By John Prittie, President & CEO, Koala Insulation Canada
In franchise development, the highest compliment isn’t when a novice buys your system because they need help. It’s when an expert buys your system because they recognize quality.
When you have spent decades building complex operational frameworks for global giants, you don’t buy a franchise just for a job. You buy it because the underlying business model stands up to scrutiny.
This is the story of Gerry, our newest franchise partner in the Peel region.
Gerry is a veteran of the digital sector, having worked in the digital marketing agency space for over 25 years. His resume includes leading digital programs at a massive scale: “At one time I had 250 FTEs with a $40 million annual program”.
Gerry knows how to build systems from scratch. Yet, when it came time to pivot from the corporate world to business ownership, he recognized the strategic advantage of adopting a proven model rather than starting from scratch. He chose Koala.
Validating the Infrastructure
Gerry’s decision to join Koala was born out of a desire for stability in a volatile world. He noted that the digital industry is being impacted by AI and offshoring, leading him to look for a business that is “more recession resilient” and “AI-proof”.
But why Koala specifically? Because Gerry saw a rigour in our operations that is rare in the home services industry. “Koala is backed by an executive team with a tremendous amount of experience,” Gerry told us.
During his due diligence, he was surprised by the depth of our infrastructure. He noted that while other competitors exist, “most folks aren’t as structured, backed or willing to [invest] in the marketing and technology side”.
For an executive accustomed to high-level corporate structures, this was the deciding factor. “When I sat through the discovery day, I realized that the majority of the long-term play goes into the marketing operations and process side of things… which is good”.
The Humility of Leadership
What makes Gerry such a strong addition to our network is his willingness to flip the script. He is an expert in “organizational change, process development, workflows,” yet he possesses the humility to lean on the Koala support team as he learns a new trade.
“I’m used to coming into organizations where I know everything that has to get done,” Gerry admits. “I come in here going, I don’t even know the questions to ask”.
Instead of assuming he knew best, he tested our support system and found it ready to answer the call. “Every time I’ve had a question, I called somebody and they made themselves available… [there is a] tremendous amount of emotional intelligence and care”.
Elevating the Standard
Now, Gerry is using that partnership to bring a new level of professionalism to the Peel community. He aims to offer a customer experience where homeowners feel “educated to make a decision” rather than pressured.
He is also excited to provide an improved employee experience to a historically unstable field. “Healthcare benefits and guaranteed hours sound really basic,” Gerry notes, “but this is huge”.
We are proud to partner with operators like Gerry who not only validate the strength of the Koala system but use it to build something meaningful for their communities.
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.
Gerry Arnoth is a new franchisee for Koala Insulation Canada, proudly serving the Peel Region. We are happy to welcome Gerry to the Koala Insulation Family!