Patrick Kennedy in Florida

[Sparky555]

Has anyone heard an update on Patrick Kennedy's new Mr Sparky franchise in Florida?

Dave

[mdshunk]

No. Why, what happened to him? I thought he was in Georgia anyhow. No?

[brian john]

http://www.franchisegator.com/Mr-Sparky-Americas-On-Time-Electrician-franchise/

[growler]

No. Why, what happened to him? I thought he was in Georgia anyhow. No?

It's my understanding that he sold out the operation in Georgia.

There was an earlier thread about him starting a new operation in Florida.

I have not been keeping up with it but I'm quite sure he will do well. Why not, he now has all his business saavy and a pile of money to work with and that's normally what it takes.

[mdshunk]

I actually looked into the Mister Sparky franchise system just a couple years ago. This may seem odd or trivial, but there was one sticking point that I could not personally get over. The name. Even though on jobsites, every electrician is hailed by "Hey, Sparky!", I just don't want anything to do with sparks in my company name. Sorta has a "We'll Try Not To Burn Your House Down Electrical, Inc.", type of ring to my ear.

[iwire]

There is an ARC ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC (http://license.reg.state.ma.us/public/pubLicRange.asp?profession=Electrical_Business&busname=arc+electric&buscity=&querytype=business&color=red) in my area.

I don't see that as a good name.

[growler]

This may seem odd or trivial, but there was one sticking point that I could not personally get over. The name. Even though on jobsites, every electrician is hailed by "Hey, Sparky!",


That's the beauty of the name " Mr. Sparky". Remember that the most popular songs of all time are not the most complicated or best written but the one's that are simple to play and remember the words to.

It doesn't take a lot to remember Mr. sparky. And that's all you really need is for the customer to remember the company name when they need service.

[mdshunk]

That's the beauty of the name " Mr. Sparky". Remember that the most popular songs of all time are not the most complicated or best written but the one's that are simple to play and remember the words to.

It doesn't take a lot to remember Mr. sparky. And that's all you really need is for the customer to remember the company name when they need service.So you're a Mister Sparky franchise owner or employee, maybe?

[quogueelectric]

There is an ARC ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC (http://license.reg.state.ma.us/public/pubLicRange.asp?profession=Electrical_Business&busname=arc+electric&buscity=&querytype=business&color=red) in my area.

I don't see that as a good name.
Especially because his name is Tinker.

[growler]

So you're a Mister Sparky franchise owner or employee, maybe?

No, I have no association with Mr. Spark at all. Mr. sparky started out about 5 miles North of me and I remember when many electricians were making fun of the name and saying he would soon be out of business because of high prices. That didn't happen and Sparky had the last laugh.

I have noticed a great deal of change in this area since Mr. Sparky started in business. They set the standard for electrical service companies in the area. Many of the older companies jumped on the service train once they saw how profitable the business could be.

Companies like Sparky actually pioneered the service industry that exist today. If it wasn't for them electricians would still show up in pick up trucks with a ladder and roll of Romex in the back for $30 an hour.

I think companies like Sparky have done a lot of good for the electrical service industry by showing people that you don't have to be the cheapest guy in town to get business.

[mdshunk]

I have noticed a great deal of change in this area since Mr. Sparky started in business. They set the standard for electrical service companies in the area. Many of the older companies jumped on the service train once they saw how profitable the business could be.
That has been my observation as well. Matter of fact, most of the Mr.Electric and Mr.Sparky franchise owners that I know were already electrical contractors, engaged mostly in construction. They got into service by buying a "system", such as Mr. Sparky. They operate as sort of a double-breasted operation. Keep the old company name for the construction work and use the new franchise name for the service department.

I think companies like Sparky have done a lot of good for the electrical service industry by showing people that you don't have to be the cheapest guy in town to get business.Yes, I happen to agree with that very much.

[Sparky555]

There was an earlier thread with I link I can't find now, to a site that described his new business in Florida to get back to his roots & raise the kids. It had a tally of services installed & average invoice, I think. I was looking for an update, it's been a few months.

Dave

[480sparky]

There is an ARC ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC (http://license.reg.state.ma.us/public/pubLicRange.asp?profession=Electrical_Business&busname=arc+electric&buscity=&querytype=business&color=red) in my area.

I don't see that as a good name.

