Meet the Minds Behind Renovation Sells

They say teamwork makes the dream work, and that couldn’t reign more true than at Renovation Sells, a company shaking up the world of real estate. Find out how these four home-reno pros combined their individual expertise into one singular mission: to change the way real estate is sold.

Married founders Michael and Amanda Valente, along with partners Briana Gershenzon, chief design officer, and John Bura, chief construction officer, each bring their unique set of talents to the company, but remain driven by a single purpose: to help home sellers get top-dollar for their home.

Rather than simple furniture staging, Renovation Sells works directly with real estate agents and homeowners to provide a strategic “nip-and-tuck” rehab that delivers the on-trend looks that today's buyers demand. All without the hassle and expense of a traditional renovation.

They’re bringing that same attitude, expertise and focus to the franchising game as they expand their co…

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How Renovation Sells Turns Any Home Listing into an Instagram Ready Buyer’s Dream

Renovation Sells offers affordable and fast kitchen and bath upgrades to make listings shine.

Renovation Sells, the Chicago-based home renovation franchise, allows franchisees to take advantage of a major uptick in demand for easy, pre-sale home renovations.

As homebuying booms in communities across the country, the $419 billion home renovation industry has continued to see growth. Renovation Sells is uniquely positioned for success with its proven business model and industry-leading ability to make home listings appeal to buyers online.

“Now more than ever, first impressions are everything, especially with the rise of online home buying,” said Renovation Sells’ co-founder Michael Valente.

“The pandemic has made nearly half of millennial home shoppers speed up their home buying timeline, and these buyers have expectations. When people view a home online, the listing photos will determine whether or not someone comes in for a showing—this was…

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Comfort Keepers® Commemorates 3rd Annual Day of Joy Holiday

After a year like no other, Americans have gained a new perspective when it comes to attaining joy in their lives.

Comfort Keepers®, a provider of home care for seniors and adults who need assistance, will celebrate its third annual National Day of Joy on June 30, 2021.

Comfort Keepers founded this national holiday, which occurs each year on the last Wednesday of June, to emphasize the importance of individuals finding joy, no matter their age, to boost their overall physical, mental and emotional health.

"Even before the pandemic, Comfort Keepers believed in the importance of joy and delivering hope, love and purpose to people we care for regardless of their age," said Carl McManus, Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers, North America.

"Even in the most difficult of times this past year, our network of compassionate, resourceful caregivers found ways to uplift, boost and inspire their clients—a practice that they will continue to embrace…

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DreamMaker Named #1 Home Services Franchise for 2021

Ranks highest in franchisee satisfaction by Independent Industry Survey.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, with its “Code of Values” emphasizing service, honesty and integrity, has been named the top home services company in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review.

Each year the leading franchise market research firm, Franchise Business Review, ranks the 200 best franchise opportunities, based on results of an independent survey of franchise business owners.

DreamMaker was among over 300 franchise brands, representing more than 28,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research.

Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction in critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, marketing, technology, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“This is a tremendous h…
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DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Ranks 6th Largest National Remodeler in the US by Qualified Remodeler for the Second Year in a Row

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has been named the 6th largest national home improvement company in the country by Qualified Remodeler magazine in their top 500 list for 2020.

The Qualified Remodeler Top 500 has been the gold standard for the home remodeling industry for 40 years.

“We are honored to receive this distinction,” said DreamMaker President, Doug Dwyer.

“2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. I am so proud of our franchisees and the corporate team for striving through adversity to help homeowners adjust to the new normal in their homes. This is truly an award our entire franchise network should feel proud of.”

No stranger to awards, the franchise has won a number of them as one of the top franchise opportunities as measured by franchisee satisfaction.

DreamMaker has received 17 GuildMaster Awards and several Remodeling Big 50 Awards, and was recognized as a Franchise Business Review 20…

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Fresh Coat – Brand President, Tara Riley, Interviewed by Franchise Update Magazine.

During the interview Riley discusses leadership, management, operations, time management, and Fresh Coat goals.

Tara Riley, president of Fresh Coat Painters, sat down with Kerry Pipes of franchising.com for an interview. The article, “A Brush Stroke of Genius. Fresh Coat's Tara Riley is a one-of-a-kind leader,” is now featured in Franchise Update Magazine issue 3 of 2021.

Below are some excerpts from the interview: Describe your leadership style.

My leadership style centers around creating a shared vision for the brand and empowering my team to make that vision a reality. Key to this is finding the right people for the right positions, setting clear expectations, and then trusting them to execute their roles accordingly. I seek input from my team regarding the goals we set and plans of action to achieve them, and I strive to support their goals for personal development as well.

What does your management team look like?

