The Perfect Franchise

theperfectfranchise

Join Kris Simonich and Andrea Floyd, two veteran professionals from The Perfect Franchise, as they take you into the world of franchising. A Perfect Show for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchise enthusiasts, this podcast offers practical advice, real success stories and expert guidance on how to navigate the franchise industry.

  1. Sep 21

    The "Do-It-For-Me" Boom: Why 10,000 People Turning 65 Daily is Breaking the Handyman Industry

    What happens when you take an unreliable industry and ground it entirely in community relationships and semi-skilled care? In this episode of The Perfect Franchise podcast, Kris and Andrea return from hiatus to chat with David Dunsmuir, President of Surv. David pulls back the curtain on how a business founded in Rhode Island to assist aging residents in Newport evolved into a high-demand home maintenance brand scaling nationwide under Cornerstone Brands. Discover how Surv bridges the gap between basic DIY tasks and heavily licensed trades. Rather than chasing single, one-off handyman repairs, Surv establishes annual home maintenance plans that help older adults age in place safely while freeing up busy working families to spend weekends at the lake. From pressure washing and gutter cleaning to bath safety modifications and simple tech troubleshooting, learn how this model builds recurring revenue by transforming local strangers into lifelong company advocates. 👉 In this episode, we explore: The "Do-It-For-Me" Evolution: Why shifting demographics make home maintenance one of the fastest-growing niches in home services. Semi-Skilled Versatility: Operating in the sweet spot below licensed trades while outperforming unorganized independent contractors. The Whole-Home Assessment: How a simple one-hour assessment converts casual inquiries into structured, annual service plans. Network Marketing vs. Cold Calling: Building local partnerships with senior care providers, chambers of commerce, and community groups. The Owner-Operator Pivot: How non-technical owners from finance and engineering build and lead home maintenance teams. 📌 Narrative Highlights The Netflix Dilemma: Kris lightheartedly asks if a Surv technician can handle common home frustrations like setting up streaming accounts, illustrating how the brand focuses on overall household ease. Rooted in Rhode Island: David details the origins of Surv, founded by Pat Brown to help seniors in Newport, and how Cornerstone Brands stepped in to scale the concept nationwide. Beyond the Licensed Trades: Focusing on essential maintenance, such as battery replacements, threshold adjustments, pressure washing, and gutter care, rather than complex plumbing or electrical work. Cross-Industry Synergies: Why non-medical senior home care agencies make ideal referral partners for local Surv franchisees. The Car Wash Cashier Principle: David shares a story from his career in kitchen design, showing why soft skills and personality matter far more than technical background when hiring. Transitioning to Business Leader: How owners step away from day-to-day operations within 12 to 18 months by hiring skilled technicians to execute the maintenance plans. Success in home services isn't about taking on every complex renovation; it's about providing consistent, reliable care for the everyday needs of your community. Surv is redefining the handyman experience by combining recurring maintenance plans with professional leadership. If you are ready to build a business centered around community impact and long-term relationships, let's talk.  Visit theperfectfranchise.com and click on "Let's Talk" to align your ownership goals with our team. 📌 Stay Connected:  Visit our website: www.theperfectfranchise.com  Kris Simonich: LinkedIn | Email: kris@theperfectfranchise.com  Andrea Floyd: LinkedIn | Email: andrea@theperfectfranchise.com   David Dunsmuir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddunsmuir1/ Surv: https://www.wesurv.com/

  2. Sep 7

    From Donna Karan Exec to CycleBar President: The NYC Retail Mindset Revolutionizing Franchising

    What does it take to scale a local concept into a national powerhouse? In this episode of The Perfect Franchise podcast, Kris and Andrea sit down with Heather Harris, the CEO of Franchise Fastlane. Heather brings two decades of high-stakes corporate fashion leadership in New York City (managing global brands like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan) alongside a proven track record of scaling consumer concepts, including leading CycleBar through its massive initial expansion and private equity exit. Heather breaks down how Franchise Fastlane serves as an end-to-end growth partner for franchise systems. From analyzing Item 19 financial disclosures and Item 7 startup costs to helping emerging founders transition from regional operators to multi-unit franchisors, she pulls back the curtain on the mechanics of franchise development. Discover the shifting dynamics between retail and service concepts, why leadership quality is the ultimate indicator of franchisee success, and what it really means to "own the household." 👉 In this episode, we explore: The Full Development Spectrum: How Fastlane supports brands at every stage, from kitchen table concepts to mature national networks. Mutual Vetting vs. Standard Sales: Why genuine franchise growth relies on rigorous two-way evaluation rather than high-pressure pitches. The Retail vs. Service Shift: Analyzing the recent market pivot back toward community-anchored, brick-and-mortar retail concepts. The Multi-Unit Household Strategy: Why "under the sink, on the roof, or in the yard" service models yield strong repeat ownership value. Vetting the Item 19: What smart investors and growth teams evaluate in financial performance representations before scaling. 📌 Narrative Highlights From Fashion Avenue to Boutique Fitness: Heather details her transition from high-level NYC fashion branding to leading CycleBar through a high-growth phase and eventual private equity exit to TPG Growth. Beyond "Franchise Sales": Explaining why Fastlane's model encompasses full-funnel strategy, territory mapping, marketing alignment, operational readiness, and consultant network integration. The 50+ Brand Portfolio: How Fastlane evaluates and supports dozens of emerging and scaling franchisors while interfacing with hundreds of concepts across the broader ecosystem. The "Owner Discretion" Myth: Addressing the misconception around passive investment in brick-and-mortar, emphasizing that successful owners remain actively engaged in their community footprint. Community Anchor Value: Why local retail and child enrichment models continue to show resilience as consumers seek physical, experience-driven spaces within their neighborhoods. The Power of Leadership: Heather emphasizes that above all else, a candidate's long-term success hinges on their alignment with and trust in the franchisor's executive leadership team. Scaling a business isn't just about fast growth; it's about building a sustainable, repeatable model with strong operational foundations. Franchise Fastlane brings corporate rigor and strategic clarity to the franchise expansion process. Whether you are an aspiring franchisee seeking a thoroughly vetted brand or an operator looking for the right expansion pathway, having an experienced team in your corner makes all the difference. Visit theperfectfranchise.com and click on "Let's Talk" to match your ownership goals with our team. Visit theperfectfranchise.com and click on "Let's Talk" to match your investment vision with our portfolio. 📌 Stay Connected:  Visit our website: www.theperfectfranchise.com  Kris Simonich: LinkedIn | Email: kris@theperfectfranchise.com  Andrea Floyd: LinkedIn | Email: andrea@theperfectfranchise.com   Heather Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheraharris/ Franchise Fastlane: https://franchisefastlane.com/

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Kris Simonich and Andrea Floyd, two veteran professionals from The Perfect Franchise, as they take you into the world of franchising. A Perfect Show for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchise enthusiasts, this podcast offers practical advice, real success stories and expert guidance on how to navigate the franchise industry.