Shack Shine Blog

Category Archive: Latest News

1. How Introducing a Subscription Service Made Shack Shine Franchise Partners More Successful

   February 7, 2017 9:53 pm Leave a Comment

   This story was originally published on Forbes.com.

    

   When it comes to entrepreneurship, there are no clearcuts. It’s a densely forested landscape with a million possible paths leading to one of two places: success or failure. The key is being ready and able to adapt – to adjust your course and to learn from your mistakes as you make them, quickly.

    

   That’s what happened when we launched our home-detailing company, Shack Shine. We defaulted to familiar systems that brought great success to our other brands — 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and WOW 1 DAY PAINTING — but we quickly came up against some unexpected obstacles and had to pivot.

   Two years in, we’ve retraced our steps, made a few switchbacks, and blazed some totally new trails to get our youngest brand where it needs to be.

   A Turn Here…

   Shack Shine is (literally) a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-dirty opportunity, so success as a business owner depends upon your attitude towards hard work. That’s why we awarded most of our franchises to hungry, young Millennials who were happy to invest sweat equity and energy.

   As we interviewed our candidates, though, we kept running into the same problem: most Millennials are cash-poor with little to no access to starting capital. They’re often fresh out of post-secondary and neck-deep in debt, which presents a barrier to entry to our system and makes it harder for them to grow once they’re up and running.

   We realized we needed to restructure aspects of our business model to make our system more accessible for our target demographic. We veered massively off course to pilot something new: subscription services.

   With a subscription model, customers pay upfront for a whole year of services, giving our franchise partners money to invest back into their businesses. It’s a way of getting a healthy cash flow right off the bat and it works well in any industry — subscription commerce generated $5 billion in 2014 and subscribers spend 2.7 times more annually than average shoppers. The beauty of recurring billing is that both the customer and the company get value: the business can more accurately predict annual revenue and the customer has more control over budgeting their expenses. 

   For our other brands, this wouldn’t have worked — junk hauling and painting are usually one-off jobs, spaced out over months or years. But we’re piloting subscription for Shack Shine because in the spring and fall, we clean gutters. In the summer, we wash windows. Other services (like power washing and interior window washing) can be done anytime. This gives customers year-long house detailing at one single cost and the freedom to schedule services as needed.

   Turning away from our tried-and-tested business model has been both stressful and thrilling. But luckily, our Millennial franchise partners are quick to cope with new ideas and fast changes. With agility and teamwork, we’re maneuvering through rough terrain and getting everyone back on track for success.

   A Switchback There…

   And then we hit another roadblock. When we targeted Millennials to be the backbone of our brand, we assumed they wanted total freedom and flexibility to run their businesses — because that’s what our franchise partners within our other brands want (and it’s what makes them so successful). So we mimicked our other brands, providing partners with weeks of in-depth operational training before sending them to launch.

   But most of our franchise partners have only a little business experience to fall back on, especially in a leadership role; they aren’t used to juggling operations and bookkeeping with appointments and managing a team. It wasn’t that they couldn’t do it all — it was that they wanted on-the-ground guidance until they were truly confident.

   To ease the transition from theory to practice, we deployed field team members to assist with every franchise launch from day one. Getting involved in our partners’ day-to-day business goes against the EntryPreneurship model. But in the case of Shack Shine, we had to adapt. Our young franchise partners wanted more support in their early days — so that’s what we gave them.

   Clear Roads Ahead

   Entrepreneurship can be a rocky road and finding your footing can take time. But with teamwork and perseverance, you can break through the barriers to clear the path to success.

   Shack Shine has been a lesson in agility and quick thinking. We learned to pivot away from initial plans, be quick on our feet, and headed down the road less traveled. Sometimes, taking a few steps back is the only way to move forward.

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2. Why This Millennial Refused to Settle and Chose Franchising

   February 3, 2017 6:05 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Taylor Dunn doesn’t believe in settling. That’s why, after four years at a job he didn’t love, he turned away from the family business in pursuit of something more.

