Franchise Evaluator™: Bright Brothers

What population does the brand serve? Is the market broad, niche, or somewhere in-between?

The pressure washing services industry in the United States has experienced steady growth, with industry revenue expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2024. The sector has seen an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.6% over the past five years. Residential and commercial demand for these services has increased, as more people spend time at home and focus on maintaining and improving their properties with lower cost, higher impact services. Additionally, low interest rates in 2020 and 2021 contributed to a rise in home sales and private spending on home improvements, further driving demand for pressure washing services. More homes and businesses, means more room for growth.

We categorize the market size as a large market.

Is the overall industry growing, that is creating new customers who have never used these services before, or mature where most population segments are already using these types of products and services?

Industry trends in home service highlights a shift in demand toward residential services, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As more individuals worked from home and spent more time maintaining their properties, the need for exterior cleaning services grew. The industry remains accessible due to low barriers to entry, with most providers operating as small-scale businesses or nonemployers. The primary challenge for new entrants is the initial cost of pressure washing equipment, which remains the most significant startup expense.

We categorize the Industry Trend as a high growth trend.

What drives the purchase of the product or service? Is it a “need-to-buy” or a “want-to-buy”? How are customers drawn to your business?

Bright Brothers’ product and service offerings are driven by a focus on providing effective, long-lasting exterior cleaning solutions with minimal environmental impact. Their range of services includes home soft washing, roof and window cleaning, deck and gutter maintenance, and commercial soft washing, alongside holiday lighting installation. A key differentiator of Bright Brothers’ approach is their use of soft washing utilizing a proprietary cleaning solution, which avoids the potential damage associated with high-pressure power washing cleaning by using less water and targeting mold, mildew, and algae at the root. This method not only preserves the integrity of surfaces but also delivers longer-lasting results, reducing the need for frequent cleanings. Additionally, their business model supports year-round work with recurring revenue streams, offering franchisees a stable and growing market.

We categorize the product and service drivers as high drivers.

Are competitors a major factor in operating your business? If so, is competition sparse or saturated? Will it matter to your business?

The competitive climate for Bright Brothers Franchise is shaped by the increasing demand for exterior cleaning services and the relatively low barriers to entry in the industry. Many competitors in the market operate as small, independent businesses, often with minimal overhead, making price competition a common challenge. However, Bright Brothers distinguishes itself with a specialized soft-washing technique that reduces the risk of surface damage and offers longer-lasting results compared to traditional pressure washing. Additionally, the franchise benefits from offering a diverse range of services, including holiday lighting, which provides a unique, seasonal revenue stream. While the market is competitive, Bright Brothers leverages its strong brand, proprietary methods, and comprehensive franchisee support to stand out in the industry.

We categorize the competitive climate as mid-high competitive pressure.

Are the business’s products or services regulated, or do they require licensing? Will you or your employees require special licensing? If so, is the regulatory climate strict or lax? Will this affect recruiting employees?

The regulatory climate for a home service soft washing company involves compliance with several environmental and safety standards at local, state, and federal levels. Companies must adhere to regulations regarding water usage and runoff, as improper handling of wastewater can lead to contamination of local water systems. Many jurisdictions require businesses to implement best practices for water reclamation and filtration to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains. Additionally, companies may need to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to ensure safe working conditions, particularly when using ladders or handling chemicals. Depending on the location, specific business licenses and permits may also be required to operate legally. Staying informed of these regulations is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential fines or operational disruptions.

We categorize the regulatory climate as high regulation.

How experienced is the franchisor at being a franchisor?

Bright Brothers is led by experienced entrepreneurs Pat Clark and Larry Janesky. Both founders bring extensive business knowledge, with Larry Janesky having over 40 years of experience as a contractor and founding Contractor Nation. In addition to running their own businesses, they have focused on helping others achieve success. Larry’s experience with Contractor Nation, an organization he founded to support contractors, adds valuable insight into the franchise model, providing franchisees with practical tools and strategies to build and grow their businesses in the exterior cleaning market.

We categorize the Franchising Experience as Extensive.

What is the tenure, background, and commitment of the franchise’s leadership?

The leadership team of Bright Brothers Franchise brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. Lawrence M. Janesky, the Chief Executive Officer, has an extensive background in entrepreneurship, having founded multiple successful businesses, including Contractor Nation and Basement Systems. His leadership and industry knowledge guide the overall strategic direction of the franchise. Stephanie Pelizzari, the President, has a strong track record in business development and leadership, with experience as Vice President of Klaus Roofing Systems.  Austin Passini, the Chief Operating Officer, brings financial and operational expertise from his background in banking and financial analysis.

We categorize the Franchising Leaders as Highly Experienced.

How often and how well does the franchisor engage franchisees? What assistance is provided in starting and operating your business.

Bright Brothers expects franchisee engagement to be highly proactive and customer-focused, with a strong emphasis on communication and relationship-building. Ideal franchisees should possess excellent networking and sales skills, allowing them to effectively acquire both residential and commercial customers. Franchisees are expected to have the ability to scale their operations as demand grows, while also maintaining a high standard of customer service. Bright Brothers seeks franchisees who are not only capable of managing teams and overseeing day-to-day operations but also committed to building long-term relationships with clients to drive business success.

We categorize the Franchisee Engagement as Highly Engaged.

In what kind of financial shape is the franchisor?

Bright Brothers provides a glimpse into its financial performance based on the operation of its single Affiliate-Owned Location, which managed one truck from October 2023 to May 31, 2024, and added a second truck in June 2024. This location services an area larger than the typical franchise territory, with 125,325 Qualified Households, representing approximately 2.5 times the size of a standard territory. The Financial Performance Representation (FPR) shared by Bright Brothers in their FDD includes metrics such as average ticket size for various services, gross revenue, and sales by month during the measurement period from October 2023 to June 2024. While there are no franchised locations yet, the growth of the Affiliate-Owned Location and the requirement for franchisees to expand their fleet as demand increases suggest a scalable business model with room for growth in qualified territories.

We categorize the Financial Health as Sound.