Umbrella Franchisor Will Incubate the Once-Independent Business
Empower Brands announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Bumble Roofing, which performs a full range of roofing services: inspections, installations of new and replacement roofs, and repairs. With this acquisition, which is its third in 2023, the Empower Brands umbrella has 10 brands that provide a wide array of services to its residential and commercial customers.
As the first independent business acquired by Empower Brands, Los Angeles-based Bumble Roofing will be an incubation brand for the franchisor. Empower Brands will tap its expertise, resources and expanding network as it develops Bumble Roofing into an emerging franchise.
Bumble Roofing Supports a Cause
Launched in 2019 by entrepreneur David Bitan, Bumble Roofing has a strong community focus. It contributes to nonprofits dedicated to protecting bees after the installation of every roof. “Bumble Roofing was founded on the principle of providing affordable and quality roofing installation and repairs while giving back to a worthy cause,” Bitan said in a news release that announced his company’s acquisition by Empower Brands.
“We’re ready to bring our services to more people through franchising. … I am confident that Empower Brands is perfectly suited to take our brand to the next level. I look forward to seeing how Bumble Roofing grows as a franchise with the support of Empower behind the business,” Bitan added.
Reaction from Empower Brands CEO
In the same news release, Empower Brands CEO Scott Zide predicted more additions to the service-centric umbrella franchisor. “We set out this year to grow our portfolio to 10-plus brands, and while our acquisition of Bumble Roofing brings us to that goal, our growth is only just beginning,” Zide said. And he foresees a bright future for Bumble Roofing, calling it “a welcome addition” and “a fresh concept with a proven business model [and] strong unit level economics already in place.” Zide went on to say that by “utilizing our extensive experience in launching new franchise brands and wealth of resources, Empower Brands will help position Bumble Roofing to become a successful, world-class franchise system.”
About Empower Brands
Empower Brands’ earlier acquisitions this year were Koala Insulation and Wallaby Windows, which became the eighth and ninth members of the franchisor’s portfolio in April. Other Empower Brands are Archadeck Outdoor Living; Conserva Irrigation; FRSTeam, which does electronics and fabric restoration; Intelligent Office, a provider of workspaces and other services to small businesses; JAN-PRO, which offers a disinfectant and cleaning system; Outdoor Lighting Perspectives; and Superior Fence & Rail.
Empower Brands, based in the Richmond, Va., area, rebranded last year when it folded together its Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands under the new name. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a private equity firm that invests in growing franchises with proven records of success.