Chem-Dry Celebrates 45 Years Of Innovation & Franchise Growth

Major milestone comes as legendary carpet cleaning franchise continues to experience franchise growth

It all started with a food stain on a tie, and the realization that carbonated water could get the stain out without damaging the fabric. That “lightbulb moment” in the early 1970s led to the creation of Chem-Dry, a carpet cleaning franchise brand that 45 years later has more than 2,500 franchise locations in the United States and around the world.

“It all goes back to our patented Hot Carbonating Water process, which gets the stains out of carpets without leaving them damp and smelling like chemicals,” says Ed Quinlan, President. “The process is also safe for kids and pets, which allowed Chem-Dry to be one of the first environmentally friendly floor-cleaning services on the market. That was a big deal then, and it still is 45 years later.”

Proprietary solutions drive steady bookings

Indeed, Chem-Dry could have remained focused on carpet cleaning. That business has made the name a powerhouse brand around the world, after all. Instead, a focus on R&D and a drive to create franchise owner value has led to more than 50 green-certified cleaning products, equipment that’s light and easy to operate, and a host of additional service lines that generate business and provide upsell opportunities on every ticket.

“Chem-Dry franchise owners are able to offer carpet and wood-floor cleaning, and then build out from there,” explains Quinlan. “When they are out providing an estimate, they can mention services that range from leather furniture and granite counter renewal to area rug cleaning and more. A Chem-Dry floor cleaning franchise offers services that are drier, cleaner and healthier than anything else out there. That creates customer satisfaction, which in turn builds brand loyalty and reputational equity for that franchise owner.”

Flexible schedule with a Chem-Dry franchise

Another Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise difference is that each owner sets his or her own hours. You work the hours that work best for you.

“Your schedule is your own,” Quinlan. “Many of our owners start small, because they are still working a full-time job while they build this business. Because a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise is a home-based business, there’s no massive overhead from renting expensive commercial space. You start at your own speed, with the services you want to provide, and grow over time. It’s very organic, which makes new franchise owners comfortable and confident right away. We know this approach works, because we often see people go from working only on the weekend to having several crews and multiple territories in only a few years.”

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise, with more than 2,500 franchises in more than 55 countries, serving 11,000 homes and businesses a day. Chem-Dry is a top-rated global franchise with unrivaled franchise service and support. 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.

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