Dwyer Group expands pilot program with Ace

The program will give Ace customers at five locations access to professional services from Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Rainbow carpet care and Glass Doctor franchises.

The pilot program, which began last summer in Chicago and is expected to run from 12 to 18 months, originally involved only The Dwyer Group’s Mr. Rooter and Mr. Electric concepts (see related story). It was initiated to offer Ace customers access to professional trade services beyond the scope of do-it-yourself projects.

The expanded program will involve more Ace locations and more Dwyer Group franchise concepts to broaden the expertise and services available to patrons.

"We are extremely pleased at how the pilot program has progressed," said Dina Dwyer-Owens, president and ceo of The Dwyer Group. "It is an honor to join Ace in offering customers the most valuable and comprehensive resources available. It speaks to what The Dwyer Group companies consider most important: the customer."

Customers who visit participating Ace locations will find "Trust Ace To Put It In Place" point-of-purchase displays. Dwyer Group companies will make available all services for plumbing, electrical work, carpet cleaning, and glass repair and installation. Ace customers who need these services then will be directed to the appropriate franchise, and Ace will receive a portion of all service fees generated from the referrals.

The Dwyer Group, based in Waco, supports more than 900 franchisees in the United States and nearly 400 franchisees in 23 countries.

The Dwyer Group’s franchise concepts include: Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning, Rainbow International Carpet Care and Restoration Specialists, Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Mr. Appliance, Glass Doctor and an associate company, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide.

The Dwyer Group’s objective is to reach 2,000 locations worldwide generating more than $500 million in annualized sales by Dec. 31, 2001.

Also see:
Mr. Rooter, Ace Hardware partner on installed sales