About Garry Tynan, CEO
Curb-Ease began operations in 1996. After serving in senior positions for many years in the corporate world, Garry Tynan decided it was time to start a business of his own. After researching different opportunities there was one product that stood out … concrete garden edging. This opportunity would provide Garry and his wife Kelly a chance to change things up from the corporate life to a hands-on, outdoor working opportunity.
During the first year both Garry and Kelly left their corporate positions to focus all their time and energy on Curb-Ease. From Corporate to Concrete ... they have never looked back.
Being hands-on in the business allowed Garry and Kelly to build Curb-Ease from the ground up. They designed and manufactured equipment,tools and accessories as well as developed processes and systems to maximize profits.
After considering all avenues of expansion for the company Garry Tynan knew the best model to grow the business would be through franchising. In October 2005, Curb-Ease was launched as a franchise.
1. Tell us about the Curb-Ease concept.
Curb-Ease™ is the largest curbing company in Canada. We have a combination of direct branch operations and certified Franchisees from coast to coast.
The company has been in business over 20 years and we have developed equipment, marketing processes and a culture that continues to distance us from any competition.
Our opportunity is designed for the entrepreneur that wants to join a team of successful businesses taking advantage of proven systems and an established brand, custom software, professional call center, ongoing training, powerful marketing tools and a truly turn-key business package. An option that connects you as an integral part of an International company leading the industry in innovative products, customer service and ongoing technical training & support.
2. How and when did you become involved with Curb-Ease?
I was a Vice President and Partner of a Canadian National High Tech company when I found out about this new machine developed in Australia that had the ability to extrude continuous concrete edging around garden beds as well as do commercial curbing in parking lots. Within a few months I had bought the equipment and Curb-Ease was born. For the past twenty years we have been improving the equipment, processes and marketing strategies to become the biggest and best curbing company in existence.
3. What was your background prior to joining Curb-Ease?
Prior to launching Curb-ease I was in the high tech industry managing a dealer network and direct branch operations in Western Canada.
4. What are some of the advantages in being a Curb-Ease franchisee?
As a curb-Ease franchisee you receive excellent training and support as well as the best equipment and systems in the industry. Our franchisees utilize a call center to schedule their quote appointments and provide their customers with friendly knowledgeable support. We utilize a custom CRM to help franchisees manage their client base as well as send out automated messages and marketing campaigns to prospective customers.
5. Who is your ideal franchisee?
Our ideal franchisee is someone that has good people skills and like to work outdoors. Being an ambitious, business minded individual who wants to join a national team working within an established infrastructure is also very important requirement for and franchisor.
6. Tell us a little about the concrete garden edging market.
Our industry is part of the multi – billion dollar home improvement industry and lends itself to the commercial property services industry as well. We have major account clients that use our services on a regular basis (for parking lot repairs and specialized border installations) as well as homeowners looking to enhance the look of the landscaping on their property while reducing the amount of time required to maintain established garden beds.
7. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Make sure you have systems that deliver excellent value to the franchisees and never stop improving. Also make sure you have the best individuals involved as your franchise partners.
8. Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
Over the years I have had the privilege of working with several senior executives of major brands in North America and I make it a priority to share time and experiences on a regular basis.
9. What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
First of all you need to have a pretty good idea of what you enjoy and where your interests lie. Do your due diligence on reviewing the companies your considering getting involved with and look to see what the day to day responsibilities associated with the business are. Investing in a franchise is the beginning of a long relationship, so be sure the people you will be working with have the character and integrity that you will be proud to be associated with.
10. In your opinion, why do you think that Curb-Ease would be a great opportunity for someone?
Curb-Ease is a high margin home based business, specializing in high demand decorative landscape edging and commercial curbing. We provide a National Call Center to receive and schedule quote appointments, a custom CRM to track and send automated communications to prospective customers, we have the best web site in the industry and manufacture premium equipment designed to maximize profits. We have a corporate marketing department that provides franchisees with customization of our library full of radio, TV, magazine, direct mail ads. With Curb-Ease you can be sure you’ll get the full benefit of our 20 years of experience of being highly successful in this industry.
