What it Takes to Start a FireSky Franchise

Reports show the landscaping and hardscape construction sector has reached new heights in recent years, and analysts expect growth to continue during the months to come. With a surging number of people gaining interest in the design-build concept and outdoor living, these aspects of the industry are experiencing notable upticks. For talented designers looking to make a name for themselves in these fields, a FireSky franchise may just be the answer.

What is FireSky?

Founded in 2016, FireSky is looking to dominate the growing design-build and outdoor living revolution. At the same time, the company is bringing an entirely new level of opportunity to business owners and talented professionals in the landscape and hardscape design and architecture industry alike. 

With a wide range of services and benefits, FireSky is giving skilled landscape and hardscape architects an unrivaled chance to establish their place in the sector through a scalable business model. In turn, property owners are able to benefit from greater talent and more readily available services in this arena.

Why Become a FireSky Franchisee?

Numerous advantages can come from being part of our franchise with widespread resources and networks. First of all, starting a landscaping business on your own isn’t a simple task even with ample experience. 

Facing the Competition

Small companies and startups are forced to compete in the same space with not only other local firms, but national and international corporations with local connections as well. Those larger, more well-established firms tend to dominate the market on a number of levels. 

They generally have more substantial marketing budgets, extensive working relationships with other local businesses, large-scale client lists and a wide range of other tools on their side. Because of this, property owners are drawn to them. Startups and companies trying to work their way into new markets are left in the lurch.

Partnering with Reputable Contractors

Finding the right contractors and vendors to work with is a significant issue as well. Without them, even the most innovative designers stand to miss out on a vital component of the design-build industry. Still, determining which ones are worth your attention isn’t always an easy endeavor. Establishing relationships with subpar companies could damage your reputation before you even have a chance to prove yourself.

Building Trust among Consumers

Trust also comes into play. Consumers look for hardscape designers and builders who come highly recommended by their peers and are backed by plenty of positive attributes. Building this type of network is difficult for new firms or those trying to expand their reach.

On top of all that, many newcomers to the field simply don’t have the tools they need to establish their presence in the market. This takes a great deal of advertising and marketing along with the ability to outshine competitors and effectively meet and exceed prospects’ expectations. 

Taking a Different Approach

All that being said, you don’t necessarily have to cover all those bases and deal with the many difficulties on your own. When you become a FireSky franchisee, the company’s collective resources, experience, and reach are made available to you. Numerous additional tools will be at your disposal as well.

Comprehensive Business Model

After signing up to become part of the FireSky network, you’ll be granted access to a long list of helpful assets. For one, you’ll receive detailed information about the company’s all-inclusive business model. 

This will give you the tools you need to start your own design-build firm under the FireSky name. The company’s business model offers assistance with licensing, insurance, establishing daily operations and seeking out suppliers and contractors, to name a few benefits. 

In-Depth Training

FireSky’s offer also includes up to five days of training from the company’s headquarters and a day of onsite guidance and instruction. Help with using advanced design and accounting software and platforms for estimating, setting up contracts, managing clients, overseeing projects, and other necessities are included as well. 

Long-Term Support

Additionally, you’ll receive ongoing support for setting up your business, using software packages to your fullest benefit, building your in-house team and establishing relationships with subcontractors. Various other business development and management training options are also offered.

Marketing and Advertising 

Marketing hasn’t been left out of the mix, either. From local SEO, search engine marketing (PPC), social media advertising, creating listings in important business directories, to building your portfolio, ample assistance is provided in this field. You’ll have all the advice and help you need to make yourself visible in your chosen local market.

What Does It Take to Start a FireSky Franchise?

First and foremost, in order to become a franchisee with FireSky, you need to have a passion for hardscaping and a flair for design. Secondly, qualified candidates should either hold a degree from an accredited landscape design school or currently be taking courses at such an institution. 

Experience and education in hardscape construction, residential landscape design, and estimating are also useful. Being a natural leader and having certain organizational and communications skills are very helpful as well.

Getting Started

If you possess all these attributes, you may be a suitable candidate for FireSky’s franchise opportunity. You’ll need to start the process by learning more about the company and the opportunities being offered. 

Then, fill out the franchise inquiry form provided. You’ll need to provide your name and contact information along with the company you’re already part of, if applicable. Also feel free to supply additional information so the franchisor can better address your inquiry.

Moving Forward

After submitting the franchise inquiry form, one of FireSky’s representatives will get in touch with you by phone or email to speak with you further. If you’re a qualified candidate and the opportunity being offered sounds like something you’d be interested in pursuing, you’ll be asked to fill out a confidential information request form. 

This form will ask for more in-depth information about your landscape design and architectural background as well as your future plans and financial status. Additional information will then be provided to you about the opportunities available and the investment requirements involved in the process. 

Financing

Becoming a franchisee requires a certain upfront investment. This covers the cost of transitioning from an existing business to a FireSky partner or starting a new business under the company’s name. Expenses additionally cover training, support, marketing and other tools offered to franchisees as well as various resources.

FireSky doesn’t offer financing directly, so a potential franchisee would need to contact their local bank about an SBA loan.

Progressing Further

Once you’ve learned about the franchising terms and secured the necessary funds, you’ll need to sign the franchise agreement. Representatives are available to answer any questions and clear up any concerns you may have before signing.

Next, you’ll be able to choose your area of operation from among those currently available. This will help give you an extra advantage when it comes to marketing and competing against other firms in your niche. 

FireSky’s Training Process

As mentioned previously, you’ll receive training for up to five days on FireSky’s business model and operational procedures. This instruction comes in the form of the company’s inclusive training manual as well as guidance from its head office. 

Building Your Business

After completing the initial training, you’ll be able to begin setting up your own business. FireSky’s support team and instructional resources will be available to guide you in getting your business up and running, incorporating software platforms, staffing your office, establishing office policies, and many other aspects. Assistance is constantly on hand for any needs you may have along the way.

Gaining Clients

As mentioned, FireSky offers a location-based webpage for franchisees who are marketing to specific areas. This, along with the company’s broad range of marketing and advertising tools will help you expand your reach and become more visible to prospects. Numerous marketing strategies are used in this portion of the process.

At that point, you’ll be ready to make a name for yourself in the landscaping design-build market. Of course, since you’re part of the ever-growing FireSky team, you’ll always have the company’s continually expanding network of experienced professionals at your disposal to help with any questions or problems you may encounter. Support personnel can  also be on hand through onsite support visits to offer assistance.

Establishing Your Place in the Landscaping Design-Build Industry

Making a name for yourself in the landscape design-build and outdoor living sectors isn’t an easy undertaking by any means. It takes a great deal of time, effort, creativity, ingenuity and experience among other aspects. Those who face the journey alone are often overshadowed by larger, more well-established companies despite what they have to offer clients. That’s why franchising can be a great option for some people.

By becoming a FireSky franchisee, you’ll have a wide range of helpful tools and options on your side. You’ll be free to market to your desired audience and use your own talent and design ideas. Of course, you’ll also be backed by the trusted FireSky brand as well as all the experience and resources the company makes available to its team members. These factors could easily make a world of difference when it comes to finding growth in your field.

Sarah Bradley