The History of TFC

The history and story of TFC is that of a company with a step-by-step approach to building solid and sustainable growth and shareholder value, and one based upon a clear and evolving strategy.

The company was founded with the launch, in 1971, of College Pro Painters. College Pro is the original brand of summer student services. The company grew from its inception to become a major brand in Canada, and then moved into the northern tier states of the United States.

It was in 1989 that the relationship with FirstService Corporation commenced, with their acquisition of College Pro Painters. This relationship has been at the center of the growth and success of the company that became known, over time, as TFC, The Franchise Company.

In 1991 there was a clear strategy decision that saw the company move from thinking of itself as a painting company to becoming a company with a core competency in franchising. This competency shift to franchising has underpinned the company ever since.

Its first iteration saw the creation of a full time North American painting business called CertaPro Painters and was followed in 1993 with College Pro Painters’ acquisition (as a "tuck-under") of Action Window Cleaning.

It was in 1994 that The Franchise Company as a company name was created, as a clear recognition that its path forward would continue to be franchising. To support the burgeoning franchise businesses with skill development and potential added value services, such as call center management, The Franchise Company created a programs division that today also includes a brand strategy, development and marketing company, and a fully-fledged leadership development program.

In both 1997 and 1998, The Franchise Company made significant acquisitions. The first was Paul Davis Restoration, the leading company in the category of property damage mitigation, restoration and remodeling, and the second was California Closets, the world’s most recognized brand in customized storage solutions. The addition of these two major companies provided The Franchise Company with a broadly based group of home and property improvement service brands, and increased both the size and range of the company substantially.

Building upon The Franchise Company’s franchise business, in 2000 the company created the branchise division, in which the company becomes the majority partner in a given franchise within its family of companies. The first of these branchises was the Boston franchise of California Closets, and as of 2008, there are 10 branchises.

Continuing its strategy of acquisition of quality and leading franchise platforms, in 2003 The Franchise Company acquired both Pillar To Post, the leading home inspection company in North America, and Floor Coverings International, as its entry into the large and exciting category of flooring.  In 2006, The Franchise Company acquired Handyman Connection, the leader in the fast growing handyman services category.

In 2007, TFC expanded its property services portfolio with the acquisition of Field Asset Services, one of North America's largest residential preservation services companies.

The history of TFC is a story of consistent management, purposeful planning, experience gathering, know-how leverage, and is led by the importance placed in good strategy and business results. These assets are firmly in place to assure a future built on what has contributed so much to its present success.