Creativity Blooms with the WOW Windowboxes Franchise

The Fast Start-Up, Creative Franchise Opportunity turns Curb Appeal into a Year-Round Business

In subdivisions across America, a little bit of envy of one’s neighbors is par for the course. And few homes spark more admiration than those bursting with vibrant window boxes and lush greenery. For those with an eye for design and a love of curb appeal, that same inspiration has blossomed into a creative franchise opportunity with WOW Windowboxes. Like the living art it creates, the company’s story began as a seed of an idea that grew through hard work, creativity, and a few unexpected turns.

As with many entrepreneurs, WOW Windowboxes CEO and President Bret Schneider (below) was never on a clearly charted course toward a business in the flower box industry. In fact, the plotline which evolved into what is now the thriving franchise WOW Windowboxes continually zigged and zagged. Schneider, who began the business with his mother, went several years before fully embracing a broader entrepreneurial vision. An epiphany that he was already a de facto manager with employees who relied on him financially became his “all in” moment. At that point, he supercharged what had been a garage-based operation into a business that generated over $4.5 million in revenue in 2024. Last year was the milestone event when the brand embraced expansion and transitioned to a franchise model. 

A Quick Start-Up Franchise That’s Built to Grow

Relatively quick start-up time and low overhead costs are primary positive factors working in WOW’s favor. There’s no storefront required, no heavy equipment, and marketing needn’t be prohibitively expensive. Sponsorship of events, charity galas and home shows are great avenues to get your name out there. “Franchisees can scale smartly while keeping operations simple,” says Schneider. “It’s a steady rhythm that turns what could be a seasonal business into a thriving, year-round operation.” 

Flowers, after all, make us happy. And in an economic atmosphere where dual-income households and long hours at the office are de rigueur, the time to lovingly tend to one’s window boxes is not always there. Thus, WOW has created a model that prioritizes beauty and simplicity for its clientele, and scalability and recurring demand for its franchisees. “Our four-season planting model keeps things blooming year-round,” says Schneider. “Each season brings fresh designs and a new stream of revenue. Between seasonal changeouts, franchisees stay busy building and installing boxes for new clients, so there’s always something happening.”

A Fun, Flexible Creative Franchise Opportunity

Indeed, many who gravitate toward a creative franchise opportunity do so as a result of dissatisfaction over the lack of variety often associated with a 9-5 desk job. Schneider, who came from a product management background, sees the varied routine of a WOW franchisee as particularly appealing. “A WOW owner might start their morning meeting with their crew, mapping out installations and checking in on seasonal progress. Some days they’re hands-on in the field creating stunning plantings, while others are spent connecting with customers, building relationships, and growing the business,” he explains. “Every day is a little different, and that’s part of the fun!”

Fun, yes. But cleverly cloaked in a strategic model that delivers ease of use for both customers and franchisees. WOW has built a custom Salesforce CRM system which walks owners through the entire process step-by-step. All relevant information is housed in one place, accessible on desktop and mobile devices. Team members can quickly track past plantings, photos and flower selections to ensure the office and field teams operate in sync. “We like to say we’ve mastered the art of systemized creativity,” says Schneider. “Our proprietary “plant recipes”— grown with local greenhouses — give owners a reliable starting palette. From there, they can mix, match and customize designs for every client. It keeps the creative magic alive while making operations smooth, efficient and scalable.”

Joy, Growth and Curb Appeal

For Schneider, the benefit of a WOW franchise is multifold, but at the top of the list is involvement in a business built on simple, unadulterated joy. “Curb appeal has become a huge priority for homeowners and business owners alike,” he says. “People want their properties to make a statement. WOW Windowboxes brings design, color, and creativity right to the front door.” In the company’s hometown of Cincinnati, in fact, Schneider says the boxes have become instantly recognizable. “We even get called “the WOW boys,” he laughs. “You don’t get that kind of excitement from plumbing or drywall!”

Once a relationship with a homeowner has been established, their desire to revert to the drab, bygone days before the arrival of vibrant window boxes typically disappears. WOW boasts an impressive 87% retention rate, underscoring the allure of being perceived as a neighborhood house that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and community pride. Or, simply put, flower power. “It’s rewarding to create something people admire every day,” says Schneider. “And even more rewarding to know it’s your business behind the beauty.”

Visit the WOW Windowboxes webisite for more information.