   He’d been following in his father’s footsteps — working to open an insurance office — because he saw the freedom his dad had from owning his own business. After university, he worked at his brother-in-law’s office but Taylor always had the same endgame in mind: to start up an office of his own.

   In early 2016, an opportunity came, but Taylor’s heart was no longer in the insurance industry. It was time to become an entrepreneur on his own terms.

   

   Below, Taylor tells O2E Brands how he listened to his gut, changed his course, and found the opportunity of a lifetime.

   O2E: Stepping away from the family business must have been a tough decision. What drove you to make the leap?

   TD: For my parents’ generation, the thinking was “get a job and stick to it.” There wasn’t a lot of mobility. Now, people are realizing it’s more about enjoying what you do. Sure, making a living is a nice benefit but you have to be passionate about what you’re doing.

   And that’s one of the hardest parts for people at my age: trying to figure out what they want to do. I’m a strong believer in never settling for something that makes you miserable.

   O2E: Going from the insurance business to a home-service brand like Shack Shine is quite a change — tell us how you ended up in house detailing.

   TD: After four and a half years working with my brother-in-law, the opportunity I’d been waiting for opened up. But I realized insurance just wasn’t something I was enjoying and it wasn’t what I wanted to do long-term.

   So I broke it down and asked myself: what do I really want to do? I still wanted to do my own thing but I needed the right opportunity. I love being outside (and had previously worked in outdoor jobs) so I started exploring my options in that space.

   I found Shack Shine on LinkedIn. I’d never really considered franchising as a possibility but the branding caught my eye and stuck with me. When I found out the territory I wanted was available, I really started thinking. I could join a globally recognized company, own my own business, and stay in my hometown. It was a no-brainer and the timing was right.

   O2E: How did you come up with the start-up capital?

   TD: I grew up as a saver. My dad, being in financial services, instilled that in me from a young age. I started working as a dishwasher in grade 8 and my dad made sure I saved a portion of every paycheque. I did the same through university and afterwards, as well.

   So the majority of the investment for the franchise came from my wife and I — it was all the cash we had saved. I’m also fortunate enough to be in a position that my parents could help out, as well. The rest came from a line of credit.

   O2E: So you’re a young Millennial and suddenly you own a business. What kind of challenges did you face in the beginning?

   TD: I really had to put my nose to the grindstone. I had very little management experience in my jobs before and there are a ton of unknowns in business ownership (like marketing, accounting, and human resources). It’s pretty overwhelming at first.

   I’m also now in a hiring position and I’ve learned how important it is to have committed people who see your vision. My dad has staff members who have been with him for 30 years and I think, How do you keep people excited to come in and do a good job for you? That’s the biggest challenge: finding and keeping good people. I’m trying to build my business with great people so we can provide the best customer service experience possible.

   O2E: Sounds like there was quite a steep learning curve. Did you have the support you needed?

   TD: Absolutely. Everyone has been so helpful. The company wants us to succeed and gives us the tools to do it.

   I’ve never felt like I’m on my own in this — everyone is there to help us grow. My success is their success too.

   O2E: What do you see for 2017?

   TD: We’re full steam ahead. It’s only been six months and we love seeing the growth. We have a lot of goals in the works, like getting a second van on the road. I’ve put everything I have into this business. It’s definitely a risk, but taking the leap is the biggest part — once you’re on the line, you’re not going to stop until you’ve built something successful. It lights the fire under you to keep going.

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3. What do poker and running a business have in common?

   December 30, 2016 8:56 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Under the blinding glare of spotlights, the world watched on ESPN as Matt Jarvis concentrated on one thing: winning the World Series of Poker. For six years, he’d navigated the world’s elite poker circuits, winning sometimes and breaking even others. But he always loved the challenge.

   It was 2010. He’d beaten 7,000 hopefuls to become one of only nine around the Final Table in Las Vegas, vying for a $9 million prize.

   Despite his efforts, he was eliminated in 8th place with a bust out hand in a moment that’s been dubbed one of the craziest upsets in poker history. So he left Sin City, a new superstar on the circuit — with a hefty chunk of change in his pocket.

