It’s hard to hear the word “diversity” in today’s climate without cringing just a little. Despite the national rhetoric around what diversity means for individual businesses, we believe diversity is a key component in what has made franchise models like Mint Condition thrive. Diversity comes in many forms within our business model including:

    • Industries served
    • Services provided
    • Master Franchisee experience
    • Unit Franchisee goals

With sustained growth through major world and economic events (such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 recession), diversity has allowed our Master Franchises to create the future they always dreamed of.

Diversity Approach #1: Adapting to Industry Needs

Our approach to the industries we serve means being flexible to the types of spaces we clean. This has helped us remain nimble, especially during uncertain times. For example, the 2008 recession was tough: many large companies faced bankruptcy or required significant restructuring. We saw large companies downsize as well as businesses pivot to adapt to the changing marketplace. Both scenarios worked in our favor. Whether a company shifted to a “smaller” operating team or moved into a different industry sector, we found new opportunities to serve those clients.

The same could be said for the 2020 pandemic. According to The Fed, more than 700,000 businesses closed by Q2 in 2020. If we had remained “niched” into a specific industry – for example, restaurants – most of our business would have evaporated when the COVID-19 lockdown began. However, only some of our businesses stopped, and regardless of the industry, cleaning became an even higher-value service.

Diversity Approach #2: Evolving Services for the Times

Our Master Franchise model is built to adapt to a changing market. Cleaning is an essential service, similar to electricity and the internet. Sure, you can take out the garbage once a week, but keeping a business space clean and sanitary for clients requires professional support. And depending on the type of business, the level and types of cleaning will vary. Some spaces require daily cleaning, such as medical offices. Others require periodic deep cleans. Depending on the layout of the office space or how many people come through the space, specific areas could require extra disinfecting. Not to mention, when cold and flu season erupts or, since 2020, a new COVID-19 strain hits the streets, touchpoint disinfecting (extra care taken to light switches, door knobs, etc.) becomes a high-value service. With a diverse list of services for a diverse roster of clients, our Master Franchises find that business opportunities remain regardless of the market.

Diversity Approach #3: Building a Book of Business 

In last month’s blog, we touched on the experience of our Master Franchisees who delve into niche market opportunities in their communities. From chemotherapy facilities to laundromats, our Master Franchises bring their interests and experience in finding new business. Many businesses learned the hard way in 2020: putting all of your eggs into one basket is not a solid business strategy. Our leadership has known this for decades. That’s why we encourage our Master Franchises to tap into the diverse needs of their specific market.

Our Unit Franchisees are also encouraged to lean into their skill sets. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the types of cleaning environments a Unit Franchisee enjoys. We have seen some franchisees excel in detailed medical cleaning while others prefer warehouse or industrial environments. From the top down, the Mint Condition model affords every franchisor the ability to lean into their strengths and build a book of business on their terms.

Diversity Approach #4: Entrepreneurship for All

One of the most rewarding parts of operating a Master Franchise includes supporting and growing a Unit Franchisee’s goal of business ownership. Our Unit Franchisees come to us with various backgrounds and desires for the future. We see men, women, and families who are often first or second-generation Americans eager to claim their piece of the American Dream. Their goals, like many business owners, include:

    • Earning supplemental income for the here and now
    • Reaching long-term financial goals
    • Building a legacy for their family

The diversity of our Unit Franchisees not only strengthens our community, but it also reinforces the value of the Master Franchise role: the chance to uplift others through entrepreneurship. The relationships between Master Franchisees and Unit Franchisees are at the heart of what we have built over the last three decades, and easily one of the most rewarding parts of being a Master Franchise owner.

Diversity for the Win

Our diversity in the services we provide, the industries we serve, and the individuals who operate the model has been an important part of Mint Condition’s success. All businesses require flexibility to adapt to changing markets and customers’ needs, but our model goes beyond that. For our Master Franchises, business ownership is not just about surviving the day-to-day: it’s about thriving for the future.

If you are an individual or franchise business broker, contact Randy Abernathy to learn more about our Master Franchise program and available opportunities.