How did you get into the laser cleaning services industry?

Having been in fields like powder coating where surface preparation is backbreaking, messy, and tedious work I thought there must be a better solution. My business partner and I were brain-storming, and being familiar with laser cutting, engraving, and welding machines, I investigated laser cleaning. Once we worked out the details and did some initial testing, we found this to be a game changer for the industry.

What’s New in the Business or in the Advanced Laser Restoration Franchise Model?

Laser cleaning and restoration is not as simple as throwing a laser in a van and calling yourself a laser technician. Being the first franchise of its kind, we are pioneering the process. There is a lot to consider when it comes to safety, substrates, settings, and how to approach each project. We are also at the forefront of product development.   

Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?

Opportunities are everywhere! Every day a new application for laser cleaning pops up. A lot of indoor applications where sandblasting, vapor blasting and chemical striping are just too messy. Our biggest challenge is getting enough vans. Since covid-19 and supply shortages, the vans we use are in short supply.

What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?

Our goal is to launch franchisees across all 50 states, Canada, and Australia in the next 36 months. People are tired of making others rich and want to build something for themselves. Most franchise models offer low-paying jobs, while an ALR Technician is very well-paid. This is a game changer as each franchise grows.

Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?

Initial training is done in our Wilmington North Carolina location and lasts about 5 days. We cover a lot in the initial training, from being your own boss, building your business, hiring technicians, marketing, advertising, quoting, how to locate business opportunities, in addition to the laser cleaning, and so much more. We also do a ride-along with our new franchisees in their territory to help them feel comfortable with everything and do some sales calls with them. We also help them a quote and secure Government, State, and City contracts and projects. Their success is our success.

Your most difficult moment in the Franchise Business?

I wish I could say it was just one thing, but figuring out the OSHA, and ASTM safety standards for class 4 lasers, and putting together the many pieces of equipment that make up the system was just the beginning. Sourcing vehicles, upfitting them, and developing a training and support team were also challenging.

Define your Franchise Model:

  1. Training and Support Model?
    Training and support go hand in hand. Once the initial training and ride-along are completed the franchisee has access to our support videos, a support staff, and a sales and marketing staff. We also have a great Software program and support system.
  2. What is the Fee Structure?
    Once a franchisee is onboarded, there is a 10% franchise fee and a 1% marketing fee. Since there are no consumables like blasting media, chemicals, and water solutions, the franchisee keeps 89% of what they make! This makes the Advanced Laser Restoration franchise so appealing and successful. The only other ongoing fee is the support software we provide. It’s a small fee, packed full of amazing features.
  3. Territory Definition?
    Territories consist of no less the 250,000-population density with a large mix of opportunities in most. Each territory is carefully laid out to minimize travel time and maximize profit within the territory.
  4. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
    Being your own boss comes with its perks! Each franchisee can start and stop when they want each day and even block out time for a vacation with the family. However, the early bird gets the worm. Always looking for new opportunities is a key to growth. Aside from the daily projects, a franchisee integrates themselves into the community. What’s cooler than showing someone in person laser cleaning in action? Word travels fast when it comes to laser cleaning and the local community. Franchisees find themselves at car shows, home shows, trade shows, and local businesses, and meeting with city officials to show off what they can do and scheduling their next job.

What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?

A typical day consists of quoting projects and scheduling a technician to a van and a van to a project. Technicians complete projects and can capture payment at the project site, and even get before and after pictures. The software also allows the franchisee to send customers arrival reminders and emails. Capturing leads is another important part of the day-to-day. The software we provide makes this easy. 

Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?

Someone who is a self-starter, ambitious, and driven are all great qualities. Having good people skills, and being able to talk to anyone at any time. Additionally, having a friendly personality is helpful. Once someone sees a laser cleaning video, it sells itself.

Success Stories and Failures with Franchisees?

Being such a new and disruptive technology, we haven’t had any failures to date. In fact, there is so much work out there, that you could say it’s nearly impossible to fail unless you just don’t want to work. Success is measured differently by each franchisee. For some just owning their own business is a success, however, to see them grow and thrive is amazing to watch!

What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?

R&D is a big part of our future growth strategy. Having the best laser technology and equipment is so important. Additionally allowing our franchisees to lease equipment to customers within their territories gives them an additional revenue source. We are also working on expanding the use of robotics in factories and other applications. The sky is the limit!

For more information on the Advanced Laser franchise system, visit the corporate website: https://www.advancedlaserrestoration.com/