   He followed up with more big wins in the years to come, but Matt was constantly jetting around the world to games, leaving his wife at home in Vancouver, BC. In 2015, he decided poker wasn’t the future he wanted.

   

   “I got married three years ago, and I wanted to find a job that would keep me closer to home so I could be with my wife,” he says. “At some point we’ll start a family, so it’s important to be around for that.”

   Back in Vancouver, he kept playing poker to bide his time, and wondered how to turn his need for autonomy, adrenaline, and high-stakes strategy into a viable career. Entrepreneurship seemed to combine all three; he just needed the right opportunity.

   “Some of my friends and family told me about Shack Shine. They said it was the next 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Once I looked into it, I thought the system was amazing. I liked the people who were involved, and it seemed like a good way to learn how to run a business from the ground up.”

   So Matt cashed in his chips and invested in a Shack Shine franchise with O2E Brands. Since starting up in October 2016, he’s tackled business ownership the same way he tackled poker: preparation. He recalls that he won at poker because he was more prepared than anyone else; he didn’t party, he took notes at the table, he worked out frequently and he kept a disciplined routine.

   As a new business owner, Matt is willing to put in the work. He says, “If you want to be good at things, you have to be both mentally and physically strong. Some poker tournaments are 12 or 13 hours long, so you have to be able to focus.”

   Poker also gave him a habit of always looking for a tactical edge over his opponents, which will serve him well as an entrepreneur. “Yes, Shack Shine is a franchise model with systems, but there’s so much room for innovation. We’re encouraged to be creative and try things … I’m going to work hard to see what I can do to beat the competition.”

   So for now, Matt’s given up cards for a new high-stakes game as a business owner. As his own boss with a Shack Shine franchise, he’ll be conquering the business world the only way he knows how: by going all in.

   This story originally appeared appeared on O2Ebrands.com. Learn more about franchise opportunities with Shack Shine.

   LEARN MORE

4. Moonworks Expert Interview Series: Dave Notte

   July 28, 2016 3:45 pm Leave a Comment

   Dave Notte is the managing director at Shack Shine, a house detailing services company, specializing in everything from window and house washing to gutter cleaning. We recently asked Dave for tips on keeping your home’s exterior sparkling. Here’s what he had to say:

   When and how often should we be washing our homes’ exteriors?

   This varies on multiple factors such as the terrain and climate you live in, the age of your home, and the materials it’s made out of. Many of our customers choose to get their siding washed in the spring so the exterior of their home is nice and shiny for the summer.

   What is the correct way to wash a house? What are the dos and don’ts of cleaning a home’s exterior?

   Each type of exterior will require its own unique method for proper cleaning. The most important thing to note in this whole process is ensuring the proper techniques are used for all the different types of materials out there.

   Shack Shine uses multiple methods from a light scrub with a brush and water to a commercial grade pressure washer. Methods and techniques will differ depending on the house, the type of siding, and essentially how dirty the house really is. Using the wrong method can cause damage to the exterior of your home and potentially void any warranties you may have.

   Shack Shine recommends not using any harsh chemicals to wash the exterior of your home as some cleaning agents and products can harm paint and other surfaces. If you do decide to use chemicals, ensure the products are approved for your specific type of exterior.

   What are the risks of not keeping the exterior of a home clean?

   Dirt, dust, mildew and other debris will accumulate on the siding as well as other surfaces of your home and set in over time. This will eventually leave stains on the exterior of your home, which often become difficult to remove. The harder a stain becomes, the more damage it will require to remove it. When a stain is too stubborn, the only option left is to paint over it. A dirty exterior can also attract bugs, germs and other neighborhood pests to your home which can cause further damage, as well as pose potential health risks.

   What are the most important exterior home maintenance projects homeowners should tackle regularly?

   One of the most important maintenance tasks for your home is a regular gutter cleaning. It is essential to clear gutter drain water safely away from your home into the perimeter drain. If your gutters overflow, water can enter the building envelope causing rot and other damage.

   What areas of the home do you find homeowners are most likely to overlook or forget about?

