DUCTZ by Day, HOODZ by Night

By: DUCTZ | 1,014 Shares 196 Reads

Nation's Air Duct and HVAC Restoration Leader Launches Sister Brand to be "True Leader" in Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning; Provides 24-7 Revenue Opportunities to New Entrepreneurs

September 02, 2009 // Franchising.com // Ann Arbor, MI – DUCTZ, the nation's largest air duct cleaning and HVAC restoration franchise organization, has quickly become a recognizable franchise industry leader since it began franchising in 2004, and now with more than 170 franchise locations in 32 states, the company is experiencing quick growth. To fuel that growth, DUCTZ has developed a new sister brand, HOODZ, a franchise concept specializing in kitchen exhaust cleaning.

Already filling the void in the kitchen exhaust cleaning segment as a recognized leader, HOODZ has instantly become the nation's largest and most reputable franchise in the industry. First offered in April 2009 to the DUCTZ franchise system to compliment their existing businesses and add a new revenue stream, HOODZ expansion is already off to a fast start with 40 franchises opened. Having officially launched the franchise in July 2009, HOODZ executives' project continued momentum in the coming year with 50 new additional locations already in development.

"As the food service industry continues to flourish, regardless of the economic conditions, the ever-growing supply of commercial kitchens and restaurants need their kitchen hoods cleaned," said John Rotche, President of HOODZ International. "In fact, these establishments are in need of HOODZ services because they are required by law to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance of their kitchen hoods."

Not just for fast-food and quick-service restaurants, HOODZ can service family and fine dining restaurants, reception halls, healthcare facilities, and corporate and industrial kitchens, as well as school, church, and stadium kitchens. In addition, all of these commercial customers must remain compliant with building and fire protection codes in order to remain in operation. HOODZ services also reduce overhead associated with consolidated billing, single transaction costs, and central points of contact.

Since HOODZ franchisees are associated with its parent company, BELFOR, the world's largest property restoration company, the franchise system enjoys a built-in reputation, and receives "pushed down" work from large government and commercial contracts. Also, the franchise system benefits from the HOODZ National Account Program, where corporate works to secure national chains, regional brands, and multi-state institutional clients, supplying franchisees with new clientele without traditional recruiting efforts.

"HOODZ has already been attracting significant inquires from national and regional restaurant brands interested in centralizing their mandatory kitchen exhaust cleaning services," said Rotche. "Kitchen exhaust cleaning is one of the few recurring services that chain restaurants still have to source on an individual site-by-site basis, so there's intense interest in being able to work with a licensed and insured provider that can work on a regional and national level."

As a unique and specialized needs-based franchise, the HOODZ opportunity is attractive to new owners looking to diversify their portfolio with a new, low-cost endeavor. Franchise owners can run their locations through an investor model, where the owner keeps their job and hires a staff to run the day-to-day operations.

"New franchise owners enjoy protected territories, expansion opportunities, and have the corporate backing to handle national commercial accounts, something small, less established companies can't handle," said Rotche.

Rotche even points out that owners enjoy repeat, predictable business with repeat, predictable revenue, as well as the opportunity to benefit from nation-wide accounts. He said that in cases where national or regional commercial relationships are established, new franchisees can even have business on their first day open.

To assist in the purchasing of the franchise, HOODZ offers in-house financing. During the owner's first year of business, if for whatever reason they determine franchising may not be for them, HOODZ guarantees to purchase back both their service vehicle, as well as operational equipment. HOODZ also created an in-house equipment distribution company that offers favorable terms.

Owners that open up both a HOODZ and a DUCTZ franchise receive a discount on the franchise agreement, and create synergy amongst both brands that aids in business referrals, sales tactics, and promotions. Employees can be cross-trained to work in both businesses, which make operating HOODZ and DUCTZ cost-effective.

HOODZ franchise owners and their employees go through extensive training and certification programs at the 18,000 sq. ft. national training center in Ann Arbor, MI. Upon completion, they are considered professionals in the business and are recognized as trained, qualified and certified professionals ensuring all hoods are cleaned in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards and Guidelines, International Mechanical Code, and the International Building Code.

About HOODZ

HOODZ, the nation's largest and most reputable restaurant exhaust cleaning franchise launched in April 2009. Since it began franchising in July 2009, HOODZ has become the first recognizable industry leader in the kitchen exhaust industry, now operating more than 38 franchise locations in over 32 states. HOODZ cleans restaurants kitchen hoods from roof-top to cook-top, adhering to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard-96, devoted exclusively to ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations.

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