Klappenberger & Son is a leading painting and handyman franchise with over 30 years of industry experience, offering high-quality services for residential and commercial properties.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for Klappenberger & Son?

About the Brand

Klappenberger & Son was founded over 30 years ago by David Klappenberger to provide high-quality painting and handyman services with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Recognizing the challenges of growing a business while managing fieldwork, Klappenberger & Son was designed to empower franchisees to run their businesses efficiently without getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. Today, it stands as a respected name in the painting and handyman industry, known for its proven processes and commitment to franchisee success.

Mission: The mission of Klappenberger & Son is to provide exceptional painting and handyman services while empowering franchisees with the tools, systems and support needed to build successful businesses. The brand is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality service and to fostering a supportive community for its franchise owners.

Vision: Klappenberger & Son envisions becoming the leading painting and handyman franchise across the United States by helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of business ownership. The brand aims to grow by maintaining high standards of service, delivering exceptional customer experiences and continually innovating its business model to support franchisee success.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Guaranteed Success: Klappenberger & Son offers a guarantee on grossing $500,000 in the first 20 months by following its marketing plan or a full refund of the franchise fee.
  • Comprehensive Support System: Franchisees benefit from a 24/7 call center, CRM systems for customer engagement, estimating assistance, and ongoing coaching and education.
  • Veterans Discount: The brand proudly supports veterans by offering a franchise discount and is a member of VetFran.
  • Time and Cost Efficiency: With tools such as quick estimating systems, automated CRM and centralized appointment setting, franchisees can focus on growing their business instead of getting caught up in daily tasks.
  • Proven Business Model: Over 30 years of industry experience and a well-defined, easy-to-follow process provide franchisees with a solid foundation for success.
  • Scalable and Profitable Territories: Klappenberger & Son offers expansive and profitable territories across the U.S., giving franchisees ample opportunities for growth and revenue.

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With Klappenberger & Son?

Klappenberger & Son provides franchisees with a comprehensive and well-supported business model, ensuring success through every stage of ownership. Franchisees benefit from six weeks of in-depth training (covering operations, marketing and sales strategies) along with ongoing support, including estimating assistance and continuing education.

Franchisees are backed by a 24/7 call center that sets appointments and prevents missed calls, an advanced CRM system for customer engagement and effective digital marketing tools. The brand’s recession-resistant industry and strong marketing support give franchisees consistent demand and growth potential.

Klappenberger & Son stands out by offering large, exclusive territories ranging from 600,000 to 800,000 people, allowing franchisees to maximize profitability without needing multiple territories. The brand is also committed to supporting veterans through discounts and is a proud member of VetFran.

Available Territories

Klappenberger & Son offers extensive and exclusive territories across the United States, allowing franchisees ample room for growth. Territories are available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (including Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater), Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio (including West Cleveland), Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (including Houston's western area), Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

You can view a list of available territories here.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment ranges from $74,548 to $113,303. The brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Franchise fee

$40,000

$47,000

Signage

$93

$173

Service Vehicle

$230

$8,780

Signage for Vehicle

$1,000

$2,500

Call Center

$100

$450

Business Insurance

$3,000

$7,000

Painting Equipment

$2,000

$3,000

Hand Tools

$600

$600

Power Tools

$700

$700

Uniforms and Printed Marketing Materials

$1,200

$1,600

Office Equipment , Furniture and Supplies

$0

$800

Computer Hardware and General Software

$0

$2,400

Business Management Software

$2,500

$2,500

Technology Support

$900

$900

Training Expenses

$0

$1,500

Launch Marketing

$5,900

$5,900

Necessary Licenses and Permits

$75

$2,500

Professional Advisor Fees

$1,250

$5,000

Additional Funds

$15,000

$20,000


Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee for each Klappenburger & Son business is $47,000. This is discounted to $40,000 for qualifying military veterans.

Ongoing Fees: Klappenberger & Son franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing fees and payments, as described in the 2024 FDD.

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty6% of gross receipts/week, up to $1,000,000 during calendar year.
Brand Development2.25% of gross receipts/week
Local Advertising$1,200/month


ROI Potential: Per the 2024 FDD, “We do not make any financial performance representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets.” 

3. What Franchisee Support Does Klappenberger & Son Provide?

Training Programs

Klappenberger & Son offers a comprehensive six-week training program designed to fully equip franchisees for success. Training includes one week of in-person learning at their headquarters in Severna Park, Maryland, three weeks of interactive webinars, and two weeks of hands-on training within the franchisee’s own territory. The program covers every aspect of the business, from operational procedures and best practices to leadership skills and customer service. In addition, franchisees have access to over 45 training videos that detail Klappenberger & Son’s proven methods, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage their business confidently.