   Many homeowners often forget about gutter cleaning. Because of where the gutters are located, it’s tough to see what’s going on inside of them. It doesn’t take the heaviest of rainstorms to clog up gutters as they can very quickly begin to overflow. The best way to prevent this is to schedule a regular time for cleaning your gutters throughout the year.

   How often should homeowners be cleaning their windows?

   How often homeowners should be cleaning their windows will depend on the climate they live in. At Shack Shine, many of our customers have us come in and clean their windows twice a year. Windows tend to attract an abundant amount of dirt and debris which sticks to their surface. The longer things sit on the window and bake in the sun, the harder it is to get the window clean. Spring time is our peak season for window washing as the sunny weather really shows off the dirt and streaks on windows. Many Shack Shine customers also bring us in for a fall window washing service to clean off everything that has accumulated over the spring and summer.

   What are best practices for window cleaning?

   When cleaning windows, the most most important thing to consider is safety. Shack Shine uses extension poles in order to minimize the use of ladders. Most windows are cleaned from the ground which is much safer than placing ladders all over your home. Shack Shine uses purified deionized water for washing windows in order to get a spot free shine.

   What are the benefits to homeowners of making sure their home’s exterior sparkles?

   Your home is your biggest investment, and we believe you should be proud of it! What better way is there to show your pride than ensuring your house is shining at all times. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to add to the resale value of your home. A clean and well maintained home will increase the curb appeal of your property and signal to potential buyers that your house has been well looked after.

   What other exterior home improvement projects are smart investments for homeowners?

   Power washing is one of the best ways to add instant curb appeal to your home. A freshly washed driveway, walkway, clean exterior gutter surfaces and sparkling siding and trim looks amazing from a street view. Your neighbors will definitely take notice.

5. Brian Scudamore’s Notes From a Startup Launch Pad

   June 14, 2016 10:54 pm Leave a Comment

   As a serial entrepreneur, people come to me with business ideas all the time. Sometimes they’re awesome. Other times, they’re – well, not. Usually I’m too busy to even think about taking on a new project. So with three companies to run, I initially refused the pitch for Shack Shine when it came to me last year.

   I could see that beyond the catchy name, it was a brilliant idea: creating a house-detailing service (windows, gutters, and power washing) built on providing an exceptional customer experience. It perfectly complemented the companies that make up the O2E Brands family. And I knew the industry didn’t have a recognizable category leader.

   Despite the brand fit, I initially went against my gut and said ‘no’. So why am I writing today about the launch of our fourth brand, Shack Shine?

   The O2E Brand That Almost Wasn’t

   Dave Notte came up with the idea for Shack Shine after building a multi-million dollar commercial painting business. He felt ready to devote his energy to his next successful venture and having run service companies his entire life, wanted to “stick to his knitting”.

   “I wanted to find a service no one wanted to do,” he told me. “Maybe even one that people looked down their noses at.”

   He’d been mentoring two young entrepreneurs with small window cleaning companies and the elements of a great business were there: the industry was fragmented; the margins were high; the recurring revenue was solid. After some recon at one of North America’s largest window cleaning trade shows – and meeting the unimpressive competition – Dave knew he’d found a diamond in the rough.

   He said, “I was sure I was sitting on the next 1-800-GOT-JUNK?”

   Right Idea, Wrong Time

   Taking an ordinary service like gutter cleaning and making it an experience that would delight the customer resonated with me. I also saw an opportunity to create a whole new category – house-detailing. But I wasn’t sure it was the right time.

   A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into building a brand. And you can’t underestimate the power of time and focus. O2E Brands (the banner company for 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and WOW 1 DAY PAINTING) was only revealed last year. Amalgamating those three companies under one roof was a huge undertaking

   Although the timing wasn’t ideal, Dave was super persistent, sending me updates on numbers and marketing around my house, non-stop. At one point, he sent me a picture of a Shack Shine van parked beside a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? truck with the caption, ‘Don’t they look good together?!’”

   I could admit that Shack Shine was a strong fit for O2E Brands. But the look – the brand identity – was definitely not.

