Chem-Dry Franchise Owners Overcame Challenges & Found Opportunities In 2020

An unprecedented year meant rethinking business operations while also capitalizing on new products and services that were in great demand for this carpet cleaning franchise

Smart business owners have a plan that includes workarounds for the “What-ifs” of life. It’s likely even the best-laid plan for 2020 didn’t include a pandemic that shifted daily life in ways most of us have never seen. Even so, Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise owners found ways to reimagine their operations and push toward growth in extremely challenging circumstances.

“You don’t become a global brand, with over 40 years’ growth, without learning how to pivot quickly,” says Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development. “Chem-Dry’s corporate team and its thousands of franchise owners have dealt with adversity before. Maybe not quite on the scale 2020 hit us with, but we know what to do when the unexpected happens.”

New products target an immediate need

Chem-Dry is legendary for innovation. The brand is founded upon its Hot Carbonating Extraction process, which cleans carpets without harsh chemicals. Over time, that has grown to more than 50 green-certified products, as well as lighter, faster equipment that’s easier to operate and more energy efficient.

Now add to that MicroPro Shield, a multi-part process that first disinfects hard surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces using a hospital-grade disinfectant that is approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19); it then applies a protective antimicrobial coating that kills bacteria and algae on contact for up to 90 days. This is just what home and business owners were looking for and they responded; Chem-Dry’s sanitizing-service sales rose more than 300% compared to 2020 and demand will likely stay strong for this profitable add-on throughout 2021.

New franchise owners ensure continued brand growth

Another sign that Chem-Dry floor cleaning franchise owners found ways to succeed in 2020? There are more of them. By year’s end, nearly 70 entrepreneurs will have become Chem-Dry franchise owners with many more looking to take the plunge in 2021.

“It would have been understandable if people wanted to take a ‘wait and see’ attitude with all that has been going on,” Smith says. “Instead, we’ve had a steady stream of people in the United States and around the world wanting more information. They know that the pandemic is going to end and they know that when it does people are going to want to clean their homes, offices, rental properties … you name it, they’ll be looking for a thorough cleaning — and we’re the brand that can deliver.”

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise with more than 3,000 franchises in more than 55 countries, serving 11,000 homes and businesses a day. Chem-Dry has been Entrepreneur magazine’s top-rated carpet cleaning franchise for 32 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 and renewal services for tile and stone, granite countertops, leather and upholstery, air ducts, and dryer vents.

Learn more about the Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise opportunity

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