How big is my franchise territory?

Harding’s uses several factors in determining the size of a specific territory for each of its Painting  franchises, sometimes combining the two. Demographic information is assessed such as population size, household incomes levels, commercial/industrial access, as well as other regional considerations and then designates specific postal codes to establish a territory.

What is the term of the Harding’s franchise agreement?

Harding’s franchise agreement is for a period of 10 years, with renewal options of 5 year increments

How will I attract customers?

Harding’s provides leads through brand recognition across a multitude of avenues such as digital advertising, direct mail, email campaigns, and signage, among others. Your continued operations will also develop word-of-mouth goodwill as well.

Who and how do I hire employees?

The Harding’s system is set up to help you navigate who and how to hire your labour. A mix of hired employees and crews or sub-contractors is typically the best fit. An administrator will be required as you grow to accept and schedule leads provided by Harding’s. Crews and or sub-contractors will be used to complete the labour portion of the work.

How many employees do I require?

The number of staff, crews or sub-contractors you will require will all be determined by your sales volume. Harding’s will help you scale this during your franchise tenure.

How long and where is the training?

The Harding’s training program currently consists of classroom, field, and webinar sessions. Travel to Calgary, Alberta is necessary for a period of 10 days. Classroom sessions consist of financial, operational, roleplay and systems training while field sessions consist of estimating and service procedures with seasoned franchise partners in the Harding’s systems. Harding’s will maintain contact throughout your training and after along with regular field visits.

Does Harding’s provide a vehicle?

The franchise partner may be responsible for purchasing an approved vehicle to accept Harding’s graphics. Harding’s will assess your current vehicle for suitability. If you are required to lease or purchase a vehicle we suggest a truck or service style van.

Where do I get supplies?

Harding’s has established a strong partnership with the most reputable paint manufacturers and negotiated preferred pricing for Harding’s franchise partners, such as: Sherwin Williams, PPG / Dulux, Benjamin Moore and Cloverdale Paints.

Where do I work from?

On the outset, the majority of franchise partner’s work from a home office and eventually move into a small office within their territory as they grow and hire more administrative staff. The latter is preferred to take full advantage of our friends at Google.

Who is Harding’s?

Harding’s is owned and operated by several of its franchise partners, we liked it so much we bought the company (…heard that somewhere before?). Harding’s was established by Dalton Harding in 1996 in Calgary, Alberta. In 2011 he sold the company to several of his Licensee’s and they have grown it into the franchise system it is today. The Managing Partner that oversees the day-to-day operations is Rob Hilditch.

I have never worked in this vocation before, how am I going to paint work?

Painting and/or handyman experience is an asset but you are buying into a business system that operates under the principles of building relationships, completing estimates, hiring the appropriate labour and scaling a profitable business. You may choose to produce projects on your own at the beginning of your tenure but the goal is to be a sales and operations person building a professionally managed business.

What are the Royalty fees?

The royalty fee is 12% and includes a multitude of services and marketing initiatives. At Harding’s we want you to concentrate on making the sale with your client and not have to worry with the peripheral business. We take care of the marketing, payments, social media content and creation, digital advertising, business license(s), general liability insurance, work place insurance (depending on provincial restrictions), yearly uniform allowance, and yearly street signage allowance.

What are the ongoing fees?

In addition to your ongoing royalties, you are responsible for your vehicle insurance, monthly estimating software subscription and your tools and/or supplies to name a few.

How much money can I make?

We get this one a lot! However, it is the hardest one to answer. We provide you with the toolbox but it is up to you on how you use the tools in it to build your individual business and how closely you follow the system. Your decisions in operating your franchise and how you navigate your marketplace has a direct correlation on the success of your franchise. We help you establish the baseline but it’s up to you to step to the plate and swing.