Up Next: Tom Mills, HandyPro of W-NW Columbus

HandyPro featured in the Columbus Business First in an article titled, "Up Next: Tom Mills."The article is a Q&A for their “Up Next” section.  Tom answers questions such as how the business is going, the strengths and risks of the business, goals and plans, and a variety of other questions.

"Up Next Tom Mills"

By: KATY SMITH

Tom Mills

Owner | HandyPro of W-NW Columbus

Age: 66

Partner: Wife Laurie Mills

Business: Handyman services with a focus on home modifications to keep seniors and the disabled at home.

Location: Hilliard

Founded: Handy Pro was founded in 1997. Franchise purchased in 2010.

Employees: 5

2012 revenue: $300,000-$500,000

2013 projected revenue: $500,000-$750,000

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HandyPro modifies homes for aging residents

HandyPro in the Youngstown News in an article titled, "HandyPro modifies homes for aging residents." The article explains the work that Joe does with his HandyPro business and the increased need for senior home modifications due to the increasing senior population. The article goes into Joe's background with the Multiple Sclerosis Services and how he wanted to help seniors in the area from getting price-gouged by other companies. The article also explains that Joe's so busy he's looking to hire more employees.

HandyPro modifies homes for aging residents
By: JAMISON COCKLIN

CANFIELD | In less than two years, Joseph Chevraux has put 56,000 miles on his car traveling an area that encompasses Canton, Youngstown and Ashtabula, meeting with senior citizens who hope to make their homes more livable.

In April 2012, Chevraux resigned from his post as executive director of the Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency, a small nonprofit in Canfield.

The job wasn’t paying the bills, Chevraux said, adding he was devoting

more time to the HandyPro franchise he began in September 2011.

It’s no secret that the country’s population is aging , but it’s also giving rise to an industry from which Chevraux benefits.

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HandyPro in the Aurora Sentinel

HandyPro in the Aurora Sentinel in an article titled, "Former insurance vet says fitting homes with senior-friendly fixtures is a booming business." The article begins with details on the growing senior population, specifically in Colorado, then talks about Todd’s new HandyPro location serving the Denver area and includes information on the type of senior home modification projects they offer. The article then discusses how Todd came across HandyPro and includes quotes with Stacy about the booming senior care industry. The article discusses Todd’s background in the insurance industry, and how that impacted his decision to open a HandyPro. The article ends with some quotes from Keith about the work HandyPro does and the emerging senior care industry.

Former insurance vet says fitting homes with senior-friendly fixtures is a booming business

By: BRANDON JOHANSSON

AURORA | In just eight years, more than 1.3 million Coloradoans will be over the age of 60, the Colorado Commission on Aging predicts.

That would make the state’s 60 and older population in 2021 twice the current size of Denver.

And it means several thousand families in Colorado will be faced with a decision about whether to have an aging relative move to an assisted-living home, or make their current home more senior-friendly.

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HandyPro featured in the RiverDell Patch

HandyPro was recently featured in the RiverDell Patch in an article titled, "HandyPro Handyman Services Launching in River Dell."  The article starts by talking about Bill’s background as an entrepreneur starting with a paper route. Then, it talks about how he’s opening HandyPro in Oradell. Bill is quoted about how this type of business is needed for seniors in the area. The article gives a few more details about the business and ends with a quote about how Bill is excited to give back to his community.  Click here for the entire article or begin below.

HandyPro Handyman Services Launching in River Dell

By: Ann Piccirillo

Growing up the youngest of six children, Oradell resident Bill Harvey learned at an early age how to get things done. From his very first paper route delivering The Record, to mowing lawns, Bill had the spirit of an entrepreneur.

And in that entrepreneurial spirit, Harvey is branching out on his own and launching Handy Pro Handyman Services in Oradell, a business that focuses on the home maintenance and repair needs of seniors and those with special needs, as well as handyman needs for all residential and commercial dwellings.

