She Started a Niche Business in Her Basement with $10,000. Now It Does $113 Million in Sales
Colette and Andy Bell's small repair business was acquired by Ace Hardware.
1The Beginning
Colette and Andy Bell started a company in Denver, Colorado, in 1998 for small home repair jobs. They noticed that big companies weren't interested in small projects and decided to fill this gap.
2First-Year Success
The company grew rapidly in its first year and 'took off like a rocket.' The Bells gained customer trust by offering professional and reliable service.
3Franchising Process
In 2001, they began franchising under the name Handyman Matters. They created protected territories based on ZIP codes to shield franchise owners from competition.
4Partnership with Ace Hardware
After meeting Ace Hardware in 2018, the Bells sold their company to Ace Hardware in 2019. Colette continues her role as vice president of franchise development.
5Growth Strategies
The company prioritized punctuality and professional appearance to enhance customer satisfaction. They also offered follow-up calls and a one-year warranty to build customer loyalty.
6Advantages of the Franchise Model
The Bells saw that the franchise model was more suitable for national expansion. Local owners, rooted in their communities, could operate more effectively.
7Franchise Relationships
Colette emphasized the importance of strong relationships between franchise owners and the franchisor, noting that franchisees' ideas contributed to the company's growth.
8Success and Future
Ace Handyman Services exceeded $113 million in sales in 2025. Colette continues to lead franchise development efforts to sustain the company's growth.