San Antonio Magazine: Mister Sparky Electric's Bryan Martinez Helps Veterans Find Their Place After Military Service

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Mister Sparky Franchise - Bryan Martinez - Veteran Hiring - 1851 Franchise

Mister Sparky Electric Franchisee Built a Second Calling Through Hiring Veterans

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Why a Veteran Electrician Reinvented His Family Business With Mister Sparky Electric

Why These High School Sweethearts Decided to Franchise With Mister Sparky Electric

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After joining&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky Electric</a> in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mistersparky.com/san-antonio/">San Antonio</a> nearly 11 years ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-martinez-ab4864127/">Bryan Martinez</a> worked his way into a leadership role.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanantoniomag.com/helping-vets-in-the-workforce/#">San Antonio Magazine recently profiled Martinez</a> and his efforts to help other veterans transition into civilian careers.Martinez served more than five years in the U.S. Air Force as a security forces member and deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his second deployment in 2012, an accident during a patrol outside Bagram Air Base left him with serious injuries, including torn rotator cuffs, a torn ACL and a traumatic brain injury. After follow-up treatment in Germany, he was medically discharged at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene.“I couldn’t finish my duty I signed up to do,” Martinez said. “That’s ultimately how my career ended.”Returning home to San Antonio proved difficult. Martinez had planned to make the military his career and suddenly found himself adjusting to civilian life while managing PTSD and ongoing medical appointments. His father-in-law, George Saldana, offered him a position at the family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/info">Mister Sparky Electric</a> franchise, creating an opportunity for Martinez to rebuild his sense of purpose.Over nearly 11 years with the company, Martinez worked his way from apprentice to technician to vice president. He said the discipline, accountability and attention to detail he learned in the Air Force translated naturally into the skilled trades and customer service work.“I was lucky to find that with Mister Sparky Electric,” Martinez said. “Being able to service our customers and provide top-notch electrical experiences and really take care of them, that was such a blessing for me.”Martinez has also focused on helping other veterans find stability and direction after military service. One example involved helping his brother-in-law, Marcus Saldana, another Air Force veteran, apply his military logistics experience to a role within the company.“It fills my heart and soul,” Martinez said. “Giving back to veterans just hits differently than anything else because it’s so close to my heart.”Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanantoniomag.com/helping-vets-in-the-workforce/#">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric">https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric</a>.

After serving in the Air Force and overcoming serious injuries, Martinez built a second career in the skilled trades while helping other veterans transition into civilian work.

COLUMBIA, Md.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky Electric</a>, a residential electrical services franchise under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>, has been named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/mister-sparky/329433">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®</a>, ranking No. 235. The brand improved 50 positions from its No. 285 ranking in 2025, underscoring continued momentum within the home services franchise sector.Now in its 47th year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500</a> is one of the most comprehensive franchise rankings, evaluating brands across factors including unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand power, and operational support.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/info">Mister Sparky Electric’s</a> upward movement reflects the strength of its established franchise system and the infrastructure in place to support owners as they build and scale their businesses.“Advancing 50 spots on the Franchise 500 is meaningful because it reflects both the strength of Mister Sparky Electric’s systems and the dedication of our franchisees who bring them to life every day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-clemente-b4244539/">Steve Clemente</a>, President and COO of Trades Brands at Authority Brands. “We’ve built the brand around clear service standards, operational discipline, and tools that help owners run organized, customer-focused electrical businesses in their local markets.”Mister Sparky Electric began franchising in the early 2000s and expanded nationally after joining Authority Brands, gaining access to centralized technology, training, and operational resources. The brand is built around a simple service promise — arriving on time and prepared to complete the job — supported by standardized processes that guide everything from technician scheduling to customer communication.“The Franchise 500 ranking is a useful benchmark for prospective owners evaluating long-term systems and support,” Clemente said. “For us, this recognition validates not only the infrastructure we’ve built, but more importantly, the unwavering commitment of our franchisees to maintaining high standards and delivering on our brand promise across the network.”To view Mister Sparky Electric’s full profile on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/mister-sparky/329433">https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/mister-sparky/329433</a>. Results are also featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands.

Mister Sparky Electric Ranked No. 235 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2026

The residential electrical services franchise climbed 50 spots from No. 285 in 2025, highlighting sustained growth and operational strength.

