Introduction
When exploring the top cleaning franchises in the commercial janitorial industry, Office Pride often stands out as a well-established name. Founded on strong values and decades of experience, Office Pride has built a large nationwide presence and a reputation for quality service. However, entrepreneurs evaluating franchise opportunities should also consider emerging contenders like the Assett Franchise. This comprehensive review will examine Office Pride’s franchise history, current scope, and what franchise owners receive, including a breakdown of startup costs. Then we’ll compare the Office Pride franchise opportunity with the Assett franchise – highlighting differences in size, ownership, growth potential, and unique advantages such as Assett’s automated hiring system. The goal is to provide an educational yet persuasive overview to help you understand how these two commercial cleaning franchise models stack up.
Office Pride Franchise: History and Current Status
A Brief History: Office Pride was founded in 1992 by Todd Hopkins as a faith-based commercial cleaning company (officepride.com). Hopkins started the business with an emphasis on honesty, integrity, and customer service – principles that still guide the brand today. Office Pride began franchising in 1996, expanding its reach beyond its Florida roots. Over the ensuing decades, it grew steadily into a nationally recognized franchise system.
Growth and Size: As of 2024, Office Pride has grown to over 150 franchise units across 25 states, making it one of the larger commercial cleaning franchises in the country. In fact, Office Pride has been ranked among Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 franchises for 16 consecutive years (as of 2023) based on high franchisee satisfaction (officepride.com) – a testament to its stability and franchise support. The company’s network is still expanding; after partnering with private equity firm Trivest in 2022, Office Pride announced an aggressive development plan to reach 300 units and $300 million in system-wide sales within five years. This growth strategy underlines Office Pride’s position as an industry leader and its ambition to capture an even larger share of the booming $100+ billion cleaning industry.
Current Leadership: While Todd Hopkins remains involved (now as Chief Visionary Officer), day-to-day leadership has transitioned to a professional management team. CEO Josh Weis took the helm in 2022 to drive the next phase of expansion. Office Pride’s evolution from a founder-led business to one backed by a parent investment group has provided additional resources and expertise for growth. The trade-off is that it operates more like a large corporate franchise system today.
Franchise Performance: Office Pride’s scale and experience translate into solid performance metrics. According to the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document, the average Office Pride franchise unit generates around $665,000 in annual gross revenue, and top-performing franchises have achieved over $1 million – even up to $8.5 million – in yearly sales(officepridefranchise.com). These figures indicate a high ceiling for growth; franchisees who execute well can build sizable businesses under the Office Pride banner. (Of course, individual results vary, and newer franchisees will ramp up over time.) The key point is that Office Pride’s model is proven – it has many successful owners and a track record of strong sales, reinforcing its status as one of the top cleaning franchises with real revenue potential.
What Franchisees Receive with an Office Pride Franchise
One of the reasons Office Pride maintains high franchisee satisfaction is the comprehensive support package new owners receive upon joining the system. Franchisees are not just buying a name; they’re gaining a complete business system and ongoing mentorship. Here are some of the main benefits and resources an Office Pride franchisee can expect:
- Initial Training: New franchise owners attend an in-depth initial training program at Office Pride’s corporate headquarters. This training covers all crucial aspects of running a commercial cleaning business – from operations and service protocols to sales, financial management, and hiring practices. The goal is to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills to start signing customers and managing jobs confidently from day one.
- Ongoing Coaching & Operational Support: Office Pride provides continuous support after launch, including one-on-one business coaching, site visits, and regular check-ins. Throughout a franchisee’s first year (and beyond), an experienced business coach works closely to guide them through challenges and help set strategic goals. The corporate support team assists with operational best practices, employee training methods, and financial planning to ensure consistent growth. In short, franchisees are never left to “figure it out” alone – they have mentors available as they build their business.
- Systems and Tools: Franchise owners gain access to Office Pride’s established systems and technology that streamline the day-to-day work. This includes software for scheduling cleaning crews, invoicing clients, and managing supplies. Office Pride has refined its processes over the years, so new owners don’t have to reinvent anything – they plug into a proven system. Supply chain support is also provided, helping franchisees get needed equipment and cleaning products from approved vendors efficiently. By using these ready-made systems, owners can operate more professionally and focus on growth rather than creating procedures from scratch.
- Marketing and Branding: Another thing franchisees receive is marketing guidance to help win customers. Office Pride has an established brand reputation, and franchisees benefit from that credibility locally. Owners are trained in how to market their services and given Office Pride-approved marketing materials and strategies. While franchisees handle local lead generation, they must adhere to branding standards to maintain a consistent, professional image. Office Pride’s marketing support includes things like a personalized local webpage/profile, templates for ads or flyers, and advice on networking in the community. The franchise also manages national branding and often provides leads through corporate channels (there is an initial lead generation fund expense built into startup costs, which we’ll see below). All of this helps franchisees ramp up customer acquisition more quickly.
