Lessons From Franchise Executives: Sean Fitzgerald of TruBlue Total House Care

As president of TruBlue Total House Care, the only national provider specializing in home maintenance and repair both inside and outside of the home, for both seniors and busy families, Sean Fitzgerald brings 25 years of experience working with franchise brands, along with his unique insight and perspective in growing, operating, and building them.

According to Fitzgerald, brands that are thinking of franchising need to approach their venture with the best practices and priorities of the franchise industry in mind. “So many franchisors take what was successful for them in their business and apply it to franchising. But a lot of things that worked in their industry may not be applicable to franchising.”

Another challenge that franchisors face is understanding the qualities that make a prospective franchisee likely to succeed. “What’s helped me develop the brands I’m in today is really understanding the characteristics that make people successful in the franchise system,” said Fitzgerald, who has provided franchise development strategy for such brands as DQ, Great Clips, Buffalo Wings and Rings*, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*. While every brand is different, added Fitzgerald, it’s critical for franchisors to know who and what their perfect fit is in a franchise partner.