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Proper electrical work requires precision. In fact, precision impacts everything from general safety to daily operation of the business. For&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky</a> franchise owners, maintaining precision takes more than just technical skill. It requires a digital infrastructure capable of keeping pace with a demanding industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/info">Mister Sparky</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a> are meeting that need through the systemwide implementation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.servicetitan.com/">ServiceTitan</a>, a platform designed to centralize every aspect of a trade business. Through its dedicated Center of Excellence, Authority Brands supports franchisees with hands-on training, configuration and ongoing guidance to ensure the technology is fully integrated into daily operations and used to its greatest potential.The goal is to equip franchisees with best-in-class technology across every aspect of the business. ServiceTitan brings together inventory management, marketing, fleet tracking, scheduling and call center operations into a single platform, giving franchise owners the tools they need to operate more efficiently and perform at a higher level.<h2>Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Technology</h2>For many independent electrical contractors, the transition to franchising often emerges out of a desire to solve people management and scheduling hurdles. By providing the tools necessary to impact the customer experience on a number of different levels, ServiceTitan can help.&nbsp;Consistency remains a franchising hallmark. ServiceTitan helps owners standardize operations so technicians deliver the same level of service, whether they are installing a new panel or troubleshooting a circuit.<a href="https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/engineering-and-construction/engineering-and-construction-industry-outlook.html">Embracing technology</a> has become a competitive necessity in the electrical industry. Advanced reporting capabilities - including booked call rates, conversion rates, average ticket value and items per estimate - give franchise owners the visibility needed to coach teams more effectively, identify performance gaps and continuously improve results across the business.<h2>Synergies for Multi-Unit Owners</h2>A unique advantage for Mister Sparky owners is the ability to manage multiple franchise concepts within the same software platform. Authority Brands has integrated ServiceTitan across&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://onehourheatandairfranchise.com/">One Hour Heating &amp; Air Conditioning</a>, building efficiencies for multi-brand and multi-unit franchisees.This shared platform allows for a level of cross-promotion and operational efficiency that is difficult for independent operators to imitate. The software helps customers view a franchisee as a one-stop shop for home service needs.With a unified platform, franchisees can manage memberships and customer equipment across multiple trades industries within a single system. This connected view enables more effective cross-promotional marketing, allowing owners to leverage existing customer relationships to introduce additional services and maximize lifetime value.For local franchise owners, this means a single dispatch or customer service team can potentially manage several different trades simultaneously (maximizing labor while reducing overhead).<h2>Real-Time Decision Making</h2>The true power of the ServiceTitan platform lies in its ability to provide an immediate snapshot of the business. Rather than waiting until the end of the month to see if a marketing campaign worked or technicians are hitting their targets, Mister Sparky franchisees can adjust their strategy in the moment.Real-time visibility across the workforce allows franchise owners to influence customer experience as it happens, identify performance patterns, staff more effectively, track recurring services and monitor ROI with greater precision. This level of insight fundamentally changes how owners manage and scale their operations.By using data to help drive decision-making, franchisees can see performance trends and coach their teams more effectively. Dashboards provide insights into technician performance while automated alerts notify managers of potential issues before they escalate.As the electrical industry continues to evolve, technology adoption has become a clear differentiator between market leaders and those struggling to keep pace. Franchisees that leverage modern platforms are better positioned to operate efficiently, attract and retain top talent, and deliver a more consistent customer experience - while those that fail to modernize risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Photo of Mister Sparky team member and homeowner sitting at table

By centralizing data and streamlining multi-brand and multi-unit management, Authority Brands equips franchisees with the real-time insights and operational precision necessary to dominate the market.

Powering Growth: How Mister Sparky Franchisees Use ServiceTitan to Scale Electrical Operations

