1851

Multi-Unit Franchisee:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wigutow-01aaba2/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-brian-wigutow-ace-handyman-services-2726503" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Wigutow</a>Franchise:&nbsp;<a href="https://acehandymanfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-brian-wigutow-ace-handyman-services-2726503" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ace Handyman Services</a>Brian Wigutow transitioned into franchising after a 15-year career as a district manager in the restaurant industry, driven by a desire to build his own business. With no prior experience in home improvement, he successfully expanded his franchise by leveraging company culture, community need and the power of brand recognition.&nbsp;1851 Franchise talked with Wigutow about his journey in franchising, his accomplishments in the industry and his advice for other entrepreneurs looking to become the next great multi-unit franchisee.“Master the systems and the model of whatever franchise you're in right now, before you start to try to teach others or expand your own,” he said.&nbsp;A transcript of the interview appears below. It has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.1851 Franchise: Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you found your way into franchising?Brian Wigutow: Absolutely. Prior to franchising, I was in the restaurant business. I was involved in the restaurant industry even in high school and college. I was a district manager for Marriott for 15 years and several other companies as well. As a district manager, I managed multiple units and was in charge of making money for others. Eventually, I got tired of making money for other people and decided it was time to branch out and try to make money for myself.1851: Did you consider scaling right away when you started?Wigutow: I didn’t initially consider scaling. When I first opened, I had no prior experience in the home improvement business. It was a significant shift for me. About a year in, once I had gotten my feet wet, I decided to procure a second territory. So, it was an afterthought but not too far after.1851: When you're evaluating a franchise opportunity, how do you evaluate a franchisor?Wigutow:&nbsp;For me, company culture was huge. I spent a lot of time getting to know the franchisor. Additionally, understanding the need in the community was essential to ensure that there was a demand for the business I was opening. Back when I started, there weren’t many franchises available. The franchisor had to offer growth and balance, which were really important factors for me.1851: What roadblocks did you face when you went from one unit to two units?Wigutow: The biggest challenge was the risk and making sure I was comfortable with it. Once you’re confident, you can move forward without looking back. Other challenges included securing capital, managing the risk, hiring a solid team and ensuring a strong foundation before expanding and acquiring more territory.1851: What advice do you have for first-time franchisees who want to become multi-unit franchise owners?Wigutow: Do your due diligence and master the systems and model of your current franchise before attempting to expand or teach others. Be cautious of sales quotas and ensure you can meet them both physically and financially. Surround yourself with the best team, including advisors and the people you hire. Everyone needs to be working together towards the same goals.1851 Franchise: Is there anything else you would like to share that you think our audience should know?Wigutow: The power of a brand cannot be underestimated. Being part of a billion-dollar brand like Ace Hardware is incredibly valuable. When people recognize the brand, it helps with everything from closing business over the phone to recruiting and retaining employees. Franchises offer established systems and brand recognition, which means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just follow their guidance, and things generally work out well.Watch the interview above or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6m8O70mMt8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-brian-wigutow-ace-handyman-services-2726503" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-brian-wigutow-ace-handyman-services-2726503" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Multi-Unit Franchisee Insights from Ace Handyman Services

1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise spoke with Brian Wigutow about his journey in multi-unit franchising and advice for the next great multi-unit owners.

Advice From a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Brian Wigutow, Ace Handyman Services

advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-brian-wigutow-ace-handyman-services

United Water Restoration Group

From Receptionist to General Manager: Caitlin Lopez’s Growth Journey at UWRG

From Receptionist to General Manager: Caitlin Lopez’s Growth Journey at United Water Restoration Group Long Island

united-water-restoration-group-long-island-caitlin-lopez-journey

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Sets Its Sights on Phoenix for Strategic Franchise Growth

booxkeeping-sets-its-sights-on-phoenix-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Express Employment Professionals

How Express Employment Professionals Empowers Franchise Owners Through Training and Development

how-express-employment-professionals-empowers-franchise-owners-through-training-and-development

Pet Wants

How Pet Wants Franchisees Are Building Stronger Relationships With Pet Parents

how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-building-stronger-relationships-with-pet-parents

Right at Home

Right at Home In-Home Care Services Cleveland Ohio Market Release

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in Cleveland, Lorain, and Elyria

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-cleveland-lorain-and-elyria

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Greeva Patel and BIGGBY COFFEE logo

BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisee Brings Passion for Community and Coffee to East Dundee

biggby-coffee-franchise-east-dundee-illinois

Air Force Veteran Launches United Water Restoration Group Franchise to Better Serve Community

Advice From a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Brian Wigutow, Ace Handyman Services

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS