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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. What is a Foundry System Michael and Son Franchise?
Michael and Son has been providing dependable, superior home services since 1976. We have earned a strong, reliable reputation throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and most recently in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. We are building on that foundation and bringing our premium-quality home services to hometowns across the U.S. We cover the in home service market with divisions such as electrical repair and installation, plumbing repair and installation, heating/air conditioning repair and installation and finally a duct cleaning service division.
2. How Do I Get Started With a Michael and Son Franchise?
The first step is to fill out the short email form which is located on our franchise web site and we will contact you promptly with more information and forward you a franchise application which will need to be thoroughly completed. The next step is to complete and mail our Franchise Application to us. This does not obligate you to Michael and Son in any way. The form is simply used to determine mutual compatibility. After review of your application, we will contact you and arrange a confidential phone call or meeting. At this point, if we both decide to proceed, we will then overnight our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for review. This document contains all the information required by the Federal Trade Commission and/or the particular state in which the Michael and Son Franchise will be located. The FDD will enable you to diligently investigate our franchise operation. See our 10 quick steps to owning a Michael and Son Franchise for more information on the process.
3. Why Choose a Michael and Son Service Franchise?
For a number of reasons that will become apparent as you study the Michael and Son Franchise system during your decision making process. As you ask the important questions about our company, review our requirements and documents, our dedication to training, service and support; you will then understand the benefits of owning a Michael and Son Franchise. Michael and Son has a long and rich history, we have a proven business system and the knowledgeable personnel to help you implement that system.
4. Is a Michael and Son the Right Franchise Opportunity For Me?
If you are seeking a business franchise model that effectively sets high goals and high standards for superior customer service, then we are right for you! If you are looking for a potential business model that offers you an effective way of building your franchise through a strong training and support system, then Michael and Son is right for you! ! If you are seeking a potential opportunity with a system that can grow depending on your hard work and dedication, then Michael and Son is right for you!
5. Can I Franchise One Division or Do I need to Franchise All Four Divisions?
You can own a single segment such as an electrical franchise, 2 segments, 3 segments or we offer a complete comprehensive service franchise and the licensing potential for a single franchisee to operate all four segments in a given market territory.
6. Does Michael and Son Provide an Initial Training Program After I Purchase a Franchise?
Absolutely! The better trained you are to run a Michael and Son Franchise business, the better your business can run! We offer a 3-4 week (15 to 20 business days) training program at our corporate headquarters in Alexandria, VA. We also offer training and site set-up at your location for an additional 2 week (10 business days) period after corporate training. The initial 5-6 week training is included in your franchise fee. Travel, lodging and food are additional and are to be paid for by the franchisee. We also offer free ongoing and periodical training to our franchisees, managers and technicians at the corporate home office (travel, food and lodging are to be paid by the franchisee).
7. Can I Count On Continued Support from The Corporate Office Once I am Up and Running with A Franchise?
Yes, our commitment to you and your business will be evident through the many resources we offer:
- Our accessibility in answering any and all of your questions and concerns
- Our desire to help you solve business related issues that may arise for you
- Our in house marketing support staff’s availability to you
- Financial help with your initial marketing program (up to $25,000 in corporate matched funds)
- Ongoing training classes for your employees as well as management
- We offer management support and advice any time you need it and a direct line to the CEO of Foundry System LLC in the event you have unanswered questions or concerns regarding your franchise and operational needs.
8. Are There Other Reasons That a Michael and Son Franchise Distinguishes Itself From Other Similar Franchise Opportunities?
Yes, we give our Franchisee’s a system we believe is superior to any in the home service franchise sector today. We have a 1-800, 24/7 call and dispatch center that provides our franchisees service appointments and leads, there’s no need to hire operators or receptions and no worries about missing a service call, your covered! Our call center handles and helps you correct customer complaints or concerns. Our business and management operating software system called MOST is a tremendous asset for your franchise system and helps you to organize and maintain many of your business systems, invoicing, bookkeeping, appointments and costs control methods.
9. Do I Need Technical Experience in The Home Construction Trades to Open a Michael and Son Franchise?
No, not necessarily, but it is helpful for you or a partner to have experience in one of the four divisions Michael and Son offers. Our company will provide you with the essentials and the initial training to successfully run your business even without the technical experience. A willingness to work hard, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and some managerial or business experience are a good basis for owning a successful franchise.
10. How Long Does It Take To Open a Michael and Son Franchise?
It can take between 2 and 6 months to get up and running with a franchise operation. The wide difference in the time period will depend on your current situation. Conversions (already in the electrical, plumbing or HVAC fields with trucks and equipment in place) take less time and money.
11. How Much Income Can I Generate from a Michael and Son Franchise?
We do not provide our home corporate profit and loss statement to prospective franchisees because our corporate operations are far more extensive than we expect any franchisee’s operations to be. Our corporate operations have been in existence for many years and we have extensive experience operating our system. So, our corporate profit and loss statement may overstate the results that a franchisee could expect to achieve. We do provide some operational data in our Franchise Disclosure Document about our technician’s conversion rates and the average tickets for certain service segments.”
12. What are the Initial Costs for Owning and Operating a Michael and Son Franchise?
Initial investment cost may vary considerably from $77,125 to $468,750 and depends on a number of factors. Such factors include your current situation in regards to industry experience, equipment and supplies owned, the number of segments you wish to franchise and the scale of which you wish to begin your operations with (number of trucks, home or office home base location, etc.). We can discuss your options and investment intentions on a more confidential basis by contacting us directly.
13. Is There a Continuing Royalty Fee for Michael and Son Franchise?
There is a royalty fee of 10% on your weekly revenues. Our national call center and dispatch are included in the royalty charges as added value and may save you considerable expenses on your operating costs. Michael and Son will also provide a complete marketing program with support from our marketing department for all franchisees, we’ll structure and implement an ongoing marketing program for you if you choose and also match your initial marketing budget up to $25,000 for new franchises for the initial start-up period of six months. Marketing is one of the keys to running a Michael and Son franchise.
14. Does Michael and Son Offer Start-Up Financing?
No, not at this time, Private lenders, SBA and/or your personal bank preference may consider your financing needs for a start-up business.
15. Can I Sell My Michael and Son Franchise?
Yes, as with any business, your business can be sold with corporate approval of the purchasing prospect. Approval will not be withheld for a qualified individual or business entities. There is a transfer fee that will be required. The transfer fee is equal to 25% of the “then- current initial franchise fee’ for new franchises.
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