Handy Insights on Business Franchising for the next-gen Entrepreneurs with Ace Handyman VP Colette Bell

“Start a business from your basement and grow it, hoping that one day, a large respectable brand becomes interested in it.”

That’s the American dream, right?

Maybe not exactly THE Dream but similar – to start a business that you can put your energy into until it becomes successful enough to garner the attention of not just customers but other entrepreneurs as well. Because when you can rack up that much interest, you know you did something right and it’s most likely highly lucrative.  

However, starting a business isn’t always the easiest thing to do, let alone grow it to that scale. This much was true for Colette Bell and she’s got some interesting experiences to back up that claim.

In 1998, Colette and her husband, Andy Bell, started Handyman Matters and developed the franchise model in 2001, launching a successful franchise system that was acquired by Ace Hardware in September of 2019. Colette is currently serving as VP, Franchise Development for the rebranded Ace Handyman Services.

But before getting their business to where it is today, Colette and Andy went through a lot of challenges. They had to figure out how to cater to client demands when Andy could only do so much on his own. They had to become the accountability piece between clients and craftsmen.

Even after they had worked out the kinks, addressed pain points for craftsmen and customers alike, as well as ensure quality of service, they still had to test if the business model can be replicated in other locations and conditions.

Colette and Andy went through grueling times but have evidently come out on top. Now, they’re on a mission to help hopeful entrepreneurs reach the same level of success without going through the same ordeals.

How did they ensure quality, profitability, and replicability of their business? How does their business model remain relevant today? How can you enjoy the same level of success that this power couple enjoy?

Tune in to our Podcast to learn more about everything you WANT and NEED about franchising, investment, financing processes and options.

This is Eye On Franchising, where we share our vision for your franchise future. 

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