   I’m Just Not That Into You

   I learned the hard way that people trust and engage with brands. When I launched WOW 1 DAY PAINTING in 2010, I made a lot of mistakes: the logo was collegiate and – even more tragically – it was bright orange. A client even referred to our uniforms as “penitentiary” orange!

   The business model was disruptive – we’d paint your home or business in a day – but we weren’t making a dent in the market because people were not connecting with the brand. Two years in, I had to rebrand the whole system and start from scratch.

   Ironically, Shack Shine started with the same color profile as WOW 1 DAY PAINTING – orange and navy blue – and in general, it didn’t stand out. It needed a complete brand overhaul that would give it the same emotional impact and quirky vibe of its sister-companies.

   I found myself imagining a new concept for logos and uniforms, all the way down to slogans that would make you smile. When I took it to a designer to flesh out some ideas before I’d inked a deal with Dave, I realized I was invested in making Shack Shine part of O2E Brands. The only problem was that I didn’t know if Dave would be OK with me overhauling his baby. Taking that feedback to him was a pivotal point – would he be open to this kind of criticism and a radical change?

   Trust Your Gut

   Revealing the ideas for Shack Shine’s new brand identity was a great chance to have a difficult conversation with Dave to see how (and if) we could come together. Luckily, he immediately loved the improvements and his excitement in sharing a vision with me made me realize we’d have a great partnership.

   “As an O2E Brand, Shack Shine could become much bigger and better than if I were scaling it on my own,” says Dave. “I wanted to work with their outstanding leadership team and be part of a billion-dollar journey.”

   Though I had concerns about what my team and franchise partners might think about launching a new brand so soon, I also had a responsibility to practice what I preach: A founding principle of our corporate culture is that to achieve great success, you have to be willing to fail. Audacious ideas don’t always fly, but when they do – look out!

   So I decided to trust my gut and launch a company at the wrong time – for the right reasons. After giving its brand an overhaul, we welcomed Shack Shine into the O2E Brands family and are putting it on track to be our next $100 million dollar business.

   Will Shack Shine become a $100 million success story? Keep reading and follow our progress. This is the first in my “Startup Story: Shack Shine – Diary of a Brand Launch”, a monthly column about the awesome (and challenging) parts of launching a new company.

6. Shack Shine is Growing!

   January 6, 2016 5:35 pm Leave a Comment

   We are very excited to announce that three new Franchise Partners have joined Shack Shine!

   Shack Shine – Twin Cities

   Shack Shine is international!

   Ben Cowan is our first US Franchise Partner. Ben is well known to all at O2E Brands through his highly successful 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and You Move Me franchises in Twin Cities, Minnesota. Ben’s burgeoning empire includes businesses outside of the O2E network as well.

   Ben has built a fantastic centralized team to operate his various brands and leverages the latest technology to scale his businesses. I have no doubt that Ben and his team will dominate the Twin City House Detailing market in short order.

   Shack Shine – Kelowna

   Daniel Vrskovy was introduced to Shack Shine through Mark Webb, our North Shore General Manager (great people know great people). Dan is a true entryprenuer and very excited to begin this new chapter. Kelowna is an exciting opportunity, with high fragmentation and strong demographics. Dan is very connected in Kelowna and he is excited to leverage the large vacation home market. Things are looking “Shiny” in Kelowna!

   Shack Shine – Richmond/Delta/South Surrey

   Kit Hulbert is a College Pro Painters alumni/record holder who was introduced to Shack Shine through our first Franchise Partner, Brad Samuels (yet another example of great people knowing great people).

   Kit understands franchising intimately and has experience on both sides of the desk. He’s put together an aggressive plan to scale quickly and I have no doubt that he will execute.

   Our first ten partners will forever be known as our Founding Franchise Partners (five more to go). A few years down the road the Founders will gather together at a kick ass location to celebrate success, the entrepreneurial journey and the building of a globally admired brand!

   We have come a long way in the eight months since joining O2E Brands. We are very excited for our future and grateful for everyone involved. Here’s to our future and a great 2016!

7. Top Four “To Do” List to Winterize your Home

   November 3, 2015 6:51 pm Leave a Comment

   It’s that time of year again. The temperature and leaves are dropping which means the rain and snow is coming. Here’s a “Top Four” exterior home maintenance “to do” list to avoid nasty and expensive surprises during the winter.

