Chem-Dry Franchise Parent HRI Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation and Leadership

Sound business fundamentals and a brand with outstanding consumer support have combined to create a cleaning franchise business that continues to break records

Keeping the customers happy is the goal of any small business operator, and a Chem-Dry cleaning franchise owner is no different. That’s true of Harris Research International (HRI), Chem-Dry’s corporate parent, as well, and HRI is celebrating 40 years of happy, successful franchise owners as it continues to expand Chem-Dry’s footprint around the globe.

“We had a record-setting year in 2016 for new franchises and are on pace to beat that in 2017,” says Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development. “That says a lot about the longevity of our company and the success of the Chem-Dry brand. There have been a lot of competitors pop up over the years, and our attention to good business fundamentals has allowed us to not only outlast them, but to continue offering a business model that appeals to entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

Chem-Dry capitalizes on market trends

Homeowners and businesses are spending more than ever on home services, and Chem-Dry is poised to take advantage of that trend. By expanding from carpet cleaning to include area rugs, upholstery, leather and even granite surfaces, the brand has become a one-stop, whole-home service provider.

“What that means for Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise owners is the opportunity to upsell on every service call, boost ticket totals and grow revenue,” Doug says. “HRI has long understood that you can’t stand still and succeed, so we have invested heavily in our R&D efforts. That means not only new and more efficient equipment, but also dozens of effective, environmentally friendly cleaning products. And that’s not even going into other differentiators, such as our PURT pet odor and stain removal system.”

Future growth includes N-Hance partnerships

In 2006, HRI launched the N-Hance wood refinishing franchise brand, which has seen strong success and growth, including through some Chem-Dry franchise owners choosing to own both brands. That, too, is a testament to HRI’s ability to innovate and develop quality services and support around consumer needs.

“Chem-Dry has had more than 100 new franchise agreements every year for the past five years, and N-Hance has more than doubled its size in the past four years,” Doug says. “These are brands that bring value to the consumer and generate strong revenue for the franchise owner. Consumers are spending more on home improvement, repair, refurbishing and renovation rather than replacement, and HRI has positioned its brands to capitalize on that trend. Going forward, I see even more Chem-Dry franchise owners coming on board as we continue to add to the products and services we offer. Both Chem-Dry and N-Hance offer unique, high-quality products and services that are tailored to meet consumer needs around speed, efficiency and environmental awareness.”

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise with nearly 3,500 franchises in 52 countries, serving 10,000 homes and businesses a day. Chem-Dry has been Entrepreneur magazine’s top-rated carpet cleaning franchise for 29 straight years.  The Chem-Dry Hot Carbonating Extraction process delivers a faster-drying, deeper and more environmentally friendly clean that appeals to home and business owners. In addition to carpet and area rugs, Chem-Dry provides cleaning of tile and stone, granite countertops, leather and upholstery.

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