In the world of franchising, a transformative wave is reshaping the landscape: the rise of female entrepreneurs. Among these pioneering women, Zoom Drain franchise owners are exemplary models of success, leadership, and innovation.
Breaking Ground in a Male-Dominated Industry
Franchising has traditionally been perceived as male-dominated, particularly in the drain and sewer services sector. However, female Zoom Drain franchise owners challenge these stereotypes by demonstrating exceptional leadership, business acumen, and technical proficiency. Their ability to navigate the complexities of franchise ownership, coupled with an understanding of the industry's demands, has set new benchmarks for success. “While it's true that the industry is predominantly male, I believe diversity brings strength and a unique aspect that can be beneficial,” says Zoom Drain Houston owner Allison McCarthy.
Zoom Drain Indianapolis Owner Rachel Duggan shares similar sentiments, “This is a male-dominated industry and traditionally has been for a long time, but things are changing as our world has evolved. I am a woman and a mom; I run my house, so I'm the one who makes the calls when my HVAC breaks or my toilet overflows. It feels like a natural evolution for women to provide new perspectives on how to market. For example, knowing primarily male technicians will approach the door of a single mom at home with her kids, how do you make her feel safe and comfortable? I think that’s one way the female perspective benefits Zoom Drain, among other franchises. Women have voices, great ideas, and the intelligence and capabilities to run successful businesses. Who says that I can’t run a drain and sewer business? There are no rules.”
Samantha Salomon, Zoom Drain Broward owner, is a new franchisee, having only signed on with Zoom Drain in late 2023. She shares, “As a female franchise owner, a significant challenge I’ve faced was establishing credibility and authority in a competitive industry. I addressed this by emphasizing continuous personal and professional development alongside encouraging strong, respectful relationships within my team and network. Through strategic leadership and a commitment to improvement, I overcame this hurdle, ultimately creating a more inclusive and effective business environment.”
The Unique Strengths Women Bring to Franchising
Women franchise owners bring a variety of unique strengths to the table, including empathy, effective communication, and a collaborative approach to leadership. “I believe that I have an opportunity to allow women who want to work in a trade the opportunity to do so. I see their value and know they can do the job,” says Zoom Drain Metro Detroit Owner Lisa MacKillop. The qualities these women bring to the business are essential to building a customer-centric business. Female Zoom Drain owners excel in creating environments that foster team spirit, prioritize customer satisfaction, and emphasize quality service.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Innovation
Breaking into “old boys' clubs” of various industries and overcoming societal expectations are unique challenges female franchise owners face. However, their journeys are marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Many have leveraged their outsider perspective to innovate within their franchises, implementing cutting-edge technology and marketing strategies to differentiate their services and capture market share. “As women in this Industry, we certainly face some challenges; people often question that I am an owner. But knowledge and experience are power,” Zoom Drain Detroit Owner Christina Dear shares. “Just like any business, you must dig in and know your business and the industry. In ours, we even have to get dirty sometimes. You will earn credibility, especially with your technicians, when they see your effort, knowledge, and respect for the industry. I've always operated under the mindset that I'd never ask someone to do something I was unwilling to do myself. I love our industry, and I love the jobs that our techs do every day.”
The Role of Support Networks and Mentorship
The success of women in franchising is not just a testament to individual prowess but also highlights the importance of support networks and mentorship. Organizations like the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee (WFC) and Women in Franchising, Inc. provide learning, networking, and advocacy platforms. “I strive to be a leader as a woman in the franchise and home services industry. I want to encourage other women to join, specifically plumbing and other trades,” says Duggan. “One of my friends has seen all of the success and happiness I have enjoyed as a business owner; now, she’s ready to explore it. I encourage women to reach out and have those conversations, and maybe franchising will be right for them.” Female Zoom Drain owners often cite the role of mentorship, both from within and outside the industry, as a critical factor in their success. “I believe in being a part of and creating supportive networks where women can share experiences and knowledge and encourage women to pursue their passion,” McCarthy shares. These relationships provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community that empowers women to navigate the challenges of franchise ownership. MacKillop also encourages women to join the ranks, “The number one practice we have adopted is that we are equal and deserve respect. We don't just encourage women; we give everyone a chance to apply and work with us if they qualify. We love diversity!”
Impact on the Franchise Model and Industry
The increasing presence of women in franchising, particularly as Zoom Drain owners, profoundly impacts the franchise model and the broader industry. It's driving a shift towards more inclusive and diverse business practices, encouraging franchises to adopt policies and cultures that accommodate and celebrate diversity. “I would never have considered franchising an opportunity if someone had not reached out to start the conversation. Franchising, in my mind, was so out of the box for me. I want the franchising world to reach out to more women and for the franchise consultants not to be afraid to show women some of these trades or ‘male-dominated’ businesses. For the women of the world who are exploring these opportunities, look at the brands. Meet the people running them and see if you can fit in there. I never in a million years thought I would open a drain cleaning company, but I’m so excited that I landed here,” shares Duggan. This change enhances the work environment and broadens the franchise's appeal to a more diverse customer base, contributing to its overall success and sustainability. However, there is still more work to be done. McCarthy agrees, “I would like to see more initiatives that actively promote and support women in franchising, including additional mentorship programs, more national and local female-driven networking events, and financial assistance for female entrepreneurs.”
MacKillop shares the same sentiments, “I would love to see more women owners and techs featured throughout the franchising world so that other women can see the example and feel more confident to join.”
“I'd like enhanced access to mentorship programs and financial resources specifically designed for aspiring female entrepreneurs within the franchising world,” says Salomon. “Fostering a culture that values diversity and inclusion across the industry can create a more welcoming environment for women. I plan to contribute to this vision by actively participating in and promoting mentorship initiatives, sharing my experiences to inspire others, and advocating for policies that support equality in franchising.”
Success Stories That Inspire
The narratives of female Zoom Drain franchise owners are filled with inspiring success stories. From navigating the initial hurdles of starting a franchise to scaling their businesses to new heights, these women have shown that anything is possible with determination, skill, and support. “I explored two dozen different brands and landed on Zoom Drain because of the culture — I think the culture is amazing — the fact that it is recession-proof and because, being part of the trades, you’re not selling a product, you’re selling a solution to a problem that you have. And I find that to be rewarding in itself,” says Duggan.
“Growing up around the industry, I saw how profitable it could be,” says Dear. “Coming from the fashion retail space, which can change with the economy and trends so rapidly, I realized I wanted to be in an industry that wasn't trend-dependent, and that was always going to be a needed service. With my franchise experience, I looked into several more glamorous franchise opportunities. But in the end, I kept returning to Zoom; it was hard for me to justify luxury services.”
Salomon shares, “I was inspired to join Zoom Drain because I share the company's core values of Grit, Responsibility, and Community. I am excited to apply these values to an industry crucial to running our community. While plumbing is often seen as a male-dominated field, women are well-respected and successful here. As a woman, I prioritize building healthy relationships with my team and clients, showcasing our expertise in the industry, and fostering a positive work environment.”
Their stories serve as powerful examples for aspiring female entrepreneurs, demonstrating that the plumbing and drain service industry offers a fertile ground for women to build thriving businesses.
The journey of female Zoom Drain franchise owners is symbolic of the broader trends in franchising, where diversity and inclusion are becoming key drivers of innovation and growth. Their success stories are not just narratives of individual achievement but are paving the way for a future where the franchising industry is as diverse as the communities it serves. As we celebrate these pioneering women, we look forward to a future where gender is no longer a barrier to entrepreneurship in franchising or any other industry. For more information on opening a Zoom Drain franchise, visit zoomdrainfranchise.com.
