By Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds
When people hear the word “franchise,” their minds often go straight to fast food. It’s the stereotype most people associate with franchising, but the reality is far more diverse and far more exciting. From power washing to carpet cleaning, ‘boring businesses’ are quietly booming, and they’re reshaping the franchising landscape as we know it. The concept of boring businesses may not sound flashy, but that’s exactly why they’re thriving. These businesses solve real-world problems, provide essential services that people will always need, and offer predictable, sustainable revenue streams. For aspiring business owners looking for a proven path to success, boring is beautiful.
In January 2023, I acquired Rolling Suds, a 30+ year-old power washing company, because I recognized the massive potential in an industry most people don’t think about every day. In less than two years, we’ve grown from one location to over 230, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Rolling Suds is proof of what happens when you combine a strong business model, essential services, and a commitment to franchising responsibly.
Why Boring Businesses Are Thriving
The beauty of boring businesses lies in their simplicity and reliability. Think about it: no matter the state of the economy, people need clean homes, repaired drywall, or pest control. Boring businesses focus on solving consistent, real-world problems, which creates a steady demand for their services. Whether it’s residential homeowners looking for a power wash before putting their house on the market or commercial property managers maintaining their facilities, the market for these services is vast and evergreen.
Another reason boring businesses are booming is that they’re often overlooked. Most entrepreneurs and investors chase the next big thing like tech startups, consumer products, or flashy industries that get media attention. But in the background, “boring” industries are quietly building multi-billion-dollar markets. The less competition there is, the more opportunity exists for those willing to look in the right places.
Franchising is Having Its Moment
Franchising, as a business model, is also experiencing a renaissance. More and more people recognize franchising as a lucrative path to business ownership. Unlike starting a business from scratch, franchising offers a proven system with built-in support, branding, and operational strategies. For people who want to own a business but don’t want to reinvent the wheel, franchising provides a clear roadmap to success.
Historically, franchising has been synonymous with food, but the opportunities extend far beyond burgers and pizza. Today, service-based franchises like Rolling Suds are leading the charge because they tap into essential needs, offer lower overhead costs, and provide scalable business models. These franchises appeal to a new wave of entrepreneurs—Millennials and Gen Z—who want meaningful, recession-resistant businesses that offer both financial freedom and work-life balance.
The numbers speak for themselves. Service-based franchises are growing at a faster rate than many traditional industries, and investors are taking notice. At Rolling Suds, for example, our growth from one location to over 230 in under two years has been fueled by franchisees who see the value in owning a simple, scalable business with strong support and a proven model.
Quality Over Quantity
While the franchising industry is booming, not all franchises are created equal. Historically, many brands focused solely on rapid growth, prioritizing quantity over quality. The result? Overstretched systems, underprepared franchisees, and ultimately, failure. This approach hurts the brand, the franchisees, and the entire franchising industry.
At Rolling Suds, we take a different approach. I believe in franchising the right way, so embracing a model where we prioritize the success of our franchisees over sheer numbers. For us, it’s not about how many franchisees we can sign up, but how many we can set up for long-term success. That starts with robust training, operational support, and systems that franchisees can follow to hit the ground running. It also means being selective about who we bring into the brand. We’re not just looking for anyone with a checkbook, we’re looking for people who align with our values, are passionate about the business, and are willing to put in the work while following our proven systems.
Focusing on franchising the right way is about building a strong foundation. When franchisees succeed, the entire system thrives. This mindset not only benefits individual business owners but also raises the bar for the franchising industry as a whole. It shows that sustainable growth and franchisee support can (and should) go hand in hand.
The Future of Franchising: Opportunity and Innovation
Franchising is having a moment right now because it offers something invaluable: opportunity. For people who want to own a business but feel overwhelmed by the unknowns, franchising provides structure and proven success. For those who are tired of the traditional 9-to-5 grind, it offers freedom and ownership, and for investors looking to capitalize on recession-resistant industries, boring businesses are proving to be some of the smartest bets on the market.
Looking ahead, the future of franchising will continue to be shaped by innovation and responsible practices. Brands that prioritize franchisee support, transparency, and quality systems will lead the way. The days of prioritizing rapid growth at the expense of franchisee success are fading, replaced by a new standard—one where franchisors and franchisees succeed together.
At Rolling Suds, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift. We’ve built a business that combines the simplicity of an essential service with the sophistication of a scalable franchise system. And while power washing may not seem glamorous, the results speak for themselves. Our franchisees are building successful businesses, achieving financial freedom, and creating opportunities for their families and communities.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Boring
The next time you hear the phrase ‘boring business,’ take a closer look. Behind the scenes, these industries are driving massive growth, creating wealth, and solving real problems. Franchising is the vehicle that’s making it possible, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to own a business with proven systems and strong support.
Boring businesses are changing lives. And as the franchising industry evolves, it’s clear that responsible, quality-driven brands will lead the way. For those willing to see the opportunity, the future is bright, and maybe just a little boring.
ABOUT AARON HARPER, CEO OF ROLLING SUDS
Aaron Harper’s journey from the competitive world of film and television led him to franchising, driven by a passion for empowering others and simplifying the path to business ownership. After a successful period with Patch Boys, where he opened over 400 territories in only a few years, Aaron decided to build something similar on his own, venturing out to transform Rolling Suds, a successful family-owned power washing business, into a franchise.
His approach emphasizes transparent communication and tailored solutions. He focuses on an adaptive, solution-driven methodology, particularly in areas like technology, scaling, and marketing support, ensuring that Rolling Suds continues to remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of its franchisees. By focusing on individual growth and rejecting applicants misaligned with their values, Aaron has rapidly expanded Rolling Suds, selling over 230 units in just under two years.
Aaron’s trajectory suggests he is well on his way to reshaping the landscape of business ownership, leaving a lasting mark in the franchise industry. Aaron has been profiled in top-tier media outlets such as Entrepreneur, Forbes, Authority Magazine, Franchise Dictionary Magazine, 1851 Franchise, Franchise Wire, and many more. Aaron is also a thought leader and influencer in smart franchising, sharing his journey in real-time through educational videos on his social media channels, keynote speaking engagements, and lending his knowledge to prominent podcasts on a regular basis.
You can learn more about Aaron and Rolling Suds here:
https://www.instagram.com/aarontharper
https://www.facebook.com/atharper/
https://www.tiktok.com/@theaaronharper
https://www.youtube.com/@theaaronharper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-harper-998140125/
https://rollingsudsfranchise.com/in-the-media/