In the landscape of entrepreneurship, women are increasingly leaving their mark, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping industries once dominated by men. The statistics speak volumes: with 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a remarkable 53% increase in female representation in home remodeling and construction, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are reshaping the franchising industry from within. Moreover, according to a study by the International Franchise Association, women-owned franchises have grown by 83% since 2011, highlighting the significant contribution of women to the overall franchising industry.
One woman in particular who is leaving her mark on the home restoration industry is Sherri Koppelkam, local franchise owner of AdvantaClean in Naples, Florida, and part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of home service brands. AdvantaClean offers a full suite of services for residential, commercial, institutional, and governmental properties that make these buildings clean, safe, healthy, and efficient for the occupants. Sherri is a trailblazer in the home restoration industry and a shining example of female entrepreneurship. Her entrance into franchising was a compassionate calling ignited by her profound desire to make a difference. With a managerial background of more than 20 years, Sherri wanted to utilize her skillset for a new business venture that aligned with her values and aspirations, and ultimately gave back to and helped others through difficult times. She joined the home restoration service brand AdvantaClean in 2018 and has made incredible contributions to her community through the franchise ever since.
In 2022, Sherri even partnered with another Home Franchise Concepts brand, Kitchen Tune-Up, and its franchise owner to give back to their local community which was devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Ian. Through the aftermath of the storm, she and her partners were able to efficiently reach as many people in their area as they could to prevent mold setting in after severe water damage. Sherri has always been a believer in community service and giving back, so her role as an AdvantaClean franchise owner helped her become even more deeply involved in her community and offer services that so many people were in need of.
As already demonstrated, Sherri embodies the ethos of the AdvantaClean brand – committing to excellence, integrity, and community service. By leveraging her background in management, Sherri found a platform to showcase her leadership experience while also exhibiting the unique skills she holds as a female leader and how those can greatly contribute to the work that’s already being done in a male-dominated space. As a franchisee in the home restoration space, Sherri provides multiple services to renovate, repair or even rebuild homes and buildings after tragedies – including water or fire damage and clean up, mold removal and remediation, air duct and coil cleaning, sanitizing and moisture control services, and more.
When it comes to restoration services, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to feel frustrated, upset or confused as they seek assistance to restore their home to its proper and safe state. While much of the work it takes to repair and restore homes is manual, what’s even more important is that it takes empathy, patience and understanding to work with clients during these stressful and tragic times. Women often have a more compassionate leadership style, and use a customer-centric approach, providing a more genuine experience for clients, especially those who are in difficult situations such as ones seen by AdvantaClean. Making sure that clients feel supported during the process is so important, and also contributes to creating connections and lasting business relationships. This compassionate leadership style not only sets Sherri apart in a male-dominated industry but also reinforces AdvantaClean’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and care to its clients, especially during their most vulnerable moments.
AdvantaClean’s support and resources have played a pivotal role in Sherri’s success, providing her with the tools and guidance needed to thrive in the competitive home restoration market. Through collaborative efforts with AdvantaClean, Sherri has not only built a thriving business but has also become a role model for aspiring female franchise owners, demonstrating the transformative potential of a supportive franchise partnership.
Sherri’s journey mirrors a broader trend of women-owned businesses flourishing within the franchising landscape. With each passing year, the narrative of female entrepreneurship in franchising grows more compelling. Women like Sherri are not only breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors but are excelling, driving innovation, and creating a lasting impact in their communities. Sherri is one of the 13-million women business owners who are contributing to the increasing influence of women in franchising, showcasing their ability to thrive in diverse fields. By embracing diverse perspectives and talents, franchising opens doors to a wealth of opportunities for women and minorities, driving innovation and growth in every sector. As a female in franchising, Sherri hopes to continue to set a positive example for other aspiring female entrepreneurs and pave the way for more women to join the home services industry, and other traditionally male-dominated spaces.