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mistersparkyelectric_meet-kristen-lee-lewis-activity-7277367770457980928-nBx_">Kristen and Lee Lewis</a> look at the business they’ve built in West Virginia, it’s hard to believe how quickly it all came together. In just a few short years, the husband-and-wife team has grown their&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky Electric franchise</a> into a thriving operation with roughly 25 employees, all while redefining what it means to be an electrician in their community.Lee began as a journeyman electrician before becoming an instructor in the field, a role that ultimately sparked a passion for teaching. That path led him to earn a master’s degree in education. Kristen, meanwhile, spent her career in nursing — a profession she loved, but one that was both demanding and exhausting.“I was having a rough day at work, and Lee came to meet me at lunch and told me that he was considering this franchise,” she said. “That started our conversations with the brand.”<h2>Finding a Business and a Clear Path Forward</h2>The Lewises had long recognized a need for reliable electrical services in their area. In fact, they had joked about starting their own electrical business before. But the reality of running a company felt overwhelming.“We were not businesspeople, so we had no idea how to run a business,” Kristen said. “That was what was so appealing about the franchise. They give you a guide.”That structure became a deciding factor. “While I’m not a businessperson, I can follow instructions,” she said. “There is guidance on every facet of the business. What better way to do it than to follow this guide for success?”Initially, the plan was for Kristen to leave nursing and run the business full time, while Lee continued working elsewhere. That plan changed fast.“Within the first three months, we were seeing more demand than we expected,” Kristen said. “At that point, it made sense for Lee to come on board full time and step away from his previous role.”They officially launched their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric">Mister Sparky Electric franchise</a> in July 2022. Since then, they’ve tapped into the brand’s systems, training, and customer-first approach backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>.<h2>A Culture of Support From Day One</h2>Beyond the systems and structure, Kristen said the people behind the brand made a lasting impression. “It was very apparent very early on that these were all our type of people,” she said. “The camaraderie and the support were so important. ”That sense of warmth and accessibility helped the Lewises take the leap into business ownership with confidence. “The warmth around this brand was what we needed to go on this crazy journey with,” she said.Today, Kristen leads the business with a mission that goes far beyond revenue growth. “This is my favorite job we’ve ever had,” she said. “And I loved being a nurse more than anything in this world. I never thought I had made the wrong career choice — but this is my favorite thing I’ve ever done.”From the beginning, the couple focused on two core goals: creating a workplace people are proud to be part of and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/mister-sparky-electric-service-franchise-2729956">becoming a trusted resource for the community</a>.“We wanted to build a place where people are really proud to work and be a part of — a sustainable resource that can grow and give employees a good living,” Kristen said. “We also wanted to build that same resource for the community — a reliable place people can call on during tough times.”That mission has delivered tangible results. “Three years in, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see what that effort has led to,” she said. “We have young electricians earning competitive salaries and taking real pride in where they work. They’re building meaningful careers, supporting their families and delivering a high level of service to our community.”Kristen pointed to emergency response efforts, including providing electrical services during Hurricane Helene last year, as some of the most meaningful moments of their journey.“That is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I love coming to work every day.”<h2>Redefining What It Means to Be an Electrician</h2>Under the Lewises’ joint leadership, the business has become known for more than just technical expertise. “We have redefined our industry to the point where we are so much more than what people expect when they hire an electrician,” Kristen said.At the heart of that shift is pride in the trade, in the team, and in the work itself. “We’ve created a place where we really focus on the pride of being an electrician,” she said. “This is what you chose to do because this is what you are good at.”Looking ahead, growth remains a key focus. “We are very growth-driven here. We always want to grow,” Kristen said. “My goal is to continue replicating exactly what we have here all over the East Coast. Our work matters. And we are really proud of what we have done.”For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric">https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric</a>.

Kristen and Lee Lewis, a husband-and-wife team in West Virginia, are turning their entrepreneurial passion into a rapidly expanding, mission-driven business that is elevating the electrical trade.

