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The Dwyer Group® Helps Secure Homes of West, TX

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Our hearts are with West, Texas

The Dwyer Group, parent company of seven home service and maintenance companies, has purchased repair items, including tarps plywood, roofing materials and two-by-fours to aid in recovery efforts.

The supplies will be available to any resident of West, TX in need of home repairs. Glass Doctor and Rainbow International franchisees and technicians have volunteered their services to aid residents in the boarding and reparation of their homes.

“It has been a week of tragedies for our country. Although this disaster happened closer to home, our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the horrific events of the week,” states Dina Dwyer-Owens, owner and CEO of The Dwyer Group. “I’m amazed by the outpouring of care and humbled by the overwhelming desire to help from our employees, franchisees, families and friends.  This is a time for doing what we do best, and helping others when they need it the most. And our Code of Values® is leading the way.”

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The Dwyer Group, Inc. Announces 2012 Donations, 2013 Continued Support of RMHC®

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Providing Comforts of Home to RMHC

For the fourth consecutive year, the franchise companies of The Dwyer Group, Inc. have committed $100,000 to its “Charity of Choice,” Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®).

In addition to donating $100,000 to the Charity in 2012, the companies’ franchises donated more than $150,000 through in-kind donations at Ronald McDonald Houses across North America.

“Being in the home services industry, our brands are a natural fit for RMHC because we can provide the in-kind services their Ronald McDonald Houses need to stay in good working condition,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO and chairwoman of The Dwyer Group. “We feel this has been the perfect relationship with a charity, and we look forward to another year of helping RMHC provide stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy.”

The Dwyer Group, Inc., is a holding company of the seven franchise businesses Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® and Rainbow International®.

RMHC was established in memory of McDonald’s founder and franchise icon Ray Kroc, a strong advocate for children, in 1984. The cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House®, provides a “home-away-from-home” so families can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. .

“The families that RMHC supports derive strength from each other, volunteers, staff and corporate donors like The Dwyer Group,” said Timothy Kennedy, Sr. Director of Development, RMHC. “On behalf of the more than 12, 000 children and families we serve every day through RMHC family-centered programs, I thank The Dwyer Group for this amazing commitment to our families.”

Funded by corporate donors and individual support, the charity’s 324 Houses are located in 32 countries around the world.

“The Dwyer Group’s generosity and donation of goods, services and cash will go to support core programs, like the Ronald McDonald House which empowers families while facing the illness of a child,” Kennedy said. “Our programs allow families to focus on what’s most important, their child.”

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Mr. Appliance Celebrates Female Business Owners for Women’s History Month

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

You Go Girl!

One hundred years ago years ago, more than 5,000 women marched on Washington, D.C. to bring attention to the gross misrepresentation of women in our society. Today, women are heralded as the leaders of tomorrow in education, business and politics. Mr. Appliance celebrates March and Women’s History Month by recognizing Jeanne Lemieux, owner of Mr. Appliance of Strafford and Rockingham Counties.

“Being a woman in a this industry has been a challenge, but I have found it’s about how you present yourself, by having confidence and backing up what you say,” Lemieux said.
Lemieux has been the proud owner of Mr. Appliance for five years, achieving both personal and professional goals. “I have proven I can do this, own this business, to myself, my family and anyone who said I could not do it.”
From dispatcher to customer service representative to technician, in 2007, Lemieux decided to become an entrepreneur. Since purchasing the franchise, she has won numerous awards within the Mr. Appliance system, including Top Gun and Personal Achievement awards. Lemieux also coaches for Girls on the Run, a character development program for girls in third through fifth grade, which uses experience-based curriculum, including running.

“Jeanne is a bit of a star,” Mr. Appliance President Doug Rogers said. “No matter the situation, Jeanne has risen to the challenge and succeeded. We are proud to have her on our team.”
Women, like Lemieux, who have embraced the opportunities afforded them and overcome the obstacles, are paving the path for future generations of women to proudly walk.

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Help for the Holidays

Friday, December 21st, 2012

Dylan Conner

The Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of The Central Valley is committed to creating a “home-away-from-home” for children. Due to a broken dishwasher, RMHC of The Central Valley had their hands tied up hassling with their appliance.