I know someone who goes by Shockwave Electric. ;)

[bikeindy]

I am personally not fond of being called sparky on job sites and don't answer to it. I agree with Marc about the name. There is a guy here who has a guy being shocked as his logo, I kind of think that is the same as a airline having a plane crash as thier logo. I don't know maybe it's just me.

[bikeindy]

oh and if anyone would like to use my business name in their posts I won't mind and if you want to throw in the city I am from that would be ok too.

[macmikeman]

Patrick Kennedy setup down in Sarasota. I don't know where to find the article, but I bet if you go to the Mr. Sparky website it will have a link.

[aline]

If you subscribe to the Successful Contactor magazine the article is in it.
The magazine subscription is free.

Here's the link.
http://thesuccessfulcontractor.com/W08_startup.html

[nakulak]

I've often thought of incorporating "arcing" "sparking" and "burnin down the house" into a company name, as well as a logo with flames and maybe even one of those sparking gizmos to have flames always coming out the tailpipes of the vehicles.

[K8MHZ]

I am personally not fond of being called sparky on job sites and don't answer to it. I agree with Marc about the name. There is a guy here who has a guy being shocked as his logo, I kind of think that is the same as a airline having a plane crash as thier logo. I don't know maybe it's just me.


Agreed. I changed my name from 'Marky the Sparky' to 'Marcus DeSparcus' for that very reason.

[c2500]

We have an "ARC" electrical here, and I cringe at the name. Ironically, we know what things like that mean and I would say the general population does not. But then again there is a moron here that has a business called "Just fix It." I would hazard a guess he is the largest user of Duct tape in the state. (he is, however, licensed and insured)

c2500

[Sparky555]

I found the article I was looking for. Maybe emahler can give some business numbers for what his P&L might look like.

He started in a building (rent/lease/buy?), two box trucks with advertising skins, materials, two techs, an office manager & himself. He's advertising in five phone books & three TV stations. First quarter this year his two techs have run 216 service calls and had 11 service/panel changes.

Dave

[mdshunk]

First quarter this year his two techs have run 216 service calls and had 11 service/panel changes.
Jeeze, I must be doing something right. I'm smoking his butt compared to those numbers.

Got a link to the article, anyhow?

[electricguy]

Quite a few news releases here

http://www.clockworkhomeservices.com/press_pr.asp

[electricguy]

looks like they are up to 69 franchises

[George Stolz]

http://media.merchantcircle.com/24123252/ArcnSparkElD49aR03bP01ZL_mdm_full.jpeg

The first guy I worked for went out on his own and founded Arc N Spark Electric. I seized the opportunity to give him grief for it, but he says he's really busy (in spite of) the name. :)

[brian john]

We had a contractor Tomato Electric On his trucks "We're Ripe For Your Business"

Companies like Sparky actually pioneered the service industry that exist today. If it wasn't for them electricians would still show up in pick up trucks with a ladder and roll of Romex in the back for $30 an hour.


Maybe I am missing something or maybe it is the area I live in but HORSE HOCKEY.

[wbalsam1]

http://media.merchantcircle.com/24123252/ArcnSparkElD49aR03bP01ZL_mdm_full.jpeg

The first guy I worked for went out on his own and founded Arc N Spark Electric. I seized the opportunity to give him grief for it, but he says he's really busy (in spite of) the name. :)

I couldn't help but notice the grounds are facing down on his "stickman" logo, and the ground pin has been removed on the plug! :grin: :D

[emahler]

I found the article I was looking for. Maybe emahler can give some business numbers for what his P&L might look like.

He started in a building (rent/lease/buy?), two box trucks with advertising skins, materials, two techs, an office manager & himself. He's advertising in five phone books & three TV stations. First quarter this year his two techs have run 216 service calls and had 11 service/panel changes.

Dave

i could...and be fairly accurate...however, i believe patrick kennedy is way smarter than i am when it comes to this...

but i can tell you, his target is about $350k/yr/truck...
15% Material - $52,500

Gross Labor per truck $297,500 / 1350 hours = probably in the $200-$250/billable hour range...

[emahler]

http://media.merchantcircle.com/24123252/ArcnSparkElD49aR03bP01ZL_mdm_full.jpeg


We Wire for Fire...

[mdshunk]

Gross Labor per truck $297,500 / 1350 hours = probably in the $200-$250/billable hour range...
I also think he's looking to have each tech make in the 80K range.

[peter d]

Gross Labor per truck $297,500 / 1350 hours = probably in the $200-$250/billable hour range...

