Kowanetz Brings Franchise Development Experience to the Role
ServiceMaster Brands, a leading franchise provider of residential and commercial services, tapped Charles Kowanetz as director of franchise development of ServiceMaster Restore. He brings years of franchise development experience to the role. Other brands with ServiceMaster include ServiceMaster Recovery Management, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Two Men and a Truck, Aftermath, and Indoor Science.
“ServiceMaster Restore has been around for generations and continues to be an industry leading franchise. I initially wasn’t looking for a new job but when Brian Blackshaw of Blackshaw Partners reached out to me and explained this opportunity, I knew I needed to act. It has always been a dream of mine to lead a strong brand’s development and growth efforts!” Kowanetz said.
As director of franchise development, Kowanetz looks forward to building relationships with ServiceMaster Restore franchisees, many of whom have been in the system for decades and are building their own empires. As a father and entrepreneur himself, Kowanetz is a strong proponent of establishing a legacy plan, which is one of the most exciting aspects of the job in his view.
Discovering the Franchising Model
Kowanetz got his start in franchising in a sales role at the United Franchise Group, a leading franchise development company founded by Ray Titus who endowed the Titus Center of Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Now as a board member at the center, Kowanetz interacts with top executives and entrepreneurs and peaks to aspiring franchise leaders.
The Future of Franchising
Kowanetz is excited about the future of franchising because he sees entrepreneurs as being less risk averse than the average person. “Franchising offers a way to mitigate risk through support, training, and a proven concept. During financially uncertain times, franchising makes sense.”
One of his favorite aspects of franchising is the ability to go into any industry or business. He added that with proper training and support, anyone can succeed without prior experience. He also believes that the franchise model is the best way for a brand to scale. In his experience, candidates need to do thorough research before choosing a brand to invest in. To do this, they should call existing owners and ask questions about the franchisor, who will be a great partner and resource.