How ecomaids’ Training Initiatives Support Franchisees

At ecomaids, the environmentally friendly cleaning franchise under the Happinest umbrella, training is a key part of setting franchisees up for success. And, in her role as a franchise business advisor, Lee Ann Werner is with franchisees every step of the way. 

Werner explained that the ecomaids journey starts with onboarding specialist Kim Cacase who brings people on in a very structured, yet supportive manner. “We have an onboarding specialist who is amazing at her job,” she said. “People that are coming on to ecomaids feel very supported and communicated to on a weekly basis for as long as they need it.”

The onboarding process covers the details that come with getting a business setup such as insurance, worker’s comp. overall support and emotional guidance. 

Following the onboarding process, new franchisees go through a training program in Portland, Oregon. The one week immersive program includes a deep dive into financials, hiring, recruiting and technician training, as well as coaching on day-to-day operations and cleaning processes. 

“We also discuss mission, vision and value proposition, so that they can not only structure their organization as a business, but also start considering culture and what kind of people that they want to have as part of their company,” Werner added. “They really start to develop their vision for what that's going to look like in the future.”

Werner noted that up until late last year, training had been virtual due to COVID-19.

“Our first post-COVID in-person training was in December 2021 and being in person is incredibly valuable for relationship building,” she explained. “The most beneficial part is probably the actual day that they get to tour a fellow franchise office. They get to meet and interact with a team of technicians. They also get to meet and have conversations with other franchisees, and more.” 

Feedback has been positive. “Franchisees have said that it's comprehensive and that it gives them the foundation to start building their own organization,” said Werner. 

The ecomaids corporate team has noticed franchisees have a more comprehensive perspective on the business because they can see it in action. “That's been very valuable. I think it's helped them visualize what their organization is going to look like,” noted Werner. 

Franchisees should be up and running about a month after training, but support doesn’t stop after training. “Support post-training includes bi-weekly phone calls and support for their business platforms to make sure that they are staying on track with their goals,” said Werner. “We are helping them continue to evolve their organization as they grow and plan for the future.”

Exit strategy is also discussed. “Many people want to leave a legacy and sell their company to or give their company to their children. Some want to sell it and retire handsomely,” Werner said. “So, talking about exit strategy is incredibly important, even from the very beginning.” 

Werner likes to have those conversations early so they can always be working towards whatever goal the franchisee wants to achieve from owning a franchise.

She added that “ecomaids will continue to grow its training program and evolve based on the needs of our franchisees.”

The total investment necessary to open an ecomaids franchise ranges from $110,990-$136,379. For more information on franchising opportunities with ecomaids, visit https://ecomaidsfranchise.com/.