Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Franchise Review: Q&A with Gary Findley

CEO of the nation’s fastest-growing plumbing franchise explains why owning an essential business like a plumbing franchise is a wise choice for entrepreneurs during this pandemic

Since Covid-19 hit our country, consumer behavior is changing overnight. Not only are millions of Americans practicing social distancing at home, but many independent operators are also shutting their doors while ‘essential’ businesses are thriving during this pandemic.

Plumbing is one of the essential businesses needed to maintain our infrastructure. Although it may not seem obvious, the countless customers who keep the industry thriving at $110 billion annually recognize the importance. Moreover, not only is there plenty of opportunity in the recession-resistant industry, but there is a severe shortage of plumbers and franchisee plumbing businesses in the U.S along with independent operators scrambling for help during this unfortunate time who no longer want to be in business without any support. 

This is where bluefrog Plumbing + Drain excels. One of the fastest-growing plumbing franchises in the United States, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain’s business model is designed to help our franchise owners maximize profitability and excel at providing the best customer service in the plumbing industry. As one of the most affordable franchise opportunities in the home services industry with a low cost investment, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees can begin generating revenue quickly because we don’t require a brick-and-mortar location, and it only takes one van and a few employees to begin operations.

In this wide-ranging interview, Gary Findley, CEO of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, shares everything from what makes an essential business, to why franchising is more attractive than ever and what makes bluefrog Plumbing + Drain a best-bet investment. 

For the first time in franchising, we have a new category of business called the “essential business.” Can you explain the importance of investing in an essential business?

Findley: Honestly, none of us think of something like this until we are in the situation. For instance, we realized what an essential business was when the White House deemed maintenance like plumbing and restoration, as such. So, if you’re home practicing social distancing for the next two weeks, and you wake up and step out of the bed into three feet of water, you have to fix this right away because if you don’t, it could lead to more issues, like mold. 

How do you fix it? You call an essential business like Restoration 1 or bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. Like other essential businesses, they provide a service that is always needed, no matter the state of the economy. So, they are not only recession-resistant businesses, but they are also invaluable when a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or what we’re experiencing right now with Covid-19, happens.

This unfortunate time is proving challenging for independent operators across the nation. What makes the franchising model more attractive than it was before this pandemic?

Findley: I think what makes it more attractive is that it’s a world of support. Independent operators are out there alone. So when something like this happens, they cannot thrive in business. Why not? Because they don’t have national accounts as clients, or a preferred vendor. So if they start to run low on product, preferred vendors are going to take care of franchisors first. When this crisis ends, I think we will see a lot of conversions. 

Why is now a great time for Americans who have been furloughed or are working from home to consider business ownership?

Findley: When you’re laid off, you typically step back and take a hard look at things — we saw this happen during the economic downturn in 2008. Just like then, people are really concerned about taking care of their household and providing for their family. So, the idea of getting into business ownership is a way to control your own destiny. Today, it matters if your business is needed, or if your business is needed no matter the state of the economy. I’ve worked in franchising for 30 years. If I were to step into business ownership today, I want an essential business that has a low investment with high margins and few employees. Furthermore, I wouldn’t want to worry about inventory or a brick-and-mortar location and have a quick ramp-up. 

That’s exactly what bluefrog Plumbing + Drain’s business model offers. Furthermore, our No. 1 goal is to help our franchisees thrive in business. We’ve invested significantly in our training and ongoing support to ensure that our franchisees are financially aware, marketing effectively, and, most importantly, can thrive in business no matter the state of the economy. 

Bring a bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise to your community today

This fastest-growing plumbing franchise is a low-cost investment opportunity offering high growth potential. Join this fresh new brand as it spreads throughout the nation in 2019 and beyond. The total cost to open a bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise ranges from $100,430 to $351,015 — much less than the usual plumbing franchise brands due to the lack of brick-and-mortar expenses. 

For in-depth details about the blueFrog Plumbing + Drain  franchise opportunity, fill out our free franchise information request form.