Franchisee Spotlight: Jim Dauphinee of The Cleaning Authority

Former Lansdale, Pennsylvania, landscape architect and volunteer firefighter Jim Dauphinee is continuing to serve his local community, now through a new business opportunity with The Cleaning Authority. Dauphinee shifted his landscape architecture and design career after the downturn of the housing economy in 2008. Recently, Dauphinee and his wife Andrea were looking for small business ownership opportunities and connected with The Cleaning Authority through a FranNet consultant. They look forward to providing residential cleaning services to people in the Lansdale area communities and Jim also wants to use his expertise to continue educating locals about home fire safety through the business.

What were you doing before partnering with The Cleaning Authority?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry and Syracuse University after which I went on to pursue a career working in civil engineering firms. In 2000, I received my Pennsylvania Landscape Architecture registration and went on to start my own company in landscape architecture and design. When the economy crashed in 2008, the building industry took a hard hit and I started working out of the home offering consulting services to private clients and civil engineering firms. This allowed me to focus on my two children while my wife Andrea continued her career in human resources.

I have also been a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years in the area. I got involved when I attended Syracuse University and ran with the University ambulance. I continued my passion in helping others once I moved home by volunteering at the local fire company. I held several officer positions while being a volunteer firefighter. I am now semi-retired but still involved with local fire departments.

How did you learn about The Cleaning Authority, and what made you ultimately decide to commit?

I worked with a FranNet consultant that helped guide my selection process and found concepts that matched my strengths. I was impressed by The Cleaning Authority’s model, which was superior to other concepts in almost every way. I also liked the simplicity of the service and scalability that’s possible if customer acquisition and retention are executed on properly.

What were your perceptions of franchising before starting the process?

It is a new world to me. My wife introduced the idea of pursuing an opportunity within the franchising industry to me. Working with a consultant really helped us narrow down the best options to pursue.

If you were to speak with someone who’s considering signing on with The Cleaning Authority, what advice would you give them?

It’s important to do due diligence and learn what is involved in the investment and launch process. For new franchisees, regardless of the brand, it is important to realize that the first several months will be intense. I think it is going to be a positive experience for me and I look forward to growing our team of employees to make the business successful.

Why is Lansdale the perfect market for your The Cleaning Authority business?

I think the business model is a good fit and is needed for the market. The way The Cleaning Authority emphasizes the local service aspect of the business makes us more understandable and approachable to customers. I feel there is a good employee base in this area as well that will help my business to succeed. When we begin hiring next month, I hope to hire two teams of cleaners (four employees total) to help us launch operations.

What kind of marketing initiatives have you done so far to promote your new business?

As we launch operations, I’m working to put together a program that can spread homeowner awareness about fire safety. I’d also like to support my children’s sports teams and Souderton Charter School Collaborative through the business. 

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