By John Prittie, President & CEO, Koala Insulation Canada
When we talk about “opportunity” in business, our minds often jump to technology. But in the essential, hands-on world of home services, I believe the most powerful and sustainable opportunity isn’t about code. It’s about culture.
The home services industry is a pillar of the North American economy, projected to grow to over $1.4 trillion by 2030. The next frontier for leadership in this thriving sector will be defined by the ability to build world-class organizations that attract and empower the best people in the skilled trades.
This isn’t just a preference; it’s a strategic necessity. Canada is facing a severe skilled trades shortage, with more than 700,000 tradespeople expected to retire by 2028. In a market where 80% of contractors report difficulty hiring, the companies that win will be those that become an “employer of choice.” This is where culture becomes a tangible asset. Research confirms that 46% of job seekers cite a company’s culture as “very important” before even applying.
This brings me to one of our newest franchisees, Chris Hogg. After decades in senior finance, he felt he had “all the responsibility but not necessarily the final decision.” A self-described “huge culture nut,” his primary motivation for entrepreneurship was the ability to build an organization based on his own values. He told us, “I just want to have something of my own. I want to create a great place where people are excited to go every day where I can help change younger people’s lives.”
Initially, Chris was hesitant to move from a “white-collar” world to home services, but he was looking for “something disruptive.” He soon realized that the greatest opportunity in a stable, hands-on industry is to innovate through people. He saw the track record of our leadership team–the same team that built TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® into a household name–and understood that we were building a system that empowers owners to lead.
Chris’s vision is the blueprint for the future of this industry. By creating a supportive environment where technicians feel valued, leaders create a virtuous cycle: an engaged team delivers a superior customer experience, which builds a stellar reputation and fuels sustainable growth.
As Chris puts it, “everything in an organization derives from the actions of the owners of the company.” Leaders like him are pioneering a new standard of excellence, proving that the most innovative thing you can build is a culture where people thrive.
About Koala Insulation Canada
Koala Insulation Canada is a national franchise network dedicated to improving residential and commercial energy efficiency. We specialize in a full range of modern insulation solutions, including blown-in and batt insulation, spray foam, air sealing and insulation removal, helping customers across the country reduce energy costs and increase home comfort.
Chris Hogg is a new franchisee for Koala Insulation Canada, proudly servicing the Durham Region.
We are happy to welcome Chris to the Koala Insulation Family!