Franchise Ownership Means Balancing Family, Community, and Business for the Former Software Sales Pro
Ben Brown chose to invest in a Window Hero cleaning franchise because it dovetailed with his personal goals of being an involved father and giving back to his community in Knoxville, Tenn. And Brown isn’t second-guessing the decision. The franchise is an A-plus operation in every way, in his estimation.
For instance, he credits its A-plus culture to Tyler Kirk, who founded Window Hero in 2006, and Jeff Dudan, chairman and CEO of parent franchisor HomeFront Brands. “There is a brotherhood and family feel to the franchisees and the HomeFront team,” says Brown, who previously sold cyber security technology to Fortune 500 companies. “The culture is strong, dynamic and willing. I have a great relationship with leaders and support staff. If you need something or have a question or concern, there is a willingness to listen and adjust to the changing environments and world.
“I trust that the decisions made by the corporate staff along with their input to my ideas are in my best interest. HomeFront’s team isn’t a bunch of yes people. They tell you when you are making the wrong decision.”
The HomeFront support team allows franchisees like me to have an easy ramp-up to this career.
Support from HomeFront Brands
Brown’s career transition has been challenging, he concedes. “Taking a complete 180 from a software sales career to this service industry is very tough. This industry is not a hard concept to understand — pressure washing, window cleaning and gutter cleaning. But in reality, there are many ways to lose your shorts making this a career.”
Many mom-and-pop competitors fail, he says, because they don’t understand how to scale a business. “The HomeFront support team allows franchisees like me to have an easy ramp-up to this career.”
Brown signed on in November 2022 and launched this March. For now, he’s happy to be “boots-on-the-ground” with his business as one of the five members of his franchise’s team.
Franchise Ownership with Window Hero
“This is the hardest job I’ve ever had. It is a hustle. The challenges include finding trusted employees and making sure they have what they need to succeed; building a brand that people trust; developing a network of influencers, champions and repeat customers; deciding on the correct marketing plan as it changes month to month or quarter to quarter; and managing the numbers of the business to make sure my wife, Brittany, and our three kids are provided for. I also must set up my Window Hero franchise for success in year two and beyond.”
Juggling and meeting all of the demands requires resourcefulness and dedication. “I love the challenge. Sure, I look forward to reaching my goals I set before me, but once I reach those goals, I am going to set new goals.”
Giving Back
Brown is pleased that he’s already embarked on community-service projects. “In our first six months, we have been able to provide free window cleaning for local schools. And in a few weeks, we’ll clean the windows of my church. I also have been able to support local charities.
“I hope to continue finding ways to impact my community while also building a reputation as a trusted service provider. I’m very happy to have made this decision. HomeFront team members are awesome and not only provide great support, they have become great friends.”
For more information about the Window Hero franchise, visit https://windowhero.com/franchise.
Contract Cleaning Services
Window cleaning is part of the booming contract cleaning services industry. According to Global NewsWire, the global contract cleaning services market size is expected to reach $555.44 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030. Zippia reports that over 12,244 window cleaners are currently employed in the United States.
HomeFront Brands
HomeFront Brands offers community-based opportunities that inspire and support franchisees to make an immediate and lasting impact. The umbrella company’s home services portfolio includes Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, Mozzie Dome and BiltRite.