Mold Medics Provides Opportunity to Break Into In-Demand, Rapidly Growing Industry

The U.S. indoor air quality market is quickly growing. It is projected to reach nearly $12 billion by 2027. During the pandemic, many families began spending more time at home, realizing just how important a clean, healthy home environment is in conjunction with a broader increase in health-related awareness.

As such, the market for indoor environmental health solutions took off, but in many areas, there is still substantial room for growth. Mold Medics, the home services franchise that provides mold mitigation, air duct cleaning, radon testing and mitigation, and home disinfection services, offers a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs to break into the growing industry with the support of a qualified franchisor.

"This is a much-needed service," said Bryan McMurray, brand president. "Mold Medics really is unlike other brands in the franchise sector; mold is something that needs to be taken care of right away because of the health concerns it can pose. Mold remediation isn’t something a consumer is going to cut out of their budget because it is needed and can have a positive impact on their health."

Market demand growth

While consumer awareness and demand is on the rise, qualified interior environmental health companies can be difficult for the average consumer to find and engage with, and many companies’ services are not suitable for those with sensitive health needs.

Environmental illnesses are typically cumulative, meaning the impacts on a person’s health add up over time, and those with preexisting conditions are even more susceptible to getting sick. In the case that a person needs environmental health services, it is important that the team and customer work together to strategize and create a solution that will solve the problem without exacerbating symptoms.

"We start with a consultation to try to figure out the best way we can help," said Swackhammer. "We understand how to handle the mold, for example, as well as how it’s affecting the customer and how we can customize the approach to fit them and their unique needs."

The Mold Medics team leverages its extensive knowledge to create customizable services that consider the health of the family, including any children and pets, by reducing the prevalence of harsh chemicals in the treatment process without decreasing efficacy. This type of mold mitigation service is especially in-demand for those with existing medical conditions or other at-risk populations.

"I know for a fact that there is great demand in the industry," explained Michael Chapman, a Mold Medics franchise owner in the greater Pittsburgh area. "I’ve gotten calls from people 100-plus miles away. I’ve had people call us, and they’re so upset on the phone because they’ve been researching for a year and we’re the only company that’s remotely close and offers the type of remediation service that will be safe for them and their families."

Because the symptoms are often cumulative, it is not uncommon for people to become desensitized to the symptoms they are experiencing, as they are just increasing ever so slightly each day or week, until they are unbearable. By this point, the potential client is not feeling well and wants a solution fast, but it can be very difficult and frustrating to find specialized remediation services like the ones Mold Medics offers. As such, there is a clear, consistent demand gap to be filled.

Investment opportunities

Even with a clear demand for the services, the choice to invest in an indoor air quality business may seem daunting. With a strong training system and consistent ongoing support, Mold Medics offers the opportunity and structure that can drive an entrepreneur to success, even if they have no prior industry experience.

Chapman, who has now become a local hero for some of his customers thanks to Mold Medics’ low-chemical, customized treatment options, had no history in the industry prior to investing.

"Before Mold Medics, I was working at a desk job," he said. "I had known the Swackhammers forever, and Mold Medics Looked like a great business model. Tim presented the idea to me, and I immediately said, ‘But I don’t know anything about mold!’"

Swackhammer convinced Chapman to give it a try and attend a few ride-alongs and sales meetings, and Chapman quickly fell in love with the work.

"I loved it. I knew I had to do this," said Chapman. "Every day is a new day with a new job. I get to talk to people, and I get to do work that I feel is truly meaningful. I decided to jump right in."

With his own confidence in the industry and pride in having a business of his own, Chapman leveraged the Swackhammers’ expertise in the industry and Mold Medics’ training and education opportunities to prepare himself to do the work independently.

And I’m so proud of it… It’s my van and my company. I get to provide for my family and make people proud. This business has provided a whole different level of accountability, purpose, and reason to get up every day."