March 2021
Experienced Contractors are Critical to National Rollout Success
When your customers walk into one of your franchise locations, they expect the same experience whether they are in Brookfield, Wisconsin, or Tampa, Florida. From service and product quality to the look and feel of your building, maintaining brand standards is critical to giving customers the comfort of consistency.
General contractors experienced in national rollouts and working with national brands understand how critical it is to maintain consistency in brand standards across building environments. Here are the criteria you should seek in a construction partner for your next national rollout.
Experience running national rollout programs. Nothing is more critical than contractors who understand the importance of meeting your exacting brand standards, adhering to your critical deadlines, and honoring your agreed-upon budget.
Willingness to dedicate/relocate project managers and superintendents. Make sure your contractor can staff projects in all your target cities, whether they have nationwide locations or are willing to relocate their project leaders. Having dedicated staff who understand your specific project guidelines will help your rollout run smoothly.
National network of subcontractors. Look for a general contractor that is connected nationwide with the country's best subcontractors. We all know the success of each project depends on the reliability and skill of those doing the on-site work.
Attention to detail and consistency among various sites. This goes back to your customers' experience. They want to know what to expect when entering your brand stores no matter where in the world they are located. Details matter, and you need to have confidence that your general contractor will get them right.
High level of superintendent/management oversight. Find out the GC's policies for dedicating on-site project leaders who know your standards and are responsible for project execution.
Knowledge of municipality permit requirements and approval processes. You need someone with boots on the ground who knows local government policies and procedures. Nothing can stall a project more quickly than having to wait for municipal paperwork and approvals.
At Peter Schwabe, Inc., we have decades of experience serving national brands and franchises, including some of the world's largest and most recognized restaurants and retailers. To learn more about how we can help with your next project, contact Michael Gilbert, Director of Business Development, at 262.352.9786 or mgilbert@pschwabe.com.
Project Profile: 90 Stores in 90 Days
When Sears Corporation needed a building partner to implement their new concept rollout of NTB Tire & Service Center stores nationwide, they called on Peter Schwabe, Inc. Their goal? 90 stores in 90 days. We were happy to oblige, relocating superintendents as necessary, working around the clock as required, and calling on our national network of subcontractors to get the job done.
We surveyed existing structures, designed modifications, and managed the local governmental approval process. Then, within 90 days, we mobilized our team of project managers, engaged subcontractors and completed the remodeling of 90 of their stores across the country.