Missing fundamental, internal or external factors

Franchise Evaluator™: Preserve Services
Why we love this concept: Preserve Services is an exterior residential remodeling company specializing in five complementary services: painting, roofing, carpentry, deck construction, and siding. These services are designed to be efficiently managed and provide franchisees with the opportunity to build a multi-million-dollar construction business. Franchisees operate as construction managers, overseeing projects rather than performing hands-on labor.
Investment Range: $68,445 to $95,645

Franchise Evaluator Score
More investigation is needed
Worth exploring further with caution
Add to consideration set
Sound opportunity and likely a great fit
At a Glance
Corporate Address
Preserve Services
203 Washington St., #203
Salem, MA 01970
Year Founded: 1995
Year started Franchising: 2017
Business Description:
Preserve Services is a professionally managed construction franchise offering multiple home improvement and repair services. Established in 1993 by Sean O’Connor, the brand focuses on quality, transparency, and trust. It provides a structured system for franchisees, enabling them to manage home improvement projects without performing manual labor. The company prioritizes client service, ensuring clear communication and accountability throughout each project.
MARKET Factors
Market Size
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Factor Definition
What population does the brand serve? Is the market broad, niche, or somewhere in-between?
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Our Assessment
The U.S. home improvement industry is valued at over $400 billion annually, as reported by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. This consistent market demand is driven by homeowners investing in maintenance and upgrades to protect and enhance their properties. The industry remains strong regardless of economic fluctuations, as essential repairs and improvements cannot be outsourced or postponed indefinitely.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the market size as a large market.
Small to Large Market Size
Industry Trend
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Factor Definition
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?
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Our Assessment
The home improvement industry has seen increased demand due to factors such as aging housing stock, rising home values, and a growing focus on energy-efficient renovations. During the pandemic, the time Americans spent at home more than doubled, leading to a surge in home improvement projects as homeowners invested in upgrades and maintenance. Additionally, consumer expectations for professional and accountable service providers are increasing, making franchise models like Preserve Services more appealing. The industry also benefits from a flexible work environment, allowing business owners to manage their schedules effectively.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Industry Trend as a high growth trend.
Low to High Growth Trend
Product and Service Drivers
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Factor Definition
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?
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services has strategically chosen its service offerings based on market demand, high-profit margins, and ease of execution. The company focuses on exterior painting, carpentry, and roofing, ensuring that most projects involve complementary services that maximize profitability. The simplicity of these services, coupled with standardized material selection and efficient project management, contributes to a seamless customer experience and increased revenue potential for franchisees.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the product and service drivers as high drivers.
Low to High Drivers
Competitive Climate
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Factor Definition
Are competitors a major factor in operating your business? If so, is competition sparse or saturated? Will it matter to your business?
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services operates in a highly competitive home improvement sector, with both independent contractors and national franchise brands offering similar services. Key differentiators include Preserve Services’ multi-service approach, professional management structure, and strong franchisee support system. The business offers both maintenance projects, and larger capital projects, making it highly versatile across different market conditions. By providing multiple revenue streams and repeat business opportunities, franchisees benefit from cost savings on marketing and an easier sales process due to established client trust.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the competitive climate as low-mid competitive pressure.
Low to High Competition
Regulatory Climate
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Factor Definition
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?
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Our Assessment
The home improvement industry is subject to various regulations, including contractor licensing, building codes, and safety requirements. Preserve Services helps franchisees navigate these legal and compliance issues, ensuring adherence to industry standards. In states like Massachusetts, multiple inspections may be required for projects, and the franchise system supports owners in managing these regulatory complexities efficiently.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the regulatory climate as low regulation.
Low to High Regulation
MODEL Factors
Revenue Model
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Factor Definition
This is one of the most important factors of all. To understand it you have to look beyond what the business physically does, the services performed or products sold and ask how does the franchise make money? Where does the revenue come from? How is it generated? Are financial performance representations made? Coupled with External Factors 1, 2 and 5 - Market Size, Industry Trend and Competitive Climate and the next Internal Factor 2, Franchisee Role - the true nature of the franchise starts to take shape.
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services generates revenue through its multi-service model, where each project often requires multiple trades. By offering complementary services, the company increases average job sizes and frequency of repeat business. Franchisees benefit from high-margin projects, with gross profit margins ranging from 40-45% for exterior painting services. Additionally, the franchise model ensures scalability, allowing owners to build a sustainable and profitable business.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Operational Model as Simple.