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Skilled trades have long been male-dominated, but more women are beginning to take on leadership roles, such as&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-glasson-8a6bb585">Michelle Glasson,</a> owner of a&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky Electric</a> in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She first became involved in home services through a family business and eventually developed a passion for building a strong team and supporting her community.“My journey into the home services industry really started when I started dating my now-husband, who owned a small plumbing company, and discovered a passion for family business and entrepreneurship,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to businesses that serve the community and provide real value to people’s everyday lives.”As she became more involved in the business, Glasson learned every part of the operation. Daily responsibilities ranged from customer service to leadership and operations.“Home services is one of those industries where the work you do genuinely matters,” she said. “When someone’s heat isn’t working or they have a plumbing emergency, you’re solving a real problem for them.”Experience across the business eventually shaped her leadership approach and strengthened her commitment to developing employees and creating a supportive workplace.<h2>Building a Strong Team Culture</h2>Glasson believes that success in the skilled trades begins with the people behind the work. Creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported remains a central focus of her leadership.“For me, it starts with culture,” she said. “We want our team members to feel like they are part of something bigger than just a job. They are a part of our family.”Training and professional development play an important role in helping employees build long-term careers within the company. The team invests in initiatives that support professional growth and makes itself available outside of work when employees need personal support. Strong culture also reinforces accountability and professionalism in the field.“Our technicians and staff represent our company in customers’ homes every day, so professionalism and trust are extremely important,” she said. “When people feel valued and supported, they tend to take ownership of their work and care deeply about the success of the business.”<h2>Encouraging Women to Pursue Careers in the Trades</h2>Glasson’s leadership experience has also reinforced her belief that women bring important strengths to business leadership roles.“Women often bring a strong sense of communication, organization and emotional intelligence to leadership roles,” she said. “Those qualities are incredibly valuable when you’re managing teams, supporting employees and building relationships with customers.”Her own experience entering a traditionally male-dominated industry was not always easy, but confidence and persistence helped her build credibility while growing the business.“In the very beginning, it was both challenging and, for the most part, laughed at,” she said. “However, through the years it has proven to be incredibly rewarding.”Glasson encourages women interested in the trades to believe in their abilities and not allow outdated perceptions to limit their career choices. Skilled trades careers offer meaningful opportunities for growth, stability and entrepreneurship.“What started as an opportunity for my husband and I to grow the business that he already had quickly turned into a passion for creating a strong team, building a positive culture and providing reliable service to the community we serve,” Glasson said.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric">https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric</a>.&nbsp;

image of mister sparky franchise owner Michelle Glasson Levittown, Pennsylvania.

Mister Sparky franchise owner Michelle Glasson shares how leadership, team culture and mentorship are helping open doors for women in the electrical industry.

How This Mister Sparky Franchise Owner Is Building Opportunities for Women in the Skilled Trades

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-martinez-ab4864127/">Bryan Martinez</a> thought he would retire from the U.S. Air Force. Instead, an injury in Afghanistan forced him to rebuild his life from the ground up and eventually led him to a new mission: helping fellow veterans succeed in the civilian workforce. His story was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanantoniomag.com/helping-vets-in-the-workforce/">recently highlighted in San Antonio Magazine</a>.Martinez served more than five years as a security forces member and deployed twice to Bagram Air Base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On his second deployment in 2012, his squad was patrolling outside the base in an armored personnel carrier when the ground gave way beneath the vehicle. He rolled into a 6-foot ditch, tearing the rotator cuffs in both shoulders and injuring his ACL, repeating an injury from his high school football days. When his head slammed against the truck’s bulletproof glass, he suffered a traumatic brain injury.After follow-up medical care in Germany, Martinez was deemed nondeployable and medically discharged at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. “I couldn’t finish my duty I signed up to do,” Martinez, 38, said. “That’s ultimately how my career ended.”Back in San Antonio, Martinez was starting over. He kept up with appointments to manage PTSD and tried to figure out what life looked like outside the military. His father-in-law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-saldana-939263126/">George Saldana</a>, offered him a job at his&nbsp;<a href="https://mistersparkyfranchise.com/">Mister Sparky Electric</a> franchise,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/bryan-martinez-mister-sparky-franchise-veteran-story-2730544#featured">giving him structure and a way forward</a>.Martinez started on the commercial side of the business so he could keep up with his appointments. He later moved into residential work, including servicing HVAC systems, plumbing and water heaters. He took on learning the electrical trade the way he approached the Air Force, leaning on attention to detail, accountability and awareness of his surroundings.Over nearly 11 years, Martinez worked his way from apprentice to technician to vice president. More importantly, he found purpose again in serving people.“I was lucky to find that with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric/info">Mister Sparky Electric</a>,” Martinez said. “Being able to service our customers and provide top-notch electrical experiences and really take care of them, that was such a blessing for me.”Now, Martinez is most proud of helping other veterans make the same leap into the workforce. “It fills my heart and soul,” he said. “Giving back to veterans just hits differently than anything else because it’s so close to my heart.”Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanantoniomag.com/helping-vets-in-the-workforce/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric">https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric</a>.

After a career-ending injury, Air Force veteran Bryan Martinez found stability in the trades. Now he helps other vets turn military skills into civilian careers.