Starting a ShelfGenie® franchise may be the best way to join the booming home organization industry, which has a current market value of $2.6 billion in North America and is only projected to increase. Whether you have a passion for improving homes or simply want to be your own boss, ShelfGenie offers a unique opportunity to succeed without needing prior experience in design, installation, or even business management. In this guide, we’ll explore what you do and don’t need to get started, along with how a ShelfGenie franchise business sets you up for long-term success.
Why ShelfGenie® is One of the Best Businesses to Start
With over 6,600 searches for “the best business to start” each month, it’s clear that many people are actively looking for business opportunities that offer a solid return on their investment. If you are likewise searching for your next opportunity, ShelfGenie stands out as a top option in the growing home organization industry. One key reason ShelfGenie is such an appealing opportunity is that it operates within a niche market—the custom shelving and home organization sector. In the large and varied home improvement industry, having a specialized focus allows ShelfGenie franchise business owners to carve out a unique offering that is in high demand. This is because, unlike more general home improvement services, custom shelving offers a targeted solution to homeowners who need personalized, functional storage options.
Another key reason ShelfGenie ranks among the best businesses to start is due to our extensive owner support. Unlike many startups or do-it-yourself small businesses, a ShelfGenie franchise business comes with comprehensive training, built-in (and ongoing!) support, and a proven business model. With a franchise business, you can avoid the costly trial-and-error that often accompanies startups and, instead, navigate the process of starting your own successful business with greater ease.
Finally, a great reason to start a ShelfGenie franchise business is that we offer an established, respected brand name that you can build on from day one.
The strong demand for these services, combined with a respected brand name, means that your business can be set up for success from the moment you open your doors.
What You Don’t Need to Start a ShelfGenie® Franchise
With so many reasons to start a ShelfGenie franchise, you may wonder what you need to qualify as a business owner. The good news is that there are plenty of things you don’t need to get started.
Design or Installation Experience
First, you might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be an expert in home design or have technical installation skills to run a successful ShelfGenie franchise. Many ShelfGenie franchise owners come from outside the home improvement industry. An astounding 91% of U.S. franchise owners had no prior experience in their industries before becoming franchise owners.
The reason that there are so many franchise business owners with diverse backgrounds is that your role as a franchise owner is to manage the business, while your team of trained professionals handles the design and installation aspects. In fact, ShelfGenie provides access to training your designers and installers may need, ensuring they are fully prepared to represent the brand, deliver quality work, and help you grow your business.
Prior Business or Management Experience
Worried about not having a background in running a business? That’s okay! As a ShelfGenie franchise business owner, no previous experience is required. This is because ShelfGenie provides comprehensive support and training that equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to operate and grow your franchise. You’ll receive guidance through each aspect of building a thriving business, from financial planning to marketing and customer management.
Day-to-Day Hands-On Involvement
As a franchise owner, you don’t need to be involved in every day-to-day operation, every client interaction, or installation.
ShelfGenie encourages owners to work on their business, not in it. This key distinction is part of what sets ShelfGenie franchises apart. As the owner, your focus is on building your team and scaling your operations, which in turn helps you step back from day-to-day tasks and focus on the big picture.
What You Do Need to Start a ShelfGenie® Franchise
Now that we’ve covered what you don’t need, what about what you do need to start a ShelfGenie franchise business? Let’s take a look at the key elements of a successful franchise business owner.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
To run a successful business, the most important thing you need is the drive to achieve your dreams. Owning a ShelfGenie franchise is about leadership, decision-making, and managing a growing team. These qualities are the cornerstone of the entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit is key to successful business ownership. If you find it exciting to build something and lead a team to success, you're on the right track! But, if you have big dreams, like scaling your business or owning related service businesses (known as multi-unit franchising), you likely have the traits needed to own a business.
A Strong Team
Success in a ShelfGenie franchise starts with a strong team. Your designers and installers are the backbone of your business, ensuring exceptional service and client satisfaction. With ShelfGenie, you have the flexibility to hire skilled subcontractors who are experts in their craft and passionate about transforming spaces. As your business grows, you can strategically expand your team, bringing in additional subcontractors to meet increasing demand and drive long-term success.
Designers: ShelfGenie designers need to have an eye for organization and space optimization. Your designers will go through ShelfGenie University, where they receive extensive training on sales techniques, design processes, and how to use ShelfGenie’s proprietary 3D design software. Designers also apprentice with experienced team members. This helps them refine their skills and learn to deliver great client experiences.
Installers: Installers should, however, know some tools and craftsmanship. Installers attend a mandatory three-day training to learn ShelfGenie’s time-tested installation techniques. Even if they come with basic skills, this training ensures they can measure, cut, and install ShelfGenie’s custom products with great precision and efficiency.
A Love for Home Organization
Another key quality you’ll need to own a successful ShelfGenie franchise business is a love for home organization. While you don’t need direct experience or a degree in interior design, and you don’t have to be a professional organizer, having a passion for home organization and helping clients optimize their spaces will be a valuable asset as a ShelfGenie franchise owner. This is because the fundamental ability to understand your clients’ needs and provide them with personalized solutions is the basis for long-term success. The home improvement industry has seen a major surge in demand, with 79% of homeowners completing multiple home improvement projects annually. By providing high-quality services and loving what you do, you will help set your business apart, enhance customer satisfaction, and gain more referrals. If you enjoy making a difference in people’s homes and helping them improve their living environments, this franchise could be the perfect fit for you!
Community Engagement
Speaking of referrals, a big part of growing a successful ShelfGenie franchise involves connecting with your local community. Studies show that an overwhelming 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know. For this reason, being active in your community is key to establishing your business as the go-to resource for custom storage solutions. As a ShelfGenie franchise owner, part of your job will be to engage with homeowners, real estate professionals, and other local businesses in your community. In this way, you can build a strong client base and grow your business.
Start Your Own Custom Shelf Business with ShelfGenie®
If you’ve been looking for an exciting opportunity designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping others, home organization, and business ownership, starting a ShelfGenie franchise is for you! With our comprehensive training programs, proven systems, and support, you don’t need technical experience or a business background to succeed. What you need is the passion to build a thriving business, the commitment to assemble a strong team, and the vision to grow your franchise.
Ready to learn more? Download the ShelfGenie Franchise Guide today!
