Koala Insulation names new brand president

Home and commercial services franchise Koala Insulation has named a new brand president.

The Virginia-based company announced that it has appointed Joel Worthington to the position. With more than 20 years of franchise leadership and experience, Washington will oversee the strategic direction of Koala Insulation, focusing on franchise development, franchisee support, and continued brand expansion.

Koala Insulation is operated by Empower Brands, a franchise platform focused on home services. Empower’s portfolio also includes Archadeck Outdoor Living, Bumble Roofing, Canopy Lawn Care, Conserva Irrigation FRSTeam, JAN-PRO Systems International, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Superior Fence & Rail, and Wallaby Windows.

“Joel is an accomplished franchise leader who understands what it takes to build high-performing teams and successful franchise systems,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “His experience growing nationally recognized brands, combined with his passion for developing people and creating strong cultures, makes him the ideal leader to guide Koala Insulation into its next phase of growth.”

Before joining Koala Insulation, Worthington spent nearly two decades with Neighborly, most recently serving as president of Mr. Electric, where he helped lead the brand through significant expansion by increasing systemwide revenue, Empower Brands said. Before entering franchising, Worthington served as a senior pastor for 13 years.

“Koala Insulation has built an exceptional reputation by delivering value to homeowners while creating meaningful business opportunities for franchise owners,” said Worthington. “I’m excited to join the Empower Brands family and work alongside our franchisees, support teams and leadership to continue building a culture centered on service and long-term success. Together, we’ll continue investing in the people and systems that help franchise owners thrive while meeting the growing demand for energy-efficient insulation solutions.”

Koala has over 300 locations in North America, providing residential and commercial insulation services. The brand’s insulation options include spray foam, blown-in, and blanket (batt) insulation. The company reached systemwide sales of $104 million in 2025 while Empower Brands saw total sales hit $1.6 billion.

Earlier this month, Koala announced plans to expand in the San Antonio market through several new franchise territories. According to Koala, it provides franchisees with a low-overhead model, along with comprehensive training, operational support, marketing resources, and technology designed to help them build a scalable business.