Turning Uncertainty into Success Through Franchising

When Lance and Debbie moved to Des Moines in 2020, they didn’t know that a difficult career transition would lead them to one of the most rewarding chapters of their lives.

“The job I came for was a terrible fit,” Lance recalls. “But we loved Iowa—and we wanted to find a way to stay.”

That desire sparked a search for a business that aligned with their values, provided stability, and offered meaningful impact. Through Neighborly®, they discovered Dryer Vent Wizard®—and everything changed.

With over 35 years in radio and a background as a stay‑at‑home mom, neither Lance nor Debbie had experience as a tradesperson. But the Dryer Vent Wizard model caught their attention for one key reason: its mission.

“We chose this franchise because it didn’t require a license* and it truly helps people,” Debbie explains. “You can prevent fires in people’s homes. That was really appealing.”

For Lance—also a volunteer firefighter for 17 years—the fire safety component was personal. “I always tell customers, ‘I’d rather see you in this uniform than my other one.’”

Educating homeowners about the importance of dryer vent maintenance became their passion, especially in a market where awareness was low. “Most people think cleaning the lint screen is enough. They don’t realize lint travels into the vent line. And that’s where the risk is.”

From day one, the couple approached their business with intention. “Our growth has gone far better than we expected,” Lance says. Their award-winning success came from two key strategies:

• 1. Marketing aggressively to overcome lack of awareness.
  “We made sure customers understood the need—and once they did, business took off.”

• 2. Staffing ahead of demand.
  “We always had more capacity than we needed at the moment,” Lance explains. “That allowed us to scale very quickly.”

Hiring within the fire service created a powerful differentiator. “We get phenomenal employees—smart, well‑trained, disciplined,” says their lead trainer. It also built instant credibility in the marketplace.

The result? In just a few years, Lance and Debbie trained more than 25 franchise owners and technicians from across the country who came to learn from their model.

Professional uniforms, branded vans, and the trusted Neighborly® name elevated their presence instantly. “You simply look more credible than the local guy showing up in jeans and a T‑shirt,” Lance shares. “That matters.”

Today, they estimate they’ve touched roughly 5% of households in their market—leaving 95% still waiting. “There’s enormous opportunity ahead,” Debbie says.

In 2024, their journey came full circle when their team was named Dryer Vent Wizard Franchise of the Year—an honor they accept with gratitude.

“We built this from scratch,” Debbie reflects. “It feels like watching a child grow. We’re partners in every way—and this franchise has made us even closer.”

For Lance and Debbie, Dryer Vent Wizard didn’t just help them stay in Iowa. It gave them a thriving business, a mission they believe in, and a life they’re proud to have built together.

*Licensure may very from state to state. Please consult your state’s applicable code to ensure compliance.