That's way above the going rate. Nobody will pay that. You can't charge that much. You're ripping the customer off. You won't stay in business very long with rates that high. That must be one of those companies you hear advertising on the radio - bunch of crooks.


Did I forget any? :D

[emahler]

That's way above the going rate. Nobody will pay that. You can't charge that much. You're ripping the customer off. You won't stay in business very long with rates that high. That must be one of those companies you hear advertising on the radio - bunch of crooks.


Did I forget any? :D

maybe...keep trying...

[satcom]

That's way above the going rate. Nobody will pay that. You can't charge that much. You're ripping the customer off. You won't stay in business very long with rates that high. That must be one of those companies you hear advertising on the radio - bunch of crooks.


Did I forget any? :D

Actually that is on the low side, check out this months CE Pro's top 100 installation and service companies, they all had a 9% jump in the past year, and they are all at or near those figures, they report a lot of revenue, so somebody must think, the prices are good.

You can't be above a going rate that does not exist.

[jrannis]

I also think he's looking to have each tech make in the 80K range.

He going to have to hire guys with a wife thats a nurse.

Looks like 80k is the new 25k

[peter d]

He going to have to hire guys with a wife thats a nurse.

Looks like 80k is the new 25k

Better make that a doctor with the way things are going....

[mdshunk]

He going to have to hire guys with a wife thats a nurse.

Looks like 80k is the new 25k
...at least 80 is what I rather should have said. That sticks in my mind from earlier investigation on that matter.

[Sparky555]

i could...and be fairly accurate...however, i believe patrick kennedy is way smarter than i am when it comes to this...

but i can tell you, his target is about $350k/yr/truck...
15% Material - $52,500

Gross Labor per truck $297,500 / 1350 hours = probably in the $200-$250/billable hour range...

I took a wild swing at this & thought his OH is $40k/mo.

$120k/227 calls=$528.63 average invoice for breakeven.

Dave

[bphgravity]

Mr. Kennedy has made it down here to my neck of the woods. He is set-up just north of my jurisdiction in Sarasota County. He pulled a permit here in North Port about 3 weeks ago for a service change/upgrade. I met him in the office while he was applying for the permit.

He seems to be a nice guy and his work was great. I approved his inspection without a single issue to comment on.

I hope to get him in involved with our local IAEI Division.

[emahler]

is funny how much better of a job you can do when you aren't trying to cut corners to make money....

[DanZ]

Did I forget any? :D
How about...

-Man, $200 an hour...I'd love to have your guys job.

-But, the other guys on the phone were half that price!

-I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly, was that $200 an hour?

-Blank stare

:roll:

[electricguy]

How about...

-Man, $200 an hour...I'd love to have your guys job.

-But, the other guys on the phone were half that price!

-I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly, was that $200 an hour?

-Blank stare

:roll:

Thank you for Calling xyz Electrical we are available on a moments notice if you find the others in the book cant get there for awhile.

[emahler]

How about...

-Man, $200 an hour...I'd love to have your guys job.

-But, the other guys on the phone were half that price!

-I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly, was that $200 an hour?

-Blank stare

:roll:

if you are being facetious, ok...if you are being serious, you have a lot of reading and learning to do....

[cdslotz]

We looked into a Mister Electric franchise about 10 years ago. They get around 30% of the take. How do you charge enough?
I'll bet Mr Sparky does piece pricing like the plumbers do these days. Like 275.00 to come out and unclog a drain which takes 15 minutes

[emahler]

We looked into a Mister Electric franchise about 10 years ago. They get around 30% of the take. How do you charge enough?
I'll bet Mr Sparky does piece pricing like the plumbers do these days. Like 275.00 to come out and unclog a drain which takes 15 minutes

30percent? most you would ever be contractually obligated is/was 8 percent...and that varies with sales and is negotiable.....

they all run flat rate....

[peter d]

Like 275.00 to come out and unclog a drain which takes 15 minutes

And that is bad why??? Let me guess, it should cost $50? :roll:

[mdshunk]

I wouldn't unclog anyone's toilet for $275. I'd want at least $30,000 to mess around with someone else's poo.

[growler]

I'll bet Mr Sparky does piece pricing like the plumbers do these days. Like 275.00 to come out and unclog a drain which takes 15 minutes


Yes, but with Sparky the butt cleavage is optional. :grin: