2020 has been a year of firsts for Buzz Franchise Brands. One of the most exciting firsts we’ve had is signing our first multi-brand franchisee! Atlanta-based private equity firm FranBridge Capital, which owns several Atlanta-based businesses in the home sector, purchased territories for both Home Clean Heroes and Pool Scouts this year. Aside from its first deal across brands, it’s also the first time that BFB has brought in a private equity firm as a franchisee, and our first deal for the brands in the Atlanta market.

Get to Know Our First Multi-Brand Franchise Owners

Jon Ostenson, Allan Young and Christian Pillat, co-owners of FranBridge Capital, are looking to become leaders of the home service industry in Atlanta. As existing operators of Oxi Fresh carpet cleaning, they have a strong understanding of  what it takes to run a successful franchise business. They knew that both Pool Scouts and Home Clean Heroes would be great complementary businesses to build on what they have. 

Having purchased a total of 10 territories (another first!), four for Pool Scouts and six for Home Clean Heroes, FranBridge Capital has hit the ground running. Part of the reason for their excitement and confidence to dominate the home service industry, is the rapid growth in the Atlanta metro area. Pillat said, “With the home services market being so fragmented, there is a massive opportunity within Atlanta to become the premier home service provider by leveraging technology to provide safe, punctual and professional home services experiences.”

Buzz Franchise Brands CEO Kevin Wilson agrees with this mentality, being very familiar with the Atlanta market from the business he did there with Mosquito Joe. "It’s very affluent and growing," said Wilson, "and it has the right seasonality. Pools are open much longer." You can read the full article on both FranBridge Capital and Kevin’s thoughts in this recent article by Franchise Times.

Looking ahead

While many boxes were checked for the first time with this multi-unit deal, we don’t expect it to be the last of its kind. Our brands have proven to be resilient, and have shown continued growth despite a pandemic. There are similarities between some of the different businesses, which would make it easier to purchase locations for multiple brands. Pool Scouts and British Swim School both provide water-based services with a passion for water safety. Pool Scouts and Home Clean Heroes both provide home-based services that people don’t want to spend their time doing, so that they can get back to the things that matter most. It’s easy to learn the ropes for the different brands as long as you have the drive and passion to be successful. We compiled a list of qualities that make up an ideal candidate, not only for Pool Scouts, but that apply across all of our brands.

Each of our franchisees, including our North Atlanta franchise owners, has displayed the characteristics of a successful franchisee, from the data-driven analytical mindset they have to ensure all systems are in place properly, to the ability to multitask. While multitasking is a key attribute for franchisees in charge of one brand, it’s even more essential in this unique case where they’re running multiple home service industry businesses. We are excited for Jon, Allan and Christian to pave the way as a multi-brand franchisee, and to show others out there contemplating similar career paths that no dream is too big.