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Name: Mario DiCostanzo
Title: Franchise Owner
Brand: AdvantaClean
Units: 3 (Westchester & Rockland County, NY and Stamford, CT)
Years in franchising: 6
I like helping people and solving problems for them. I have a purpose in the service industry and help make people’s lives better. I previously had a job on Wall Street as an equity trader for 21 years buying and selling stocks. When the market crashed in 2008, everything changed and I decided to get out and look for other opportunities.
When discussing options with my franchise business coach, he initially mentioned mold remediation. I thought it would be a tough business and I wasn’t too sure about the opportunity. I changed my mind when meeting with the people from AdvantaClean and really felt I could be successful doing this. I chose AdvantaClean because I thought I had an opportunity to grow with the brand rather than just being a statistic with another company. Also, I am allergic to mold and I have sensitivities to dirt, dust, and debris. I figured that to help myself, I would need to know how to take the proper steps to treat exposure to those things. If I could make things right for me, I could help other people who also have bad reactions to it.
I think the most important thing is to have a hunger and desire to succeed. I was always good with my hands and I think I’m okay with sales. You need to have strong business acumen as well. You also have to be an accountant, a marketer, and a salesman. But if you don’t have a desire to learn and get better each day, I think you will fail.
The best part of being with a service brand franchise is the support you receive. If you are stuck on a job and need help, you can call the franchisor’s technical support team or any other franchisee for assistance. Systems are important, but I think the support that is in place is even more valuable to a franchise owner.
I don’t have another franchise brand.
If you like helping people and want to feel good about yourself, I think a service business is the way to go. I go home satisfied knowing I succeeded in solving problems for others. And with franchises, you have the support behind you, which is crucial in helping you do business.