3. Background
S He has been in business for 39 years
S The business got started by Michael’s father by using a
newspaper ad to get noticed.
S Servpro Focuses on natural disasters such as
fire, mold, dirt, and water clean up.
S Before Michael became the president, he worked for his father
learning about the company and moved up the ranks.
S Before starting work as the president, went to Corporate for
extensive training.
S Started the business to improve their life style.
4. Advertising
In order to generate more
revenue, Serpro Co. paid for
advertising on television as
well as in the newspaper.
Their catchy motto is
“Servpro, like it never even
happened.” Which is referring
to whatever the customer
wants cleaned up.
5. Successes/Challenges
Successes Challenges
S The company went from S Finding good employees
making$400,000 a year, to
making $2,500,000 a year. S Making payroll & bills on time
S Top 100 franchises in country S Following laws and regulations
out of 1,500 franchises.
S Able to take as many vacations
as he wants and whenever he
wants.
6. Most challenging aspects
S It is hard to find good employees.. Why?
Because of poor work ethic, criminal backgrounds, and
benefits are hard to offer.
S Corporate demands.
S Michael overcame these challenges by doing background
checks, using Craig’s list to find good employees, and by
using alternative benefit packages to attract employees.
7. Stress factors
S Trying to impress corporate.
S Reliant on weather
S Having people pay for the service
S Insurance companies being tighter with
allowance to the customers
8. Future business
S Michael Rouleau plans to stay in business for many years
to come. He enjoys running his own business.
Goals:
S Increase sales year by year
S Debt free
S A lot of money for retirement
9. Advise for the class
S “Do plenty of research before
purchasing a business.
Franchises are more successful
than running an independent
business. If possible purchase
turnkey business instead of
making one from scratch.”
10. What I learned
S I asked him, “Do you think that I would be more
successful running my own business or working for
another business?”
S He responded, “If you own your own business you can
make your own hours and decide when you want to
vacation or spend time with your family.”
S I learned that I want to own my own business so that I
can travel and vacation when I want to.