I don't know about ECs, but a guy I talked with who did other contracting work for them thought it was close to being a gold mine.
He had to pay them a cut, but the volume more than made up for it in his mind. he did not like selling anyway.
Most of it was small jobs. Fix a roof, install some replacement windows, etc. He even did some landscaping because the store could not find anyone else who wanted that work.
He got a fair amount of repeat business from the homeowners.
I think they have since changed the way they handle this kind of stuff. It may not be as attractive anymore, and the guy is not someone I have talked with in several years.
OTOH, a plumber I knew did not like dealing through them one bit.
I don't know if he is still there but the local HD used to have a semi-retired electrician on staff in their electrical department. He got tired of working outside in the weather, and having to do actual work, so took a pay cut to work at HD. He was quite happy with his choice.