Environment Control’s proven commercial janitorial franchise program for franchisees who desire business ownership and have a passion for the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Christian values and beliefs apply to a secular business?
2. How does EC’s royalty structure differ from other franchises?
3. What are the qualifications for a new franchise owner?
4. Why is $40,000 of available capital needed to start a janitorial business?
5. Why do you only make six franchises a year available?
6. How much can I expect to earn?
7. How long does it take to start a new franchise?
8. Explain the Money-Back Guarantee.
9. Do you offer financing of any kind?
10. Why do I need a franchise to get into the commercial cleaning business?
11. WHAT IS EC’S SYSTEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?
12. What if I do not have any experience as a business owner?
13. WHAT INITIAL TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE?
14. How do I get new customers?
15. WHAT OTHER SUPPORT DOES EC PROVIDE?
16. Can I buy an established franchise that already has customers?
17. Can I merge my current commercial cleaning business with EC?
18. What is EC’s Veteran Discount?
19. Can I talk with existing franchise owners?
20. WHAT AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TERRITORY?
21. WHAT IS THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE?
22. WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC RECORDKEEPING SYSTEM?

How do Christian values and beliefs apply to a secular business?

Throughout the Gospels, a hallmark of Christ’s ministry is how He treated people. The love, forgiveness, and teachings they experienced from Him was in sharp contrast to other religious leaders and government authorities at the time.

Certainly, there is a place for talking about our faith, and we encourage that. At the same time, as Christians, how we treat employees, customers, and vendors should be drastically different from the business world at large. How we conduct every aspect of the business is a result of what we truly believe. So how do Christian values fit in a janitorial service business?

• Honesty – We tell the truth, keep our word, pay employees what they earn, pay our vendors on time, and charge the customer accurately and fairly.
• Respect – We may not agree with how others choose to live. But, everyone who comes into contact with EC is treated with respect.
• Quality – The commercial janitorial service industry does not have a good reputation. Most customers experience everything from poor quality to dishonesty and theft. This industry represents a unique opportunity; our beliefs can be seen in the quality of service we provide.
• Opportunity – We seek to encourage, train, and support every employee to maximize their potential and opportunity.
• Compassion – Everyone experiences difficulties in life. Whenever possible, we share the resources God has given us (time, finances, skills, etc.) to help those in need.

Certainly, EC is a business, but even more importantly, it’s about people and how we treat them.

How does EC’s royalty structure differ from other franchises?

Most people buy a franchise believing that the franchisor’s experience and business plan will increase their success. In exchange for that program, the franchise owner pays a monthly royalty which is usually a percentage of gross sales. However, it is possible for the franchisor to receive a royalty when the owner doesn’t experience a profit.

Our belief is that if you follow the EC program and do not experience a profit, then we have not earned a royalty. That is why we base our royalty on your profits and not revenue.

What are the qualifications for a new franchise owner?

From our experience, an individual should have these minimum qualifications to consider an Environment Control franchise:

• Due to the demands of starting and building a janitorial service business, the optimum age is 25 - 45 years old.
• $100,000 of available capital.
• The financial ability to purchase at least 60 percent of ownership in the franchise. (It is also the purchaser’s responsibility to find investors for the remaining franchise ownership.)
• Five years of work experience preferably in a supervisory, management, or sales role.
• A self-starter personality energized by challenge and responsibility.
• A family supportive of owning and building a new business.

Why is $40,000 of available capital needed to start a janitorial business?

Because we finance 100 percent of the Franchise Fee ($25,000), only $40,000 is needed to purchase the initial Development Package, including equipment, supplies, training, computer system, working capital, etc. Also, a new franchise owner needs to plan for their personal income during the initial development of the business.

In the process of investigating EC, we work with you to develop a personal budget and the estimated amount of income subsidy you need in reserve.

Why do you only make six franchises a year available?

Several years after EC started, we made a conscious decision regarding future development. The individuals who have committed themselves to the franchise program deserve the same commitment from us.

Starting more than six new franchises a year limits our involvement with existing owners. It also jeopardizes our availability to adequately support the new franchise.

At the heart of our decision to limit franchise sales was this: EC is not defined by how many franchises we sell, but by the growth, success, and stability of those who already own one.

How much can I expect to earn?

The great thing about owning a business is you earn exactly what you are worth. You no longer have to wait for annual performance evaluations or periodic raises; your income is in direct proportion to your efforts.

We cannot predict how much you will earn, but we do know about our current franchise owners. Here is a summary their annual earnings.*

• 51% over $100,000
• 15% over $75,000
• 17% over $50,000
• 6% over $25,000
• 11% under $25,000

* These figures are for 2007 and include all owners with at least one year as an owner.

How long does it take to start a new franchise?

From the initial inquiry to the official start date generally takes between three to six months. We understand that you are making a significant decision and do not want you rushing through the process. How fast we go depends on you.

Explain the Money-Back Guarantee.

Historically, potential franchise owners ask, “Can I really get enough new customers?” Depending on the franchise opportunity you select, EC guarantees a minimum amount of monthly billing in a specific period of time. If that goal is not reached, you get your money back (franchise fee, development package cost, and initial operating capital). Specific details are contained in the Franchise Agreement.

Do you offer financing of any kind?

Everyone approved for franchise ownership immediately qualifies for financing.

• Amount Financed – $25,000 (Metropolitan Franchise Fee).
• Terms.
  • No payments or interest for 24 months from the official start date of the franchise.
  • At the end of 24 months, the loan balance is financed at 9¾ percent interest for two years.
• Loan Discount – The loan balance is discounted one dollar ($1) for every one dollar ($1) of regular monthly billing in excess of $10,000. The discount is calculated by using the franchise’s actual regular billing in the twenty-fourth month of operation. The maximum discount is $25,000.
• Also, after one year of operation you qualify for supply and equipment financing from EC.

Why do I need a franchise to get into the commercial cleaning business?

If you simply want to find several customers and do the work yourself, a franchise is probably not necessary. The value of EC is our experience and proven program to build a self-sustaining business. Sure, you may be able to create your own program and learn through the “school of hard knocks.” But why invest your energy doing that instead of building a business faster and with less risk? From our perspective, the EC program will result in a larger more profitable business in less time.

WHAT IS EC’S SYSTEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

Based on the experience of current franchise owners, we have developed a comprehensive business plan for you to follow. The Stages of Development is a step-by-step program that navigates you through each phase of building your business. Specific operating procedures, budgets, job descriptions, and organizational charts are just a few of the components this plan provides to you. Combining your energy and initiative with the Stages of Development is what makes EC such a great opportunity.

What if I do not have any experience as a business owner?

Any working experience you bring to EC is a plus, but we know most people have never run their own business. During the initial training and follow-up, we focus on those areas where you need to learn and develop. In fact, for the first twelve months a start-up specialist guides you each step of the way.

WHAT INITIAL TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE?

Prior to starting the franchise you attend the Company Development Seminar (CDS) at EC’s headquarters. This five-day seminar combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in all phases of company operation.

To supplement your initial training, an EC representative comes to your franchise four times the first year. These four-day trips provide real time support in sales, employee recruitment and training, technical skills and operations.

Finally, you are assigned an Operations contact at the Home Office who calls regularly to guide you through each step of development.

How do I get new customers?

For most potential owners, sales is their greatest concern. EC has all the marketing materials you will need and teaches you how to implement our systematic sales program. Eventually you will hire telemarketers and sales people to make sure your company keeps growing.

WHAT OTHER SUPPORT DOES EC PROVIDE?

We know the day-to-day demands of being a business owner are significant. That is why Environment Control provides support to free more of every owner’s valuable time for growth and development.

• Bookkeeping
  EC’s Bookkeeping Department is one of the most important support services because of the freedom it provides owners. Services include invoicing, payroll, accounts payable, financial reports, etc. At the same time, the Home Office has access to an up-to-the-minute view of company financial matters, enabling us to provide you with timely consultation.
• Insurance
  EC’s Insurance Department negotiates and coordinates master policies for liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance. The goal is to secure better, more extensive coverage at the most competitive rates. This department also processes claims, secures special coverage, and resolves concerns.
• Sales Support
  Our Operations Department provides comprehensive sales training for new and existing EC owners and their support staff. Our sales program and personalized materials provide everything you need to build your customer base.

Can I buy an established franchise that already has customers?

Periodically, existing franchises become available. If there is one in the area(s) you prefer, then it is definitely an option you should consider (see Established Franchise Resales).

Can I merge my current commercial cleaning business with EC?

If you are operating a commercial cleaning service in an available franchise territory, then it is possible to merge it into the EC program. An added benefit is that the value of your current business could offset some or all of the initial franchise costs including the franchise fee, development package, etc.

What is EC’s Veteran Discount?

In recognition of our military’s commitment and sacrifice, we offer a 50 percent discount of the franchise fee. In a Metropolitan Franchise that is a $12,500 savings. This program is available to all veterans who are honorably discharged from their active military service.

Can I talk with existing franchise owners?

We believe what our current owners have experienced from being in EC is your most valuable source of information. Once you have a good understanding of the franchise program, we want you to talk with them. Initially, we select three owners that you have something in common with, such as a previous type of career, age, geographic location, etc. We send your profile and a picture to these current owners and you receive the same about them. That way, they are expecting your call and each of you know something about each other. If after having those discussions you want to talk with more owners, we will make those arrangements.

WHAT AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TERRITORY?

Every franchise is defined by specific geographic boundaries such as county lines. Only you have the right to represent Environment Control in this area. That means you never compete with any other EC owner.

WHAT IS THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE?

It does not make sense to start a new business without what you need to succeed. Every item in the Development Package such as training, supplies and equipment, and operating capital are designed to accelerate your growth and profitability. One hundred percent of this investment ($40,000) goes directly toward the first 12 months of your new career. A specific list of what makes up this investment is provided for your review.

WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC RECORDKEEPING SYSTEM?

A software system was developed by Team Financial who modified their programs for EC’s specific needs.

A. WinTeam is a database system designed to manage the local information required to operate the franchise business. In general, the system manages:

1. Customer Data: Name, address, telephone, contacts, billing, special needs, etc.
2. Employee Data: Name, address, telephone, start date, pay rates, history, etc.
3. Work Scheduling Data: Employee work schedules, complaint tracking, special assignments, etc.
4. Supply Inventory Data: Inventory tracking, sales, usage by facility, inventory on hand, etc.
5. Human Resources Data: Employee performance, absenteeism, training, evaluations, timekeeping, payroll history, turnover, EEOC, etc.
6. Management Reports: Reports are generated in a variety of formats from this data for use by the company management including daily labor visibility by job, employee, and pay period.

B. TeleTeam is the electronic timekeeping module of WinTeam that replaces physical timecards.

1. Telephone Timekeeping: Employees record their work times through an automated call-in/call-out system.
2. No Show Notification: Automatic paging of a supervisor if an employee has not checked in by a certain time.
3. Caller I.D.: This assures the employee is calling from the job site.
4. Voice Mail: A communication tool to and from employees when they check in.

This system also electronically forwards information to EC’s Bookkeeping Department so they can prepare your invoices, payrolls, financial reports, etc.