Thanks to Mr. Appliance® of The Central Valley, RMHC of The Central Valley can continue to provide families the comfort of a home.

Dylan Conner, owner of Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley in Fresno, Calif. helped RMHC by repairing their dishwasher.

Conner says that Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

“The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said Conner. “Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley understands that it’s the little things that make a big difference. Though repairing an appliance can’t make a sick child well, it can make life a little easier for the families staying at RMHC .”

Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley hopes that their kind act of service will urge other business and organizations to give back to the community as well.

“The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director of Communications and Special Programs, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

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Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Just Call Him Mr. Claus

Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Central Valley is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.

When Mr. Appliance® of The Central Valley heard that they could help RMHC by repairing their dishwasher pump and motor, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley, RMHC of Central Valley can spend less time worrying about their appliances and more time with the families.

Dylan Conner, owner of Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley, makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Conner says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.

Conner believes that Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

“The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said Conner. “Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to join in warming the hearts of those in need. Any act of service can make a difference. Whether it’s fixing a dishwasher, replacing a sink or providing a meal, hearts will be touched.

“The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

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Support & Sport “Pink”

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

The Grubbs Family with Team Pink

Mr. Appliance® of North Harris & Montgomery Counties in Conroe, Texas sponsored the Senior Klein Oilers football team for breast cancer awareness month on Saturday, Oct. 20 in their 25-7 win against the Klein Jets. Harry Grubbs Jr. and Natalie Massey-Grubbs, owners of Mr. Appliance of North Harris and Montgomery Counties, donated pink wristbands, socks and helmet stickers for the “Pink” game.

“These kids proudly wore their pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month,” said Massey-Grubbs. “We are so pleased to be a part of this display of courage and hope by these fine 11-and-12-year-old boys who are not afraid to ‘sport pink’!”

The game was held at Hildebrand Intermediate School, which is located north of Houston in NorthWest, Texas.

As a member of the All American Youth Football League (AAYFL), the Klein Oilers have been introducing children in the community to full-contact football since 1974. According to their website, they have “developed a proven system for instilling discipline, integrity and honor that transcends the game itself.” They help young boys understand their skills and abilities by challenging them “physically, mentally and spiritually.”

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Franchising Helps Veterans Get Jobs

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

Dedicated to Vet Fran

Just as Mr. Appliance is proud of the red, white and blue, we like to add a little orange too for all of our veteran franchisees who have served our blessed country. Andrew Olive, owner of Mr. Appliance of Comal/Guadalupe not only served our country in the Air Force, but served Mr. Appliance in a local interview for KABB San Antonio that focused on franchising and veterans.

Franchising Helps Veterans Get Jobs

By Grace White

As more and more troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan, they are finding the job field crowded and competitive. Instead of looking for a job, one local veteran decided to create one for herself and others.

A friendly greeting and a helpful hand, that’s how Air Force veteran Amira Olive and her husband built their business. After six years in the Air Force, instead of waiting for someone to hire her, Olive took a different approach. “What we like about franchising is that you have support,” said Olive.

The Olives’ purchased a Mr. Appliance franchise. It’s a national brand that works with a program called “Vet-Fran” to offer veterans training and discounted start-up costs. “We can basically set our own hours, we can work around our business and that’s the most important thing is to have time for our family.”

The Olives’ started their business four years ago. Amira says the skills she learned in the Air Force helped make her business a success. “What I learned in the Air Force is definitely discipline, a lot of my admin training comes from the Air Force, most importantly how to work as a team.”

“I think it’s great that she can leave the military and then enter into her own business and make it succeed with the skills she learned from there,” said Adrian Perez, a customer.

The veteran unemployment rate is improving. It was 12.4 percent last year for veterans who joined the service after 9/11. This year, it’s down to 8.9 percent.

Olive’s advice to those who still haven’t found a job, “Don’t give up, keep on looking. You’re a veteran, your skills are wanted.”

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The Dwyer Group® to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Operation Enduring Opportunity at Minnesota State Capital

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

Proud to be an American

This Veterans Day as unemployment rates for young veterans continue to hover at almost 20%, home-service franchisor The Dwyer Group will join the International Franchise Association (IFA) and fellow members in quantifying the major progress the franchise community has made in fighting veteran unemployment through franchise ownership and employment opportunities featuring veteran franchisees and team members in a nationwide, multi-city media event. Kevin Lacy, owner of Aire Serv® of W Minneapolis, and Rowley Mayo, owner of Mr. Appliance® of W Hennepin and E Carver, both military veterans, will represent The Dwyer Group at the event.