   1. Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

   In cold climates, close the inside valve to each outdoor faucet. Be sure to turn the outdoor faucet handle slightly to release remaining water from the pipes.

   2. Gutter Cleaning and Roof Clearing

   Gutter cleaning is essential to home maintenance, especially once the leaves have fallen. Without thorough and regular gutter cleaning, rain water will not flow properly which causes the gutters to break, overflow, stain and flood. While messy and time consuming, gutter cleaning is relatively simple. A ladder, bucket and scope will do the trick!

   Prior to cleaning your gutters, be sure to clear your roof. Sweep or blow loose debris from your roof into the gutters using a leaf blower. Skipping this step will lead to more work/gutter cleans down the road.

   3. Doorways and Windows

   Inspect your windows and doors to get an idea of any repairs needed. Look for any caulk that has been pulled away from the surface. Remove the old caulk completely, clean the surface area that has been exposed and re-caulk the area. Replacing deteriorated caulk helps save energy and minimize unpleasant drafts.

   4. Power Washing

   Mildew, algae and dirt builds up on your home’s exterior surfaces throughout the fall. When the heavy rains hit, those surfaces, if left as is, become slippery and dangerous. Power washing decks, patios and driveways is the only way to properly remove the grime. A weekend with a power washer ensures that your exterior surfaces are clean, safe and ready for the occasional winter BBQ.

8. Top 3 Reasons to Hire a Home Detailing Company to Clean Your Gutters This Fall

   October 14, 2015 7:27 pm Leave a Comment

   Everyone knows that gutter cleaning is not rocket science. If you own a ladder, a scoop, you have a few hours to spare and you don’t mind the mess, you can clean your gutters. So why hire a professional? Here are three compelling reasons:

   Safety: cleaning gutters is dangerous work. The chore requires working at heights from a ladder and more often than not, the job entails accessing steep pitches and slippery roofs. A professional House Detailing firm uses safety equipment like ladder levelers, standoffs and harness/lanyard systems to deal with dangerous roof access. Avoid the risk of injury and leave the job to a professional.

   Time: Like the crocodile who swallowed the clock in Peter Pan, time chases us all and eventually runs out. Why spend your precious time cleaning gutters? Let the professionals deal with the hassle and mess so that you can enjoy your weekend.

   Peace of Mind: Flooding caused by overflowing gutters is one of the top causes for home insurance claims in Canada. A top notch House Detailing company will use tools like industrial gutter vacuums and cameras to give you peace of mind that the job is done right. Thereby, ensuring that your gutter system operates effectively throughout the rainy season.

   Bonus reason: Have you experienced what gutter debris looks and smells like? Gross!

9. The Shack Shine Story: A New Industry Is Born and a New Look is Revealed

   September 14, 2015 3:50 pm Leave a Comment

   

   When you think of getting your windows washed, gutters cleaned or power washing done, which national brand comes to mind? Exactly! In this highly fragmented, locally-focused industry, there isn’t one dominant national brand. Shack Shine will change all that.

   Partnering with powerhouse franchisor O2E Brands, the people behind 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and You Move Me, Shack Shine is inventing a brand new industry: House Detailing. Shack Shine makes the ordinary business of window washing, gutter cleaning and power washing exceptional!

   With our new partnership, comes a new look. Shack Shine’s new logo represents who we are: FUN, FRIENDLY, CARING AND CLEAN. Simply put, working with Shack Shine will make you and your home smile!

10. Spring quoting has begun!

    February 26, 2015 6:59 pm Comments Off on Spring quoting has begun!

    It’s that time of year, and we are now open for scheduling this spring! Vancouver residents are now scheduling their spring window cleaning and pressure washing. If you hadn’t cleaned your gutters last winter, we can get that done at the same time as well.

    Please send us a quick email to info@shackshine.com or drop us a line at 1.888.808.7751. We’ll be happy to get everything quoted and arranged for you in the coming months.

    Your Shack Shine Team