Operational Support

Klappenberger & Son provides franchisees with extensive operational support to streamline business management and enhance profitability. This includes a 24/7 call center that handles customer inquiries and schedules appointments, ensuring no leads are missed. Franchisees also benefit from a comprehensive marketing system that includes customized landing pages, internet marketing tools, and support with social media and advertising campaigns. Ongoing coaching and education are offered to keep franchisees up to date with industry trends and best practices. Additionally, Klappenberger & Son assists with estimating and pricing strategies, helping franchisees maximize profitability from the start.

Technology and Tools

Klappenberger & Son equips franchisees with state-of-the-art technology and tools to optimize business operations and customer management. Franchisees receive access to a powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that automates communication with both new and existing clients, streamlining follow-ups and enhancing customer engagement. The brand’s proprietary estimating software ensures accurate and efficient project quoting, saving time and reducing the risk of pricing errors. These integrated systems allow franchisees to focus on growing their business while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Klappenberger & Son?

Eligibility Criteria

While no prior painting or handyman experience is required, ideal candidates should have strong leadership abilities, business acumen and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Klappenberger & Son looks for motivated individuals who are dedicated to growing their business within a supportive franchise network.

Operational Commitments

Franchisees must commit to full-time involvement in the business, as part-time ownership is not permitted. Success with Klappenberger & Son requires active engagement in managing daily operations, overseeing projects and maintaining customer relationships. However, the comprehensive support and advanced systems provided by Klappenberger & Son significantly reduce the workload associated with day-to-day operations, enabling franchisees to focus on scaling their business. Franchisees also benefit from a recession-resistant industry with consistent demand, making it a sustainable investment opportunity.

Funding Assistance

Klappenberger & Son does not publicly detail specific partnerships with financing institutions for franchise funding assistance. However, Klappenberger & Son is a member of VetFran, which offers discounted franchise fees for veterans, making the investment more accessible for military veterans looking to transition into business ownership.

Prospective franchisees are encouraged to reach out directly to Klappenberger & Son for more information about financing options or potential partnerships with third-party lenders.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

6. What Is the Market Potential for the Painting and Handyman Service Sector?

The painting and handyman service industry is experiencing significant growth and shows strong market potential through the next decade. The global handyman service market is projected to grow to $1.8 billion by 2033, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5%. This growth is driven by increased demand for residential renovation and maintenance services, fueled by rising home prices and a growing service industry.

The painting services market is also on an upward trajectory, valued at $63 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $93 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2031. The steady growth is attributed to rising residential and commercial construction activities, increased awareness of home improvement, and the ongoing need for maintenance services.

Klappenberger & Son operates within this high-potential industry, capitalizing on both residential and commercial demand for painting and handyman services. 

Competitor Analysis

Klappenberger & Son differentiates itself from competitors through its comprehensive franchisee support system, including a 24/7 call center, advanced CRM systems, proprietary estimating software and a guaranteed revenue promise. The brand also offers larger exclusive territories (600,000 to 800,000 people) compared to competitors, enabling franchisees to scale their business without the need to purchase multiple territories.

Primary Competitors:

  • Handyman Connection: A leading franchise specializing in handyman services with a strong reputation for residential repairs.
  • Mr. Handyman: A well-established brand known for its extensive service offerings and strong brand recognition.
  • CertaPro Painters: Focuses exclusively on painting services with a well-developed national franchise network.
  • Five Star Painting: A painting franchise known for its robust marketing and operational support systems.

7. What Is the Application Process for Klappenberger & Son Franchisees?

  1. Initial Inquiry: Submit the contact form on the website to speak with a business development representative.
  2. Application: Receive more information and complete the franchise application, including territory discussions.
  3. Validation: Speak with current franchisees and review the Franchise Agreement.
  4. Discovery Day: Visit the headquarters in Myrtle Beach, SC, to meet the team and learn more about the business.
  5. Sign Franchise Agreement: Sign the agreement and start building digital marketing and business essentials.
  6. Training: Complete a 5-week training program from home, including sales, products, leadership, and hands-on experience.

Contact the brand here

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Check out these three 1851 brands:

That 1 Painter

Action Exteriors

Bumble Roofing

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Don’t Miss the Next Big Franchise Story

Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else

By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.

Victoria Campisi

About the Author

Victoria Campisi

Follow