CEO, Mark Amery, has been in the Home Services Industry since the age of 18. I was about 25 years old when I decided to make that leap into Being My Own Boss. Scary stuff. Hard to make that jump, but once I did, I never looked back!
Mark started Gorilla Property Services in 2014. We developed Gorilla to go through the Franchise model from Day 1. Three years of layout, development, maximizing profit margins and proven track records bringing us to 2017 where we let the “Franchising Animal” out of the gates in Canada.
1. Tell us about the Gorilla Property Services concept.
There seemed to be a lot of Property Maintenance companies out there, but nobody had that extra little “Spark”. Some claimed to be the fastest pressure washers, some claimed to be the best graffiti removal company and a good chunk of them claimed to be the “cheapest” price in town.
Our system is simple. When one of the “Monkey Trucks” (this is what most of the kids call our vehicles when they see them!) pulls up for service, the “Gorilla Show” begins! We have taken an industry that is a little rough around the edges and Cleaned Her Right Up!
Gorilla has developed an industry changing platform using our in house developed App and CRM system that allows our Franchise Partners to run their ENTIRE business from their smart phone. “Gorilla Property Services is the industries Game Changer”
2. How and when did you become involved with Gorilla Property Services ?
I started Gorilla Property Services in 2014. We developed Gorilla to go through the Franchise model from Day 1. Three years of layout, development, maximizing profit margins and proven track records bringing us to 2017 where we let the “Franchising Animal” out of the gates in Canada.
Almost 3 years later, we have over 45 locations from Coast to Coast and haven’t even stated to warm up yet!
3. What was your background prior to joining Gorilla Property Services ?
I have been in the Home Services Industry since the age of 18. I started in the entry level positions, slowly moving up the ladder, year after year and finally capping out at a Management position. I was about 25 years old when I decided to make that leap into Being My Own Boss. Scary stuff. Hard to make that jump, but once I did, I never looked back.
4. What are some of the advantages in being a Gorilla Property Services franchisee?
Being a Gorilla Franchise Partner will change your life. Really. Ask our partners. Culture, Support and Profits. These seem to be the 3 answers that run within any Franchise System. But can that Franchise System truly deliver...
Gorilla not only delivers, we smash it out of the park! Our in house Gorilla App and CRM system keeps everyone in touch through their smart phones at all times. Gorilla Guys and Gorilla Gals stay in touch in real time with questions, advice and tactics for growth. Invoicing, Ordering Supplies, Sending Quotes, Reviews and Scheduling using our App, CRM systems and Mapping platform allow for maximum profitability.
We have a fixed royalty at 5%, keeping Gorilla a Mean and Lean Well Oiled Machine.
5. Who is your ideal franchisee
We have a range of Franchise Partners from 18 right up to 60. We have Individual Guys, Individual Gals, Husband and Wife teams, Father and Son teams and a couple of Family Teams. To be a Gorilla you have to be “In it to Win it”. You need to get your hands dirty for a little bit, get to know the services and business back end better then anyone. It’s at that point that you bring on your Gorilla employees and you start to work ON the business, not IN the business.
Of course, hard working, smart, like minded individuals are the key to building a system that’s unstoppable and that’s exactly who we look for.
6. Tell us a little about the Gorilla Property Services Market?
The cleaning and building maintenance industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. The amount of growth and services required has exploded, to put it mildly. Generally, most window cleaning franchises appeal to people because of the low overhead and minimal start-up costs. It can be run from a home office and supplies and tools are usually a minimal cost. At Gorilla, we have diversified the company from becoming not just a “Window Cleaning Company”, but being the industries “Total Package”, honing in on and perfecting all aspects of the Top 7 services in the exterior property maintenance industry... You’re gonna love it!
7. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Being Picky.
Through the initial development stages of Gorilla, prior to releasing areas, our Development Team understood that finding the right individual(s) to become a Franchise Partner was the key to our culture and growth. Having the ability and control of your brand to decline someone who may qualify financially but not be ready to get their hands dirty was the key to our initial growth and maintaining a rapid expansion plan.
It’s like building the Worlds Best Football Team. We need A+ Linebackers & Running Backs, Receivers & Quarterbacks on our road to the Super Bowl and we’ve got ‘em!
8. Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?
My parents always instilled a hard work ethic into me at a young age. I had a part time job that turned into a full time job at the age of 13 and working night shifts on the weekends. It developed me into the person I am today. My father was a self employed entrepreneur so I think it’s in my DNA :)
I think it’s hard to single out an individual or one thing that adds that fuel to the fire. I’ve learned that you need to surround yourself with like minded individuals on a daily basis. My home family, my work family and friends are what keep the motivation at 110%
9. What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
Make sure it’s a good fit and make sure it’s for you. Research the heck out of it and if it still makes your juices flow then that may be the one. Talk to the Franchisees. Ask them REAL questions... How was training? How is the culture? Are you profitable and happy?
You should be nervous about making that leap into becoming your own boss. That’s natural. If you aren’t nervous, worried or scared, something's wrong.
10. In your opinion, why do you think that Gorilla Property Services would be a great opportunity for someone?
Gorilla has a proven track record with extremely high profit margins, resulting in an extremely fast ROI on the initial investment. We have kept the price point at $49,500 which includes everything. Training, CRM Systems, Marketing Blitz, Equipment, Vehicle Wraps etc. We have a culture that is unmatched. Constant Communication is the key to success with Recognition Awards Programs, Weekly Chat Shacks, Monthly Shout Outs and Annual Conferences.
Our Gorilla Family becomes a way of life and we want to find the right Franchise Partners to move forward into the next decade with.
Let us know if that’s you!!!
