Ford Leads Franchise Development for Prism Specialties, a Commercial and Residential Restoration Service
Cassidy Ford has been named director of franchise development for EverSmith Brands, a platform of franchise concepts focused on the commercial facilities sector. Backed by global investment firm The Riverside Company, EverSmith Brands’ portfolio includes MilliCare, Clintar, U.S. Lawns, Prism Specialties and Kitchen Guard. Ford will focus on the growth of Prism Specialties, which offers residential and commercial electronic, appliance, textile, art, collectibles and document restoration services.
Ford, who has a decade of experience in franchising, said she has been watching the growth of the franchise service sector and was excited to help grow Prism Specialties, a B2B service franchise, when presented the opportunity with EverSmith Brands. The Riverside Company’s acquisition of Prism Specialties will increase the brand’s recognition and franchising experience, she added.
“I have an exciting opportunity to join a solid team at the start of a new chapter in a brand’s history. With the combined efforts of Prism Specialties, EverSmith Brands and The Riverside Company, the sky\’s the limit. I’m proud to be a small part of the growth ahead,” Ford said.
Quick Chadwick, senior director of marketing at EverSmith Brands, said he is confident in Ford’s ability to drive the company’s growth. “Without a doubt, Cassidy will bring her franchising experience, intelligence and energy to our growing company and make an immediate impact,” Chadwick said.
Active in Franchising
Ford’s background in franchising includes serving in professional and volunteer roles. Named in 2022 to the Entrepreneur’s list of Top Influential Women in Franchising, Ford previously served as senior director of franchise sales for Entrepreneur Media, a resource for entrepreneurship and franchising. During that time, she promoted brand visibility through digital and print advertising, lead generation programs and the Franchise 500 annual rankings.
In earlier work with FRM Solutions, she consulted with franchisors on customer relationship management (CRM) utilization and industry best practices. She also has experience launching franchise development departments with emerging brands including How Do You Roll?, a fast-casual sushi concept, and has worked with resales and under-performing franchisees with established franchises including Huddle House.
Ford is actively involved in the International Franchise Association (IFA) and community efforts to expand equal opportunities for entrepreneurship. She is the podcast task force lead for the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Committee, a member of the IFA Pride Council and chair of the Women’s Franchise Network – Atlanta Chapter.
Lessons in Business
Ford said she has learned valuable personal and professional lessons throughout her 12 years in franchise sales, development and operations. She advises entrepreneurs looking to grow to focus on the fundamentals of systems and processes, revisit them often and tweak them as necessary. “Also, remember that the relationships you build with your candidates, your team and others in the industry are just as important as process and metrics.”
Ford is a native Texan, an avid board gamer and a Baylor University alumna. She lives in Atlanta with her miniature dachshund puppy, Rosie, named after her favorite Atlanta Braves player, Eddie Rosario. Ford has Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition, which inspired her in 2021 to establish The Franchise Ticker, an initiative to celebrate neurodiversity and future thinking in franchising.
About Prism Specialties
Prism Specialties was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Livonia, Mich. The B2B specialty restoration services franchise has expanded to more than 150 locations across 27 states.
