The Great Franchisee: Keil Zepernick, Premium Service Brands, Florida

For the past 12 years, Keil Zepernick has worked as a stunt double in mega-blockbuster action movies like The Avengers, Venom and John Wick. When the pandemic hit, Zepernick knew he needed to pivot and find a reliable way to provide for his family. That’s when a franchise coach introduced him to ProLift Garage Doors* and Renew Crew, two outdoor home service franchises backed by multi-brand franchisor Premium Service Brands.

We spoke to Zepernick to learn more about his decision to franchise with Premium Service Brands.

1851 Franchise: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?

Keil Zepernick: I never thought I’d be able to work in the franchise industry and always assumed it would be a really heavy lift from the beginning. However, when the opportunities for Renew Crew and ProLift Garage Doors presented themselves, I realized it was not only doable but also a COVID-resistant business opportunity.

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Zepernick: When the pandemic hit and movie productions were put on hold, I had to figure out how I would support my family. I started looking at opportunities with Amazon since it was thriving, but then I was introduced to a franchise coach who helped me find both ProLift and Renew Crew. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Zepernick: I worked with a franchise coach to help find the right fit for me. 

1851: Why did you pick Renew Crew and ProLift Garage Doors? What excited you most about their potential?

Zepernick: I was attracted to ProLift Garage Doors first, as I saw a need for the service in the market. Living in Florida, it’s nice outside most of the year, and people spend a lot of time in and out of their garages. I then saw Renew Crew and again, since people spend a lot of time outdoors in Florida, I knew this would be the perfect business to bring to the market. The brand ensures residents can have access to a quality and professional power washing business.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Zepernick: I want to provide for my family and create a legacy for them with my new business ventures. I also am excited to bring jobs and provide a service to the community. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Zepernick: Develop your time management skills. It doesn’t matter how busy or flexible you are; you have to be disciplined with your time. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Zepernick: Prior to my career in the film industry, I was a professional basketball player and coach. Now, I really enjoy spending time with my family watching movies. 

ABOUT RENEW CREW:

Originally founded in 1993 and headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, Renew Crew is a power washing franchise that was acquired in January 2020 by Premium Service Brands. Renew Crew ensures the beauty and life of thousands of American homes and businesses through the use of proprietary and eco-friendly products that are long-lasting and safe for children, pets and landscaping. As North America's leading outdoor surface cleaning company with more than 20 years of experience, Renew Crew has 17 locations across 14 different states, with plans to open 9 more by the end of this year. For more information about franchising opportunities please visit:https://www.renewcrewfranchise.com/.

ABOUT PROLIFT GARAGE DOORS:

ProLift Garage Doors has been installing and servicing garage doors for more than four decades. In that time, the brand has become all but synonymous with commercial and residential garage door services, staking out an enviable position in the niche segment. In 2015, the brand was acquired by Premium Service Brands, offering ProLift Garage Doors the backing and resources of a multi-brand franchise system focused exclusively on service segments. Since then, ProLift Garage Doors has doubled down on its commitment to customer service and unparalleled industry expertise. Today, ProLift Garage Doors performs installations, repairs, replacements and servicing for overhead garage doors and loading dock components for clients across 20 states and counting. For more information of franchising with ProLift Garage Doors, visit: https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/prolift-garage-doors/