The owner of the PIRTEK franchise in San Antonio, Tex., has expanded his hose-replacement business by setting up a new location in Austin.
“I expect rapid growth,” said Dean Akin, owner of PIRTEK Broadway in San Antonio. “We’re going to push forward in everything we do there.”
The only franchise of its kind in the United States, PIRTEK provides hydraulic and industrial hose replacement sales and services. When a hose failure occurs, a PIRTEK Mobile Service Vehicle is dispatched to perform services onsite, eliminating downtime.
There are 65 PIRTEK franchises and a fleet of Mobile Service Vehicles throughout the United States. Globally, PIRTEK has more than 400 locations and 2,000 Mobile Service Vehicles in 23 countries around the world.
Akin said that establishing a new PIRTEK franchise a substantial distance away from his existing territory in San Antonio is part of his expansion strategy. It allows him to set up in a metro area that has no existing PIRTEK Service & Supply Centers.
“I like idea of a new area, fresh territory to expand into,” he said. “I like the challenge.”
The Austin location will open under PIRTEK’s Tier 2 model, a mobile-only option that allows a franchisee to lease two vehicles and keep inventory in a small warehouse or storage facility. Under the standard, Tier 1 model, a franchisee must open a full Service & Supply Center staffed with about six team members and a minimum of two Mobile Service Vehicles.
“The new model is an excellent opportunity to go out with a smaller budget and put down a footprint,” Akin said, adding that he plans to turn the new business into a Tier 1 as soon as possible.
The Tier 2 model allows for PIRTEK ownership at a significantly lower point of entry, while providing the same administrative support and training from the PIRTEK corporate office.
Under the Tier 2 model, PIRTEK expects its franchisees to have a fully staffed and outfitted Service & Supply Center within three years. The model widens the franchise’s exclusive territory with each new Mobile Service Vehicle.
Akin opened his Tier 1 PIRTEK franchise two years ago, and attributes much of his success to sticking with his principles and working hard every day. “It’s not magic, it’s just doing the right thing,” he said.
Filed Under: Hose Assembly Tips