I have a strong team by…

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Meet Jim Farinacci, VP of Marketing Fresh Coat and TruBlue

Beginning his career in television media before moving to a digital marketing agency, Jim Farinacci now serves as the Vice President of Marketing for Fresh Coat.

He brings with him a wide variety of experiences that he leverages on behalf of the Fresh Coat franchise owners to grow their businesses.

First running the camera for ESPN and ABC Sports, covering IndyCar, NFL, MLB, and college sports programs, Jim then moved on to a Fox affiliate station in Cincinnati for 10 years. Deciding that he wanted additional experience outside of media marketing, he joined a digital agency for three years to widen his knowledge to other industries.

When asked what drew him to Fresh Coat, he says, “I liked the idea of being with one brand and getting to know it inside and out and really embed myself in it.” Jim says that even he was surprised as to how much his varied experiences played a role in helping him support Fresh Coat franchise o…

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Fresh Coat – Choosing a Military-Friendly Franchise Opportunity

Veterans of the military are more interested in business ownership now than ever before.

According to U.S. Veterans Magazine, approximately 25% of veterans are interested in owning their own business, and one of every seven franchises is owned by a military veteran.

It seems the very nature of serving in the military oftentimes enhances or even creates personality traits that also lend themselves to being a successful franchise owner.

Willing to learn and take on new challengesProven leadership allows veterans to handle the daily operations of a franchise with great successMilitary service requires a nearly unmatched level of commitment that translates to a drive to succeed as a franchise ownerStrong communication skills in dealing with a wide variety of individualsAbility to cope with and overcome stress

Because military veterans tend to be drawn to—and be successful—at franchise ownership, it is no surprise that many…

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The Franchise Business Model for Electricians with Mister Sparky Electric

Mister Sparky has been in business since 1998 and has grown to be a very large electrical contracting company that is part of a larger umbrella company called Authority Brands—which also owns Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and America’s Swimming Pool Company, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, Mosquito Squad and One Hour Heating and Air conditioning.

The success of Mister Sparky is largely due, as Mark talks about, to franchising.

Most of the partnerships they have are existing companies that join the Mister Sparky franchise, in which Mark and his team help coach businesses for profitability. The benefits of a franchise are many, though you are giving up some of your profits to the parent company—as well as a lot of decision-making and freedom you would otherwise keep being an independent contractor.

You gain the support of a successful business, marketing, coaching, and buying power, but there are costs associated with this business model. I d…

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PuroClean Appoints Frank LaViola as Vice President of Business Development

Dynamic business professional - who has more than three decades of industry experience—to oversee leading restoration and remediation franchise’s national B2B efforts.

PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, today announced the appointment of Frank LaViola as Vice President of Business Development. LaViola brings 30 years of experience in sales and business management to PuroClean.

With proven success in the industry, having previously opened and operated his own restoration and remediation franchise which he quickly grew to six locations, LaViola joins PuroClean’s Business Development department to help grow its relationships with insurance carriers and commercial vendors and oversee the brand’s growing roster of national partners.

“I’m excited to join PuroClean and eager to begin this new chapter in my career, supporting our outstanding franchise owners and expanding our trusted network of national partners,” said LaViola.

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PuroClean Salutes President And COO Steve White For 35 Years In Franchising

Military Veteran and IFA VetFran Chair remains focused on Servant Leadership Approach, leading restoration and remediation franchise to new heights.

PuroClean President and COO Steve White is celebrating a major milestone, with tributes coming in from franchise owners and industry leaders alike.

Having so far dedicated 35 years to the franchising industry, White has earned a stellar reputation as a “bold leader” who listens attentively to his team, inspiring innovation while creating a solutions-driven culture that thrives in adversity.

White has been praised with accolades throughout his years in franchising for focusing on servant leadership and the concerted effort he places on helping local entrepreneurs find success.

“Frank [Torre] and I are honored to congratulate Steve on reaching 35 years in franchising, and we are proud to have been part of his journey since he came onboard with PuroClean in 2013,” said…

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PuroClean Signs Partnership With Transport Solutions Of America

National franchise to provide preventative cleaning & biohazard services for more than 1,000 vehicles throughout North America.

PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, today announced that it has added Transport Solutions of America (TSOA), to its growing roster of national accounts.

Through its expansive network of franchise locations across North America, PuroClean will, effective immediately, provide biohazard services and thorough cleanings to TSOA’s vehicles.

“While cleaning has always been a top priority for businesses, COVID-19 has created a natural, heightened sense of understanding around how critical proper sanitization is, and the risks companies like PuroClean can help a business eliminate,” said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean.

“PuroClean is proud to have an extensive network of franchises across the country who support businesses large and small. We are thrilled …

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