Gissler Leads Power Washing Franchise at the Forefront of Industry’s Growth
Rolling Suds, a residential and commercial power washing franchise, has named Tom Gissler chief executive officer. He succeeds CEO Aaron Harper, who assumes the role of chairman of the board. Gissler has 20-plus years of experience in franchise and independent restoration services, having worked at legacy concepts such as ServPro, PuroClean and Restoration 1.
“Rolling Suds has a fantastic service model with real staying power,” Gissler said. “The corporate team is sharp, and the franchisee network is full of talented and capable operators who are ready to grow. What excites me the most are the opportunities that lie ahead. They’re big, complex, and spark that feeling of urgency and competitive drive that tells me I’m in the right place at the right time. With successful runs as both a brand president and chief revenue officer, stepping into the CEO role at an emerging brand like Rolling Suds feels like a natural next step.”
Gissler has also owned a ServPro franchise, which he said gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead of entrepreneurs making the leap into franchising. “At Rolling Suds, our focus will be squarely on the growth and profitability of our franchise partners. That’s the heart of franchising. When it’s done right, the franchisor only wins when the franchisees win first. That alignment is what has made franchising such a resilient and successful model. We’ll stay competitive by growing exceptional locations in smart, innovative ways and by delivering first-class support at scale to the franchisees who run them.”
Former CEO Harper said Rolling Suds is in good hands under Gissler’s leadership. “Tom Gissler is the kind of leader who will take Rolling Suds to new levels without losing its foundation. He’s scaled franchise brands to hundreds of millions in revenue, and leads by listening, bringing people together and keeping everyone focused on what matters,” Harper said.
Leadership Style
Gissler sees himself as a coach who is committed to ensuring everyone is in the right role and moving in the right direction. His leadership style prioritizes listening, mentoring and recruiting the right people and resources to best foster growth, he said.
“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream, but it doesn’t have to mean doing it alone. Franchising can significantly reduce the risk of failure while accelerating your path to success. If the space you’re entering includes franchised competitors, going independent can quickly become an uphill battle. For most first-time business owners, franchising provides the structure, support and speed needed to succeed.”
In addition to helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, Gissler is also passionate about long-distance backcountry hiking. “I hope to through-hike one of our nation’s premier long-distance trails. I’ve already hiked several sections of the Appalachian Trail, but I’ve been eyeballing the Pacific Crest Trail for a few years now. I’m eager to get some dirt on my boots out there soon. I’ve also started introducing my old son to overnight backcountry camping, and he loves it! For now, it’s work all the time, and I’m happy for it.”
About Rolling Suds
Founded in 1990, Rolling Suds has established itself as a leading power washing franchise with 106 territories open and operating across the country and 202 territories in development.
