Franchisees Lead Projects From Design Through Installation With Strong Brand Support
Steven Moore had firm criteria when it came to investing in his first franchise. He wanted something that couldn’t easily be replaced by technology, he did not want to work from home, and most importantly: “I needed to see myself working with the franchisor for the next 10 years.” Moore opted for The Designery, a company that provides professional remodeling solutions for the home — everything from kitchen and bath renovations to flooring and new construction. “The Designery difference was clear to me from the start,” he says. “The goal is to create beautiful and functional spaces for the homeowners in our community.”
Moore’s Greensboro, N.C. franchise offers a one-of-a-kind design experience. Using virtual reality and tele-design technology, customers create their projects in his showroom. Then they choose their products and services and schedule installation.
“What I really liked is The Designery business is a combination of creative and functional,” says Moore, who spent most of his professional life in manufacturing operations management.
“Design requires openness, creativity and practicality to meet the needs of clients. Our culture is similar.” Moore was also attracted by The Designery’s parent company, HomeFront Brands (HFB), a family of brands that places emphasis on community, accountability, respect, excellence and service, known as its CARES values. “HFB is very intentional in developing and demonstrating its values,” Moore says.
National Growth
Since launching the franchising program in 2021, The Designery has quickly become the first HFB franchise to achieve national scale in its niche, with locations operating in 18 states.
Moore saw his community as an ideal spot to tap into what the National Kitchen & Bath Association predicts to be a $235 billion market in 2025. “The housing need in this area is huge,” he says. “Whether homeowners need an upgrade to sell or to meet the demands of their growing family, it will be great to be a part of the solution.” A typical day finds Moore and his team working on designs, quoting projects, making sales calls and managing work in process.
“There are a lot of moving parts within The Designery franchise. Designing and installing a kitchen is not a simple task,” Moore says.
Being part of the HFB portfolio has helped because Moore can reach out to partner brands with related expertise when needed.
This came in handy on a very expensive kitchen project where the layout was modified in progress by the homeowners.
Moore was able to pivot with help from HFB’s operation manager shepherding him through the process. Moore says he felt supported every step of the way as he go this business up and running. He received on-site and virtual training, which provided some new skill sets.
He also worked his way through an extensive checklist prior to opening his showroom. “Many are simple tasks, but it is a good way to make sure that you do not miss any steps in the process,” he says.
From there, HFB provided ongoing support, including marketing assistance, brand central vendors, IT and management support. “If youhave a question, or an issueon anything from design to sales, there’s always someone to answer it,” he says. “Being accessible like that helps to build the values within an organization.”
Moore also participates in a network group chat. “Franchise owners help each other with problems, share best practices, and so forth.”
Community Focus
Moore’s main criterion was to run a business that would bring value to his community over many years, and he says The Designery aligned perfectly with that wish. “There is a strong sense of community, respect and excellence within the organization. The company really listens to its franchisees and every legitimate idea or suggestion is reviewed,” he says. “It creates a sense of being part of something bigger than your individual market.”
Learn more about The Designery franchise.
