Franchising is a vital gateway to entrepreneurship. The IFA’s Value of Franchising report revealed that 39% of women franchise owners say they would not own a business without franchising. Right now, woman make up about a third of franchise owners in the U.S., and that number increases.
We are proud to have so many successful woman-owned businesses in the Authority Brands franchise system. Here are a few of their stories:
Amy Wise
DoodyCalls, Houston, TX
Since opening DoodyCalls of Houston in 2006, Amy's territory has consistently ranked in the top 5 territories in terms of revenue and has expanded to include an additional two territories. Amy is also an Advisory Board Member, representing the DoodyCalls brand to Authority Brands. She is devoted to creating a DoodyCalls community within her company - the average lifespan of her team member is 4.5 years of service, significantly higher than the network average.
Amy acts as a mentor for new franchisees, participating in events and shows to support their success and dedicating several hours per month to offer her guidance in new franchisee onboarding and training.
Sharee Ashford
Mosquito Squad of East Atlanta, GA
Sharee has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, first launching a business in high school. Today, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Sharee is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and is currently active in the Army Reserve.
Sharee joined Mosquito Squad in April 2021, after six years of military service. She always had the dream of being her own boss; the pandemic gave her the time to achieve it. Sharee says “for years I had dreamt of becoming my own boss and running a company that would service my community and create new job opportunities. It was not until the pandemic hit that I finally had the time to explore my options.”
Sharee says that she chose Mosquito Squad because she has "an appreciation for the business model of providing a direct solution to a specific consumer issue." Sharee's ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact by deepening relationships with her customers and progressing to "offering scholarships and opportunities for the young people that reside in the communities we serve.”
Sharee says that she’s grown tremendously since launching her franchise and is grateful for the new leadership experiences.
Breanne Stuart
Homewatch CareGivers, Ann Arbor, MI
Breanne Stuart, co-owner of the Ann Arbor, MI and Novi, MI offices foresaw the issues in recruiting not just caregivers for her business but others in the healthcare space in her communities. In 2021, she spearheaded collaboration between local entities to improve hiring and retention rates, along with the Michigan Works! Association Southeast and the local community college. Her efforts were recognized this spring by local lawmakers and the Foundations of Caring program was highlighted as a success.
An article on MITechNews.com noted, "Stuart's leaderships has taken an employer collaboration idea to successful class cohort. The first customized training course is complete and now trainees are participating in an on-the-job training portion to complete the program."
Stuart added, "The Michigan Works! team, along with Washtenaw Community College and our local employer group, have been tireless in uncovering innovative ways to solve our workforce shortage. "Over the past year and a half, the relationships we've solidified, the strategies we've built and the challenges we've overcome have all been monumental."
Eli and Abby Power
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Montrose, CO
A lot has changed since Abby and Eli Power took over her dad’s plumbing business in Montrose, Colorado. some 25 years ago.
“He could plumb a house, and I could answer the phone,” Abby said with a laugh.
But together, the couple was committed to growing Montrose Plumbing and Heating, focusing on the service work that would become the business’ bread and butter. They joined the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing family in 2003 as the company’s 11th franchisee.
And last year, the Powers, who also own a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchise, had their best year ever. Revenue at both of their franchises doubled last year, and their Benjamin Franklin Plumbing location was among the company’s top 10 performers in 2020. As a result, they’ve been able to reinvest in the business by purchasing some new equipment and offering new services to customers, such as trenchless sewer replacements.
They attribute their success largely to Chris Vincent, a master plumber whom they hired as their service manager three years ago. Chris is highly focused on the business’ numbers, Abby says, but he’s also patient and enthusiastic about shouting out high-performing employees. She’s excited about what’s to come in 2021.
“We’re definitely not planning to slow down,” she says.