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HandyPro in Akron Legal News

HandyPro was recently featured in Akron Legal News in an article titled, "Handypro makes homes safe for seniors." The article begins by explaining how Kevin and Beth Krakora decided on opening a HandyPro franchise after a career in financial services. The article then details the territory that Kevin and Beth’s HandyPro covers. Kevin is quoted about the senior home modifications that HandyPro offers and explains how the business is needed due to the growing senior population. The article closes by mentioning that Kevin and Beth’s business is steady and includes information to contact them.  For the entire click here or begin below.

Handypro makes homes safe for seniors

By: Richard Weiner

After a career in financial services, Kevin and Beth Krakora wanted a change.

The Fairlawn residents decided that, said Kevin, “after 30 years of corporate America, we wanted to try something different.” And, beyond that, the still-young couple wanted to create a business that made a positive impact on people’s lives.

The couple took about a year to look at numerous franchise possibilities, while Kevin worked as a consultant. In the end, they decided to go with the Handypro company, which started in 1996, and which has serviced over 20,000 residences and businesses in that time nationwide.

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Handyman Service Adds Mobile Technology to Its Tool Belt

Handyman Service Adds Mobile Technology to Its Tool Belt
By Michelle Gilbert

Specializing in home modifications for seniors, HandyPro, based in Plymouth, Mich., has 28
franchises that provide professional handyman services to residential and corporate
customers nationwide. As of recently, the handymen and women at HandyPro have added
another tool to their belt: 4G LTE tablets.

“The main reason I wanted to integrate mobile technology into our business was because I
saw it as an opportunity to streamline our operations and provide our customers with even
better service,” said Keith Paul, founding member of HandyPro International, LLC.
By enabling technicians to stay in the field longer, HandyPro has been able to focus on
providing its customers with innovative on-site solutions. Using a 3D modeling app installed
on their tablets called iDapt, technicians are able to take photos on the spot, modify the
images, and show customers before and after pictures of what home improvement projects
would look like.

The technology is also helping to make HandyPro more efficient. From processing work
orders and dispatching technicians to quoting jobs and sending invoices, HandyPro has
reduced its operating expenses and increased its productivity and profitability through its
expanded use of technology.

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It pays to be handy: Fix-it company builds its franchise numbers

HandyPro was published April 28, 2013 in Crain’s Detroit Business. The article discusses the booming growth of HandyPro that has taken place over the last year and a half, and how expansion plans are still in the fold. Keith discusses the demand for HandyPro and the process they are taking when looking for new franchisees. The article also discusses the history of HandyPro and the career path for Keith and Debra. To read the full article click here or read below.



It pays to be handy: Fix-it company builds its franchise numbers
By Sherri Welch

After growing slowly its first 18 years, HandyPro International LLC has more than doubled its U.S. franchisees to 30 over the past year and a half, and it's not done growing yet.

The Plymouth-based company expects to add at least another 10 franchisees this year and 25-30 each of the next five years to capitalize on rising demand for home renovations that enable the elderly and disabled to remain in their homes.

Franchise brokers have been referring a lot of people who are interested in opening a HandyPro Senior Modifications & Handyman Services franchise to HandyPro International CEO Keith Paul.

The demand has been so great that HandyPro, which employs seven at its corporate office and expects to add a few new franchise developments and support employees this year, stopped advertising franchise opportunities outside of brokers, Paul said.

"Our concern was we were growing too fast; we had to slow down to make sure we're doing it right," he said.

Paul expects HandyPro International to see $1.2 million in revenue this year, up from $962,000 last year. And he projects HandyPro Handyman Service Inc. franchises, which do business as HandyPro Senior Modifications & Handyman Services, to generate collective revenue of $5.1 million this year, up from $3.9 million in 2012.

Initial franchise fees are $9,500 plus a territory fee of $39,500 for the first franchise and a marketing startup fee of $1,500.


