Not many individuals would choose to put their professional—not to mention personal—reputation on the line by appearing on reality TV. Not many individuals, however, are like The Dwyer Group® CEO and Chairwoman Dina Dwyer-Owens.
On January 22, 2012, the United States watched Dwyer-Owens go undercover in the service industry on the three-time Emmy nominated show, “Undercover Boss.” From replacing a broken water heater to repairing kitchen appliances, and driving a riding lawnmower to installing an electrical sign, the boss got an inside look at the frontlines of The Dwyer Group brands. The national response to the episode and the company—particularly its Code of Values®—was poignant. On Friday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. CT, the episode will re-air on CBS.
“I was honored to have the opportunity to go undercover as ‘Faith Brown’ and work side-by-side with our frontline team members,” said Dwyer-Owens. “I’ve received more thousands of emails and communications from viewers all over the world with an overwhelmingly positive response to The Dwyer Group and our company’s Code of Values. I’ll admit that I may have shed a tear or two after reading some of the responses.”
Potential franchise customers weren’t the only ones who paid attention to the company after the show aired. Since January, 18 new franchise owners have decided to buy one of The Dwyer Group’s franchises after viewing the episode, in locations ranging from Connecticut to Florida to Washington state. George Gill in Phoenix, Ariz., is one such individual.
Rich and Cecelie Williams host a Grand Opening for The Grounds Guys of Fenton (Missouri) on July 26 after first hearing about the company through Undercover Boss. Photo credit: Fenton Chamber of Commerce.
“First off, I love the show and its concept,” says Gill. “I enjoyed watching Dina ride around on The Grounds Guys® mower and stick her head in an oven all while wearing her earrings and makeup. I have wanted for years to own my own business… the thing that impressed me the most was Dina’s commitment to the Code of Values. I have experienced the same commitment throughout the investigation process as well as the startup process.” Gill new franchise, Mr. Appliance® of Midtown Phoenix, is scheduled to open in August.
Another couple named Rodney and Nichole Champagne in Lafayette, La., recently opened a The Grounds Guys franchise after learning about the brand through the episode. “We saw The Dwyer Group and The Grounds Guys on the [show] and Rodney was immediately interested,” said Champagne. “ We got some more information and were so impressed by The Grounds Guys’ presentation that we couldn’t pass up this opportunity. The greatest part about joining a franchise system is the constant support and knowing that you aren’t on your own.”
Several of the new franchises will be celebrating the Undercover Boss re-airing by promoting it to their new customers, or even by hosting a watch party—except this time, as part of The Dwyer Group family.
To read about the Champagne’s recent Grand Opening and inspirational background story, visit http://www.theind.com/health-a-medical/11086-the-constant-gardener.