Air-Duct Firm Opens Doors To Franchising
Utica company has perfected a business model that will be offered throughout U.S.
As it approaches its 40th anniversary, Utica-based Safety King is looking to expand by franchising its business model throughout Michigan and the United States.
Known locally for its red trucks, the air-duct cleaning company hopes to have more than 50 franchises within the next two years, said founder and President Michael S. Palazzolo.
The new franchises will go under the name DuctPro International. Safety King will still operate around Metro Detroit as an arm of the DuctPro company, said operations manager Michael J. Palazzolo.
“It’s a natural evolution,” said Palazzolo, who also is the founder’s son and the brains behind Safety King’s decision to franchise. “For years, we’ve been training people, handling the marketing and selling equipment. … All of the pieces finally fell into place.”
An ideal franchisee is someone who is mechanically inclined and has a penchant for customer service, Michael S. Palazzolo said. The initial franchise fee is $25,000 and there is a $50,000 territory fee for an exclusive territory of 250,000 households.
Franchisees also will receive training at the company’s headquarters, customized marketing and sales programs and the use of the DuctPro brand, including its 800-number in each franchise market.
To jumpstart the franchising program, DuctPro is offering potential franchisees discounts of up to 35 percent for veterans as well as people who have been downsized by the automotive industry.
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