CHEM-DRY SA FRANCHISOR INTERVIEW

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SA Franchise Brands welcomes Casper Steenkamp, Franchisor of Chem-Dry ® SA

What has been paramount to Chem-Dry® SA’s success?

Chem-Dry’s unique Hot-Carbonating process.

Chem-Dry’s patented system uses a unique, hot-carbonating process and a naturally based cleaning solution that is safe and non-toxic. The system employs a combination of heat and carbonation to help breakdown dirt deeply embedded in carpet or upholstery fibres. Millions of tiny effervescent bubbles lift the dirt to the surface, allowing it to be easily cleaned away rather than becoming further embedded into the fabric.

By using a fraction of the water required with alternative cleaning methods, no excess water is left behind in which mould or bacteria can thrive. Carpets and upholstery also dry in hours not days as with some carpet cleaning methods.

Since Chem-Dry® uses The Natural® instead of detergents or shampoos, there are no sticky dirt-attracting residues left behind following a clean and so carpets and upholstery stay cleaner for longer

Chem-Dry®Specialize in delivering Drier Cleaner & Healthier Carpets

What challenges do you face at present?

As part of an international group our biggest challenge in the current economic environment is the Rand/Dollar exchange rate, with the rand currently trading at a 12 month low.

This has a negative impact on the cost at which we can deliver our chemical products to our Franchisees. Having said that, we are currently still supplying most of our chemicals to our Franchisees at the same pricing level as in 2004.

With a network of more than 60 franchises nationwide, how has your franchise model worked in favour of the group?

Our model is based on a relatively low entry cost compared to other Franchises.

Our main product The Natural® is also unique in the Industry as it leaves your carpets dry in 1-2 Hours.

Our research facility in Utah in the USA is constantly developing products that keep pace with new innovations in the carpet industry. We are thus able to offer solutions to carpet and upholstery cleaning problems that would not be available to other carpet cleaning organisations.

What are some of the attributes required from franchisees?

This is an ideal franchise for an entrepreneurial-minded individual with ambition, determination and an aptitude for business.

How would you describe the overall relationship between the group and its franchisees?

We feel that the relationship between Franchisees and us as Franchisor is a cooperative relationship with all working collectively towards growing the Brand in SA.

What kind of training and support can franchisees expect?

Chem-Dry® SA offers 4 days of intensive training for all new Franchisees. Regular refresher training is also done throughout the year, and all Technicians are on a 5 Star Training Program. They all write tests and graduate from One Star to Five Stars. Each Franchisee is also provided with an extensive Operational Manual. There are two formal refresher courses per annum at HO.

Franchisee visits with associated training is done on a Bi annual bases with a Conference in the alternate years.

We also provide all Franchisees with Access to the Chem-Dry® U, an online “University” , with training programmes on all aspect of the business: technical, financial, marketing and operational.

Each course is completed with an online exam and certification on successful graduation.

Which factors are paramount for sustained future growth within the group with specific reference to its present and future franchisees?

As we have a reasonable footprint in most of the major centres, we feel it is paramount that we assist our current Franchisees to grow their businesses and provide them with necessary assistance to constantly upgrade their processes and equipment to the latest available from our Master Franchisor Harris Research Inc. in the US.

It is however also paramount for our brand that we get a presence in the smaller country side and rural areas as well as increase our number of franchisees in the major centres where growth in the population warrants it.

Where to from here and into the future?

Chem-Dry® SA was awarded The Master Franchisee of the year award at the Chem-Dry® International Conference held in Nashville US in November 2013. We intend to ensure that the quality of service provided by our Franchisees and us as Franchisor alike is maintained and improved in order to ensure many more similar awards.

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