Simple to Complex Model
Operational Systems
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Factor Definition
How developed are the systems on which you will rely to operate your business?
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Our Assessment
The company has invested years in refining its operations, marketing, and technology to support franchisees and provide a structured business model. The system includes project management tools, training, and on-demand coaching to ensure consistency and efficiency across all locations. Additionally, their proprietary software automates many administrative tasks and provides valuable business insights, including cash flow prediction reports and production reports. Preserve Services continuously refines this software to better meet the evolving needs of franchisees. This professional management approach allows franchisees to focus on business growth without the need for hands-on labor.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Operational Systems as Comprehensive
Basic to Comprehensive
Brand Management
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Factor Definition
In this highly diffuse world, creating, managing and projecting a Brand is essential for the health and vitality of a franchise system. How well does the Franchisor manage this? How well positioned is the brand among competitors? Is it differentiated enough? How well would potential customers recognize the brand? How is it projected into new markets? What is your role and obligations in this process? How is the Brand’s digital footprint managed?
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services emphasizes brand consistency through its commitment to client service, accountability, and quality workmanship. The company prioritizes clear communication, ensuring that clients are informed at every stage of a project. This transparency builds trust and strengthens the brand’s reputation in the home improvement industry. Additionally, the franchise network benefits from shared best practices and collaborative problem-solving, enhancing overall brand value.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Brand Management as High Engagement
Low to High Engagement
Franchisee Role
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Factor Definition
What role is the franchisee expected to play in starting, ramping and the ongoing operation of the business?
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Our Assessment
Franchisees act as construction managers, overseeing projects rather than performing labor. Their primary responsibilities include client relations, scheduling, and ensuring quality control. They benefit from ongoing coaching and community support, which helps them build successful, professionally managed businesses. The model provides flexibility, allowing franchisees to manage their time effectively while growing their business.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Franchisee Role as Business Manager.
Service Executor to Business Manager Role
Real Estate Needs
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Factor Definition
What type of location, if any, is needed to deliver the product or service? If real estate is needed, are the requirements flexible or stringent? Is real estate essential to the product or brand experience or required for services to be performed onsite?
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services does not require franchisees to invest in commercial real estate or storefronts. The business can be operated from a home office, reducing overhead costs and making the franchise more accessible. Since projects are conducted at clients’ homes, franchisees focus on building relationships and managing job sites rather than maintaining a physical location.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the real Estate Needs as Basic.
Basic to Essential Needs
ORGANIZATION Factors
Franchising Experience
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Factor Definition
How experienced is the franchisor at being a franchisor?
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Our Assessment
With over 30 years in the construction industry, Preserve Services has developed a franchise system that supports entrepreneurs in establishing and scaling their businesses. The company provides extensive training, technology, and operational guidance to ensure franchisees succeed. Its structured model appeals to individuals looking for a proven business framework without requiring prior construction experience.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Franchising Experience as Extensive.
Limited to Extensive
Franchise Leadership
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Factor Definition
What is the tenure, background, and commitment of the franchise’s leadership?
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Our Assessment
Sean O’Connor, the founder of Preserve Services, brings extensive industry knowledge and a hands-on approach to franchise support. His leadership philosophy emphasizes community, accountability, and business growth. He is actively involved in coaching franchisees and fostering a collaborative network that strengthens the brand’s overall success.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Franchising Leaders as Highly Experienced.
Limited to Highly Experience
Franchisee Engagement
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Factor Definition
How often and how well does the franchisor engage franchisees? What assistance is provided in starting and operating your business.
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services fosters a strong franchisee network, encouraging collaboration and resource sharing. Franchisees have access to on-demand coaching, industry expertise, and peer support. This engagement model helps business owners navigate challenges, optimize operations, and build lasting relationships within the franchise system.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Franchisee Engagement as Highly Engaged.
Low to Highly Engaged
Financial Health
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Factor Definition
In what kind of financial shape is the franchisor?
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Our Assessment
Preserve Services has positioned itself as a financially viable franchise opportunity with high-margin services and multiple revenue streams. By offering essential home improvement services, the company ensures consistent demand and recession-resistant operations. Its disciplined approach to service selection and operational efficiency contributes to long-term franchisee profitability.
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Factor Summary
We categorize the Financial Health as Sound.
Weak to Sound Financial Health
Summary
Questions
If you have any questions about this evaluation, or want this concept evaluated based on the specifics in your market please contact us at [email protected]