commercial and home lighting applications including:

Eco-Friendly Low Voltage Lighting
Electricity saving retrofit LEDs for "Green building"
Commercial Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Living Areas
Security Lighting
Architectural Grade Light Fixtures
Decks and Patios
Submersible Lighting
High Performance LEDs
Lighting Automation and Motion Sensors

This KC lighting company was also recently awarded with the title Remodeler of the Year (REMY) by the Kansas City National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), in the category of Exterior Specialist...

DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireman's Contractors, Inc. (OTCBB: FRCN) (OTCQB: FRCN) today announced the completion of a $38,000 parking lot maintenance and repair project for a Texas location of a nationwide property management firm. The project, which included parking lot stenciling and striping of stalls, marks the second project for this particular client. The work was completed on time and on budget.
Fireman's was also an exhibitor at the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas (AAGD) Trade Show last week, generating numerous new business leads for the company among area property management companies.
"The leads generated at last year's trade show resulted in $400,000 worth of new business for Fireman's Contractors," said CEO Renee Gilmore...

March 28, 2012 // Franchising.com // Milwaukee, Wis. - Paul Davis National, the specialized commercial and large loss franchise of Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., has launched its updated website with a new look and expanded capabilities. The website has been overhauled with new content, photography, and a fresh design, that provides a more user-friendly site.
One of the many features of the site includes a one-stop location to access company information, interactive project status portals, an RFP submission tab, new Priority Preferred Customer program registration and access, and training, to name a few. The website will also allow users to maneuver several website portals without leaving the website address at www.pdnational.com.
According to Howdy Russell, Paul Davis National co-owner and spokesperson, the website includes several new items covering fire and water damage mitigation, smoke and odor removal, consulting services in estimating, dispute resolution and cost management along with detailed explanations about catastrophe services and mitigation response for Paul Davis offices and customers...

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky and One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning are featured brands.
March 28, 2012 // Franchising.com // Sarasota – Mister Sparky, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning are the three featured home services brands, owned by Clockwork Home Services, featured in AMC’s newest unscripted series, “The Pitch” from the producers of “Undercover Boss,” and “Project Runway”.
The series chronicles the high stakes and tight deadlines top advertising agencies encounter when they set out to win new business. The three home services brands lay down the challenge to some of the country’s top agencies to create a winning national advertising campaign to position their brands on a national platform to home owners...