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KC HandyPro’s DYI Home Tips For Seniors

HandyPro was featured in an online segment on the FOX 4 Morning Show in Kansas City. The segment featured franchisee Kent Fischer on April 18, 2013. It was a live segment in which Kent shared some tips for spring fix-ups and the things you can do to make your home safer and more comfortable for older loved ones. Unfortunately, FOX 4 News did not post the entire clip, however they posted some tips from Kent’s segment on their website. The segment would be available to purchase through their media library. 

Here are some of Kent's tips:

• Grab bars — I have one typical, one toilet paper holder/grab bar and one fold down which are all easy to install.

• Security pole — It can be moved to anywhere in the house and can also be permanently attached.

• Floor mat — Rubber backed and low pile. These are used to help prevent slips, trips and falls.

• Adhesive strips for tubs and showers.

• Expandable hinges — Makes the door opening a little wider for wheel chairs and walkers

• 9-volt batteries for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Help the senior in your life with replacing these every six months.

• Night light — For any room to help prevent slips, trips andfalls.

You can also check out the tips here: http://fox4kc.com/2013/04/18/kc-handypros-dyi-home-tips-for-seniors/. 

Improving Economy Spurs Growth In Franchises

HandyPro was recently featured in an article in the Detroit News titled “Improving economy spurs growth in franchises.” The article discusses how the improving economy is lending to an uptick in growth for franchise brands. Keith Paul, co-founder and owner of HandyPro, discusses the expansion plans for HandyPro and their upcoming opening in Grand Rapids, MI. Keith also expands on their conscious effort to fill the senior demographic. Click here for the full article, and check out the sneak peak below.

Improving Economy Spurs Growth In Franchises

By: Joe St. Henry

Budding business owners in southeastern Michigan, many wanting to cater to an aging population, are aggressively pursuing franchise opportunities to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams.

Franchise consultants say their clients have become more serious in the past year, encouraged by the state's improving economy and business tax reforms.

"We had a lull in franchises, with many people staying on the sidelines," said Mark Cory, owner and franchise placement specialist at consultant FranNet in Grosse Pointe. "With the better economic climate and positive news, now they're ready to jump in."

This interest is not limited to Michigan. The International Franchise Association projects more than 775,000 new franchise businesses will open across the country in 2013, a 1.4 percent increase over last year.

Local interest in service-oriented businesses that cater to seniors is no surprise, considering 10,000 people are turning 65 daily across the country, living longer and purchasing plenty of goods and services.

"Baby boomers are driving the senior care market," said Terry Coker, CEO of The Entrepreneur Authority of Michigan. "Everyone wants to know what franchises are available in health care."

This includes Mark Lines, 45, who opened the state's first ActiveRx franchise in January in West Bloomfield. He spent more than 20 years in the medical device field before he began exploring franchise options two years ago. ActiveRx combines physical therapy with strength training for seniors. He plans to open up to five more locations within five years.

"I absolutely have a passion for changing the quality of seniors' lives for the better," he said.

(Read More)

Spring Cleaning Tips - Here's How a Handyman Can Help You Get Your Home Ready for Spring

By Elisabeth Kuhn

Are you ready for spring yet? Have you even started with your annual spring cleaning project? After a long winter, there's usually a lot to do to get your home ready for spring. While you can probably do much of it yourself, there are a few jobs around the house where a handyman can come in, well, really handy.

And what are those jobs, you may wonder? Some of them are cosmetic - they fill your house with spring-like energy, and others are those pesky niggling things that have been bugging you all winter. It's high time to have them fixed.

1) Leaky faucets

Do you have a leaky faucet whose drip-drip-drip may have been driving you crazy for weeks. Call a handyman and put an end to that particular annoyance. Then again, maybe your toilet is leaking water, perhaps just a tiny bit, but enough so that the tank refills itself every so often. That's another thing that a handyman can fix quickly. Besides, all that wasted water probably makes you feel guilty - and it might also show up on your water bill. Leaky toilets also make for bad feng shui.

2) More Repairs

But leaky faucets aren't the only things your handyman can fix. From doors that get stuck to windows that are hard to open to bookshelves that need repairs, those are things that should all be taken care of as part of spring cleaning.

