Australian franchising expert Gillian Harper is set to bring ShelfGenie, a new multi-million dollar home shelving franchise concept, down under later this year with ambitious plans to open up to 15 franchise locations in the first year.
Mrs Harper, who oversaw the successful launch of Australian franchise Gutter-Vac in America last year through a lucrative license agreement with ShelfGenie, said ShelfGenie was seeking a master partner and capital injection to help launch the brand.
“While completing the deal for Gutter-Vac, I was exposed to the ShelfGenie business model and when the opportunity arose to bring the concept to Australia, I jumped at the chance,” she said.
“It’s a highly successful solution-driven home services franchise model and we believe we can parallel the success it has experienced in America in Australia. In 2010, ShelfGenie was named as one of Inc Magazine’s 500 fastest growing companies in the United States and recognised as the third fastest growing franchise in America.”
Having established over 140 locations across the US and Canada since founding in 2000, Mrs Harper said ShelfGenie has huge growth potential in the Australian market.
“Australia has the potential for over 40 locations across all major cities and we expect to have 15 up and running within the first 12 months with the right partner.”
We’re the only custom design home shelving franchise, so we have the opportunity to really establish a strong niche in the market.”
ShelfGenie offers a range of custom designed moveable home shelving solutions targeted primarily at the ageing population. It’s trademarked Glide-Out™ shelving systems cater to the needs of the elderly, assisting with greater independent living as well as presenting an easy, inexpensive interior renovation option to home owners.
“There’s a major market for our offering in Australia, and it’s only growing as Australians continue to live longer,” Mrs Harper said.
“We have a defined target demographic so we’ve been able to tailor our marketing efforts specifically to focus on the benefits the products offer to older people.”
ShelfGenie CEO Allan Young, who is visiting the country to meet potential partners, said ShelfGenie offered enormous growth opportunities for motivated franchisees.
“With investment levels starting from as little as $70,000 and most of the expenses relating to sales, minimal capital is required to become a franchisee,” he said.
“We offer an executive model that allows our franchisees to focus on scaling their business quickly. As a result, each franchisee operates an average of 2.8 franchise territories with time to cash flow positive measured in weeks and return on investment in months.”
“They are all supported by our centralised business support centre, custom CRM system and manufacturing facility – a well-developed franchise structure streamlined to produce an incredible customer experience that leads to rapid growth and success.”
Mrs Harper said ShelfGenie planned to enter Australia through a master franchise relationship.
“We’re looking for a well-capitalised existing multi-brand franchise company or master partner with the experience, resources and personality aligned with our brand to license the rights to ShelfGenie in Australia,” she said.
“We estimate a significant investment will help establish the franchise network in Australia so it’s a profitable business from the beginning. This will help fund the manufacturing division, call centre and franchise support office.”