Linc Service

VERMONT

Source: Liam O'Farrell

By aligning with Linc Service, Liam O’Farrell was able to grow his HVAC company into a thriving $5-million-a-year business.

Description: Service business for repair and maintenance of HVAC systems

Owner: Liam O’Farrell

Years in business: 25

No. of franchises owned: 1

Start-up costs: $66,530 to $136,000; $37,500

Franchisor fees: Included in start-up costs

2015 revenue, 2016 projection: $3.8 million; $5 million

2016 projected annual growth rate: 24%

Linc Service provides a proven system for preventive HVAC service and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. The goal of the company, started in 1979, is to make these buildings run safely and more efficiently by taking care of heating and cooling functions before they are in need of repair.

In 1991, Liam O'Farrell, a mechanical engineer, bought his family's HVAC business — Mountain Air Systems — from his parents and continued to service customers in Burlington, Vermont. He soon realized he could grow the business faster by aligning with a proven leader in the industry and joined Linc Service.

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Partnering with Linc has allowed his business to become more proactive rather than reactive. "Before, we would service customers when their HVAC system was in need of repair," O'Farrell explained. Since joining up with Linc, he's been able to use the parent company's proprietary software to provide customized pricing and solutions for preventative services that, over the long run, can save customers time and money.

Today, O'Farrell's 60 technicians serve about 400 customers throughout Vermont and parts of New Hampshire and New York, and he's grown the company into a thriving $5-million-a-year business.

The franchisor's system allows his company to "focus on building long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our customers," O'Farrell said. "We help our clients improve their bottom line by reducing the money they spend to own and operate their HVAC equipment."

His advice to other potential franchisees? Make sure you understand what you're getting for the money, O'Farrell said. "Does the franchise have a competitive advantage in its field? How big of an advantage are the tools and systems they're offering you? The answers to these questions will help you to decide if the investment is worth it."