April 4, 2024

Why Choose a Locally-Owned and Operated Home Services Business?

Applewood is proud to truly be your neighborhood home services company. We handle everything from leaky faucets to flickering lights so that your Colorado home remains comfortable and safe. But beyond our wrenches and screwdrivers, there’s something else that sets us apart: we’re a local, family-owned business.

The truth is, many small home services businesses are actually owned by large entities.  Investors and private equity (P.E.) firms have discovered that home service companies can be a lucrative investment. This includes many local Denver and Boulder companies that have been gobbled up by large investment groups in recent years. Unfortunately, their customers don’t even know it because their trucks and company name remain the same.  Let’s look deeper into this business trend and what it could mean for you, the customer. 

Family Owned vs Private Equity: What’s the Difference?

Local, Family-Owned Businesses are the heart and soul of a community. They’re owned and operated by families or individuals who live in the area. These businesses are built on dreams, hard work and a deep understanding of the local needs. Family owners are often found behind the counter or on the front lines. They are invested in day-to-day operations and want to see every customer satisfied. 

Corporate-Owned Companies, on the other hand, are often owned by investment firms. These entities invest in companies with the primary goal of maximizing profits. Sometimes this comes at the expense of personalized service or community values. While they may offer services at scale, the personal touch and deep community ties of family-owned businesses are lost. 

Why P.E. Firms Target Home Services Companies

Private equity firms and large corporate organizations have become increasingly interested in home services companies. The primary reason being that services like plumbing, electrical and HVAC repair provide a steady and constant stream of revenue. An article from The Business Observer calls this appeal “the ‘stickiness’ of the recurring revenue, particularly on the residential side.” This trend is expected to grow under the shadow of climate change. The need for plumbing, heating or air conditioning repair isn’t going away.

While such acquisitions can lead to expansion and streamlined operations, they can also shift the company’s focus from quality and customer service to the bottom line. Many P.E. firms seek to buy a variety of home services businesses and then repackage them as an “all-in-one solution.” Sadly, this results in several successful companies becoming a single mediocre company that’s focused on churning out service tickets to meet corporate-set goals.

The Benefits of Working with a Locally Owned Business

When choosing a home services company, consider the benefits that come with one that is locally owned and operated:

• Personalized Service: Locally owned businesses are positioned to provide more personalized and attentive service that is unique to their location and geography. Their technicians aren’t hindered by quotas or rigid, centralized procedures. They understand the unique needs each job requires and strive to meet them with a personal touch.
• Supporting the Local Economy: By choosing local, you keep money within the community. Supporting local jobs is an investment in the people who live and work alongside you.
• Quality of Work: Local businesses, and particularly home services companies, thrive on reputation and repeat customers. That makes them committed to delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds the needs and expectations of their neighbors.
• Quick Response Times: Being in the community means businesses can respond quickly to emergencies. You don’t want to wait when your furnace goes out or your sewer drain backs up.
• Knowledge of Local Codes: When it comes to electrical, heating and plumbing services, local technicians know all relevant building codes to maintain your home value and keep your family safe.
• Seasonal Specialization: Residents understand how seasonal changes impact homeowners and can prepare your home for all seasonal challenges.
• Deep Community Ties: Locally owned companies are more than businesses, they’re community partners and valued sponsors. They understand local issues and are often involved in community development and support.

We Appreciate Your Business

Most importantly, local businesses appreciate the customers that have made their success possible. As a locally-owned and family-operated home services company in Colorado, we love our customers. Every day, Applewood strives to offer personal service you won’t find anywhere else, tailored to our Denver, Boulder and Longmont homeowners. Our commitment goes beyond repairs and installations and extends into building lasting relationships, as we’ve done for 50 years! 

Each time you open your door to an Applewood technician you’re supporting a team of Applewood employees who are grateful for your call. If there’s anything we can do better, we always want to know. We regularly run special offers and coupons so, make sure you check our coupon page before scheduling your service. Thank you for choosing local and thank you for choosing Applewood.