Maybe you even have burned-out light bulbs in awkward places or lamps that no longer work properly. Or the plaster on your ceiling has gotten tired and is starting to fall off. Now is the time to take care of it.

3) Cosmetic Fixes

And it's not just broken things that would benefit from a handyman's expert touch. You can also upgrade your home with a few cosmetic fixes. Among those are paint jobs, from painting your rooms, or even one room, to painting window frames and the picket fence if you have one.

You can also have a new light fixture installed if you're tired of the old one, or the bulbs seem to be burning out faster than they should. And why not get a dimmer switch while you're at it.

To read the full article click here.

Napa Valley Commits Federal Funds to Home Repairs

Last month the Napa Valley City Council transferred a significant amount of federal money into its Rehabilitation Loan Fund so that low-income homeowners can apply for grants to make emergency repairs on their property.

The council moved about $191,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money left over from completed, under-budget projects to the rehabilitation fund, which is also funded by the federally awarded CDBG.

Low-income Napa Valley residents or landlords who rent to low-income residents can apply for loans to make necessary repairs to their buildings. The council plans to limit the money distributed to $10,000 per home. For more information click here.

Home Remodeling Industry Expected To See Growth in 2013

Contractors around the country have noted a spike in demand for home remodeling projects during 2013, a trend that is expected to continue. According to a recent forecast from the National Association of Home Builders there will be a 2.4% increase in remodeling spending this year among single-family home owners.

The 55 and older housing market showed significant improvement as well, according to the study. “We continue to see increased optimism from builders and developers in the 55+ housing segment,” said Bob Karen, chairman of NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council and managing member of the Symphony Development Group. “Those customers who had been on the sidelines waiting for more stability in their local markets are starting to make their move toward either purchasing a home or renting an apartment that is designed to more specifically suit their lifestyle.” To read the full report click here.

HandyPro Descends on the 2013 IFA Convention in Las Vegas

This week the HandyPro executive team of Joel Ambrose, Quinn Anderson, Keith Paul, Robert Gurinowitsch and Debra Paul attended the 2013 International Franchise Association conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The conference brought together some of the biggest names in the franchise industry to network and learn about franchising on a worldwide level. Speakers this year included former Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice and MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski.

During the conference the HandyPro team learned about the cutting edge changes in the franchise community that will affect the brand for years to come.

Franchisees Conclude 2013 HandyPro International Leadership and Development Conference

Last week franchisees from all over the country met in Northville, Michigan for the 2013 HandyPro International Leadership and Development Conference. The annual meeting was created to develop franchisees leadership skills, develop the way they do business and and help to develop a plan of action so that they can increase their business.

The theme this year was to Commit Inspire Succeed. Speakers included Melanie Bergernon from Two Men and a Truck, John Tenza of Coaching2Greatness, Jim Sullivan of Tax Solutions, Inc. and Nick Powills of the No Limit Agency. Each discussed the habits of successful franchisees.

HandyPro Featured in Central Penn Business Journal

HandyPro was the focus of an article in the Central Penn Business Journal in an article titled "Growing Better With Age," that ran on February 1, 2013.

The article highlights HandyPro franchisee Chris Tait and his decision to move into the home repair and senior modification industry.

Chris Tait hit a fork in the road last year after losing his job.

One path was to keep working in the food distribution business. Tait has 30 years of experience in the industry and had held a vice president position in York County before the ax fell. To read the complete article click here.

HandyPro Franchisee Featured in York Daily Record

HandyPro franchisee Chris Tait was profiled in the York Daily Record in an article titled "Job Security Prompts Career Swap," that ran on the publication's site January 27, 2013. 

The article highlights Tait's road to becoming a franchisee with the company and why he decided to switch careers. 

Chris Tait knew that he wouldn't be unemployed for long.

Soon after being laid off, the Baltimore native had lucrative job offers from two area food distribution companies.

Each firm promised similar pay and benefits as his previous position as vice president of purchasing and marketing for a local food company.To read the complete article click here.