David Collier started working in his father’s in business as a teenager. He ran the family carpet cleaning business which was a training centre for Cleancare International. After University he moved to the manufacturing company where he assisted in design and manufacturing of cleaning equipment. In charge of sales, he traveled extensively through Europe and the North America to promote their products. After selling the company, he started Fabrizone, a carpet cleaning affiliate licensing concept. David later launched Home Prep Services to the Real Estate offices. The "One Call does it all" service caught the attention of agents and he realized that the business was unique in the industry. The concept was branded Prep’n Sell. He has refined the system, operations and developed an excellent marketing system to offer franchises in the GTA & Ontario as start of his expansion plans. Franchising is starting January 2014.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the Prep’n Sell concept.
David Collier: Prep’n Sell is a “one call does it all” Hassel Free concept for Real Estate agents and their clients to help them sell their homes faster and for more money. We offer peace of mind in an industry fraught with some unsavory and unethical contractors. This is a time sensitive business and we deliver trustworthy, personable, knowledgeable and professional service on time and on budget. We work with all the major real estate companies. Some clients loved our services so much that they hire us to do work in their new homes also. We want them to prosper.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Prep’n Sell?
DC: In 2006, as our carpet cleaning business matured, we realized there was a huge market to offer tailored home services to real estate agents and their clients to prep their homes for sale. Over the years, the business has grown and we have refined the systems, and our operations to a point where we are ready to share this exciting industry with the right franchisees.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Prep’n Sell?
DC: My work career started in high school with my father who was an entrepreneur. He manufactured floor cleaning equipment which we sold worldwide. I inherited a large portion of the business acumen from my father. I learned successful entrepreneurialism is derived from hard work, commitment to a job well done and integrity. We sold Cleancare International to G.H. Woods when I was about 27 and 2 years later I started Fabrizone, a carpet cleaning affiliate program. My father joined me 3 years later. I have never worked for anyone other than my father, myself and all the clients I have served over the years. Through the years in the business, we established over 600 people in the carpet cleaning business in Canada, the USA and around the world. This has inspired me to franchise Prep’n Sell.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Prep’n Sell franchisee?
DC: We have developed an excellent Brand that recognized in the Real Estate industry. We have a complete marketing concept that is already established and ready to grow. We have worked long and hard to refine the systems and we know from experience what will work. Canadian Contractor magazine stated that the GTA Renovation Market is $6 Billion Dollars with 6,000 contractors. Our concept stands out in the industry. With these numbers in mind and with a franchise concept, our goal is to get our share of this market. Our franchise territories are generous and we look forward to working with our franchisees as associates to reach this common goal. We offer a network of professionals to help one another and to work together as a team.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
DC: Our ideal franchisee is someone that is personable, trustworthy, professional, business minded, computer oriented and motivated. They require some sales experience with knowledge of what makes a business run. They don’t need experience in the renovation business and can be a man or woman. They must be committed to delivering a high level of customer service and making the franchise grow. Someone who is tired of working in corporate business or struggling with their own business would be a good candidate, Stagers, renovators or someone who wants to own their own business would be good candidates.
BeTheBoss: Tell us a little about the Real Estate Market?
DC: In the GTA there are 36,000 Real Estate agents listed on the Toronto Real Estate Board in the 4th largest city in North America and the 7th largest metro economy in the world. Real Estate agents are abundant throughout Ontario also.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
DC: Be professional, honest and deliver great customer service. Be organized and surround yourself with the best people who have the same values as you do.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
DC: My father was my mentor. I love what I do. I meet some amazing real estate agents and the companies they work for constantly inspire me. The real estate market is full of educational opportunities which I take advantage of.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
DC: First he/she must decide on what they are looking for, then research to make sure the company fits. Establish criteria on how they want to work: Work from home with no employees, have a flexible work schedule, or a location with set hours, overheads and expenses. Look at the return on your investment. Look at the future opportunities of the business and where it will be in 4 to 5 years.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Prep’n Sell would be a great opportunity for someone?
DC: This is a growing business that offers the great opportunity for success. Housing prices continue to grow as the baby boomers are now starting to downsize. With shows like Love it or List it and Property Brothers, homeowners are more educated about prepping their homes for sale. Homeowners know that staging and renovating bring equity to their home. We offer a wide array of services that homeowners can use. Other advantages to acquiring a franchise are that you have no employees, you can operate from home where you live, and you can work with an experienced and professional support centre to assist in operating the business. This leaves more time to market and sell and focus on growing the business.