Last Veterans Day, the International Franchise Association launched an industry-wide campaign, Operation Enduring Opportunity, to hire as team members and recruit as franchise business owners 75,000 veterans and military spouses, plus 5,000 wounded warriors, by the end of 2014.  On the one-year anniversary of this announcement, our industry leaders will announce major progress towards Operation Enduring Opportunity’s goals and premiere a short video about this important campaign to enable veterans to have successful careers as franchise business owners and team members.

A St. Paul event including IFA, business leaders and military veterans turned franchisees will take place on November 9th, 2012 from 11:00 am to 2:30pm CST at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda (75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul MN 55155)

Speakers:

  • Speaker Kurt Zellers – Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
  • John Geenen – Member of the Minnesota VetFran Task Force
  • Lori Kiser-Block – Owner, Rapid Refill Franchise
  • Rochelle Weathers – Operations Director, ZEROREZ of Minnesota
  • Jim Olsen – Director of Franchising Novus Glass
  • VetFran Franchisee – Rowley Mayo, owner of Mr. Appliance of W Hennepin & E Carver (Marine Corps Veteran, 1970-1974)
  • VetFran Franchisee – Kevin Lacy, owner of Aire Serv of W Minneapolis (Army veteran, 1974-1979)
  • Business Owner Hiring Veterans – Linda Bremer Menter, owner of HOODZ of Twin Cities North Metro

On-Site Contact – John Geenen: (john.geenen@waterfrontfinancialgroup.com) or (612-237-6897)

With its training, structure, systems and focus on operational excellence, franchising can provide an ideal career path for returning veterans to become leaders in the civilian economy. According to the U.S. Census, there are over 66,000 veteran-owned franchise businesses in the U.S. IFA’s VetFran strategic initiative was launched in 1991 to help Gulf War veteran’s transition.

“As we continue to work hard each and every day to extend career opportunities to our nation’s veterans, we are gratified to recognize the tremendous progress that has been made,” said Steve Caldeira, CFE, IFA’s President & CEO. “As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us remember that our freedom comes at a price.  We are proud to enable our nation’s veterans to fulfill their dreams and find career opportunities here at home.”

Events will also take place in Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, and Richmond. For more information about IFA Veterans Day events, visit www.VetFran.com. For information about franchising opportunities through The Dwyer Group, visit www.leadingtheserviceindustry.com.

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Hope In the Community

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

Mr. Appliance of San Antonio Supports RMHC

Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Southwest Florida is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.

When Mr. Appliance® of Naples heard that they could help RMHC by cleaning and replacing dryer vents and being a Hole Sponsor for the 25th Annual Fall Golf Classic, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Appliance of Naples, RMHC of Southwest Florida can spend less time worrying about their appliances and event costs and more time with the families.

Bob Tuck, owner of Mr. Appliance of Naples, makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Tuck says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.

Tuck believes that Mr. Appliance of Naples’ commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

“The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said Tuck. “Mr. Appliance of Naples considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

Mr. Appliance of Naples hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to join in warming the hearts of those in need. Any act of service can make a difference. Whether it’s fixing a refrigerator, replacing a sink or providing a donation, hearts will be touched.

“The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

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Lending a Helping Hand

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Andy & Kathy Minster

Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Milwaukee is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.

When Mr. Appliance® of Jackson heard that they could help RMHC by repairing broken washers and dryers, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Appliance of Jackson, RMHC of Milwaukee can spend less time worrying about their appliances and more time with the families.

Andy and Kathy Minster, owners of Mr. Appliance of Jackson, make it their goal to build relationships not only with their customers, but also with the community. The Minsters say that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.

The Minsters believe that Mr. Appliance of Jackson’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

“The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said the Minsters. “Mr. Appliance of Jackson considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

Mr. Appliance of Jackson hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to join in warming the hearts of those in need. Any act of service can make a difference. Whether it’s fixing a refrigerator, replacing a sink or providing a meal, hearts will be touched.

“The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

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