The Corporate Team’s Passion and Mission Aligned with Hughes’ Ideals
Stellar Service Brands, a franchise umbrella company of residential and commercial service concepts, announced Devin Hughes as vice president of franchise development. Hughes will assist with the growth of Restoration 1, Softroc and bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. He has more than a decade of franchising experience.
Hughes is excited to help entrepreneurs succeed and drive the overall brand forward. He believes that Stellar’s mission statement perfectly captures his goals: “Small business is the heart of the American Dream. We give passionate people opportunities for their hard work to pay off, so they can build a future for themselves, their family, and their communities.”
While Hughes was initially drawn to Stellar Service Brands for its attractive service lines, low initial investment, and high-growth markets, it was the people team that sold him. He researched Stellar Service Brands as if he was a franchisee, and its passionate team resonated with him.
Another recent addition to Stellar’s leadership team was Courtney Harmon as president of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain and Softroc. CEO Sherry Rose is thrilled to have Hughes on board as the home services industry continues to grow. “With many untapped markets ripe for development, his extensive experience in franchise development and sales, combined with his dedication to helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals, make him a perfect fit.”
To Hughes, Stellar will positively impact the future of franchising by recruiting great franchisee talent and prioritizing finding the right fit to foster a collaborative environment. “This approach contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of our brands, elevating the franchising industry as a whole.”
Hughes’ Background
Hughes got into franchising 12 years ago. After graduating college, he worked as an assistant store manager at Target and was approached by a local franchise called Alliance Franchise Brands about joining the regional support team. Hughes worked his way through the corporate center’s operations, eventually being promoted to regional director. “I fell in love with franchising and assisting people in becoming successful business owners. Many people I’ve met in my career are sick of the corporate rat race and want to control their own destiny.”
Prior to joining Stellar, Hughes was senior director of franchise development at Driven Brands focusing on the Meineke Car Care franchise. He has also worked at Senior Helpers and UniFirst.
A Passion for Franchising
Hughes urges entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership to prioritize their passion for the brand and industry. He thinks it’s also important to thoroughly research the franchisor, engage with existing franchisees, and evaluate the brand’s financial aspects. In his view, combining passion with informed decision-making can lead to a successful franchising journey.
Hughes believes franchisors should focus on fostering a strong partnership with franchisees. He added that both parties can benefit from shared knowledge and experience when they grow together. Clear communication, streamlined processes, comprehensive training, and continuous evaluation are also keys to creating a seamless experience.