Top Franchise Development Executives of 2024: Aaron Harper, CEO, Rolling Suds

With a background in client management and business development within the entertainment industry, Aaron Harper transitioned into franchising by leveraging his skills to scale various businesses. His focus on quality franchisee selection and sustainable growth has positioned Rolling Suds as a leader in the power-washing franchise space.

1851 Franchise spoke with Harper to learn more about his story and to gain insights into the common mistakes he sees franchisors making in today’s industry.

1851: How did you get started in the franchise industry, and what attracted you to franchise development?

Aaron Harper: Originally from Southern California, I moved to Hollywood in my early twenties to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, aiming to become a talent agent. However, after spending years working long hours on set with little pay, I found myself wanting more from my professional life. Around this time, a friend who was successfully scaling franchises in traditionally "boring businesses" suggested that I had the skill set to do the same. I decided to make the switch, a decision that would change the trajectory of my career.

Drawing on my experiences from Hollywood — particularly in client management and business development — I applied those skills to the franchise world. I focused on scaling and optimizing operations for various businesses, including those in industries like carpet cleaning and drywall repair. Over time, I helped grow these brands to become the largest in their fields. However, these companies often prioritized the quantity of franchisees over the quality of their systems and support, which led me to question some of the business practices I was helping to scale. That’s when I thought, “If I can do this for others, why not for myself?”

I ultimately turned down a high-paying job offer to pursue my own venture, with a focus on scaling a company responsibly. After researching numerous opportunities, I discovered Rolling Suds, a family-owned power-washing business with over 30 years of history. Its potential stood out to me, and with the backing of the family, investors and mentors, I acquired the company in 2023. As CEO, I’ve grown the business from a single location to over 200 in just over a year and a half.

1851: What strategies have you implemented to help grow your brand, and what has been the most impactful?

Harper: One of the most impactful strategies we’ve implemented to grow our brand has been our unwavering commitment to selecting the right franchisees. Before we even began franchising Rolling Suds, I sat down with the founders of the original location to define exactly what makes a franchisee successful. We identified key personality traits, financial resources and the kind of personnel needed to thrive. Together, we built a set of core values — compassion, communication, honesty and being helpful — and crafted our mission statement: “This is a relationship.”

This framework became the foundation for our franchise selection process. If a candidate doesn’t align with those values, we turn them away. We’ve turned down more people than we’ve signed up because we know that long-term success depends on the strength of our franchisees. For instance, if someone isn’t comfortable getting out into their community and actively seeking business or if they tend to blame external factors for setbacks, we won’t move forward. Likewise, if we don’t see the grit necessary to push through tough times, they’re not the right fit for us.

Our ideal franchisee is hungry to build a sizable business, has the financial resources to be successful and aligns with our values. It’s my duty to protect the system from potential bad apples, ensuring that those who do join our network get the best possible return on their investment of time and capital. A franchise is as strong as its network; the higher the caliber of our franchisees, the more valuable the network becomes for everyone involved. This selective, values-driven approach has been the key to sustainable growth and the continued success of our brand.

1851: How do you navigate the challenges in today’s franchise landscape, and what trends are you watching closely?

Harper: Navigating today’s franchise landscape requires balancing scalability with strong franchisee support. Our mission statement, “This is a relationship,” reinforces that our success is tied to each franchisee’s success, so we focus heavily on top-tier training and ongoing resources. One trend we’re watching closely is the rise of technology — particularly automation and digital tools that help franchisees streamline their operations. We also see the increasing importance of community engagement, as customers want to support local businesses that invest in their areas. Additionally, essential services like power-washing will always be in demand for both residential and commercial properties, giving our franchisees a stable, recession-resistant business model.

1851: What advice would you give to other franchise executives looking to grow their brands in 2024?

Harper: For franchise executives looking to grow their brands in 2024, my advice is twofold: prioritize franchisee quality and build a strong digital presence. First, be selective about who you bring into your system. The success of your brand hinges on the success of each franchisee, so look for individuals who align with your core values and have the drive to succeed. It's better to turn down more candidates than to rush the process.

Second, invest heavily in your digital presence. In today’s world, a brand that doesn’t have a strong online footprint is missing out. Create consistent, high-quality educational content on social media that showcases your expertise, supports your franchisees and attracts the right candidates. By providing valuable insights and positioning yourself as a leader in your industry, you’ll not only build trust but also create a pipeline of potential franchisees who are already invested in your vision.

1851: What are your future goals and vision for the brands you work with?

Harper: My vision is focused on sustainable growth, innovation and franchisee success while fulfilling my mission to educate people on the power of franchising as a wealth-building tool. I want to continue expanding our reach by bringing in high-quality franchisees who align with our core values, ensuring that as we scale, we maintain the integrity of our brand.

Additionally, I’m passionate about educating others on how franchising is a great way to start a business with built-in support. Through social media, podcasts and speaking engagements, I plan to create even more educational content that inspires future franchisees and highlights how franchising can be a powerful path to financial freedom, fulfillment and success.

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.