- Peer Network and Events: Joining Office Pride also means joining a community of fellow franchise owners. The company encourages franchisees to support each other through “Vision Groups” – small peer mentoring groups – and hosts an annual franchise owners’ retreat for networking and continued education. New franchisees can tap into the knowledge of those who have been operating for years, which fosters a culture of shared best practices. Many owners appreciate this sense of community and teamwork, which can be rare when starting an independent business. In Office Pride, you’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.
In summary, an Office Pride franchise comes with a complete business-in-a-box: thorough training, ongoing operational/marketing support, corporate systems for running the business, and a supportive network of other franchisees. These resources significantly lower the barriers to entry for first-time business owners. It’s a model designed to help franchisees start strong and continue to grow with guidance at each step. This support infrastructure is one of the key reasons Office Pride has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs entering the commercial cleaning sector.
Office Pride Franchise Costs and Investment Requirements
Like any franchise, investing in an Office Pride franchise requires upfront capital. The good news is that Office Pride is considered a relatively low-cost franchise opportunity compared to many other industries. According to Office Pride’s franchise materials, the initial franchise fee is $45,000, and the total estimated initial investment ranges from about $80,400 to $126,600 (officepridefranchise.com). This investment includes all the costs to get your cleaning business up and running. Below is a detailed startup cost breakdown from Office Pride’s website:
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee (one-time) | $45,000 |
| Lead Generation (initial marketing) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies & Equipment | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Office Equipment & Supplies | $500 – $3,500 |
| Computer System | $0 – $2,000 |
| Insurance (first year premium) | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Other Deposits (utilities, vehicle, etc.) | $100 – $2,700 |
| Professional Fees (legal, accounting) | $200 – $2,000 |
| Training Expenses (travel, lodging) | $0 – $2,100 |
| Licenses and Bonds | $100 – $300 |
| Additional Funds (working capital) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $80,400 – $126,600 |
Source: Office Pride Franchise Disclosure Document / official franchise site. Totals include initial fees and six months of operating capital.
As shown above, the bulk of the cost is the franchise fee ($45k) and the recommended working capital to carry the business in its early months ($25k–$50k for expenses like payroll, fuel, etc.). The other line items are fairly minimal and flexible – for example, if you already have a suitable computer or vehicle, your initial outlay on those could be $0. In general, an Office Pride can be launched for under $130,000, which is an accessible range in franchising. By comparison, many other well-known franchises (even in cleaning) can require $150k, $200k or more to start, so Office Pride’s costs are on the lower side of the spectrum.
It’s worth noting Office Pride offers a 25% discount on the franchise fee for qualified military veterans and first responders, which can reduce upfront costs for those individuals. Financing options are also available – Office Pride has relationships with lenders and even allows use of 401(k) rollovers or SBA loans to fund the franchise. The relatively low investment, combined with financing support and the potential for high returns, makes Office Pride an attractive financial opportunity for many entrepreneurs.
Now that we’ve covered what Office Pride is and what it offers, let’s examine how it compares to another franchise opportunity in the commercial cleaning space – the Assett Commercial Services franchise. Assett is a newer entrant, so a side-by-side look will highlight some important differences in availability, company culture, and operational advantages for prospective franchisees.
Comparing Office Pride vs. Assett Franchise Opportunities
Both Office Pride and Assett operate in the commercial cleaning/janitorial franchise arena, and both models have demonstrated the potential for over $1,000,000 in gross annual sales per franchise. However, there are key differences in their size, ownership structure, and the tools they provide to franchisees. Below we compare these two opportunities on several important dimensions:
Size and Territory Availability
Office Pride: With more than 150 franchises established nationwide, Office Pride is a mature system. This widespread success is a double-edged sword for new franchise candidates. On one hand, it proves the concept works in many markets; on the other hand, it means fewer prime territories are available for new owners. In popular metropolitan areas, there may already be an Office Pride franchise, limiting where a new franchisee can set up shop. Office Pride’s own growth plan involves adding units in remaining open markets and sometimes growth via acquisitions (businesswire.com). In short, it’s a larger franchise with a more saturated footprint, so prospective owners might have to consider secondary markets or wait for territory availability.
Assett: In contrast, Assett Commercial Services is an emerging brand with a much smaller current footprint. Assett began franchising in 2021 (assettfranchise.com) and as of 2024 operates around 11 franchise units in total. Because it’s in early growth, most territories are still open for expansion. A new Assett franchisee has a greater chance to claim a major city or exclusive area that isn’t already taken by another franchise owner. For entrepreneurs who want to be the first to introduce a concept in their region (and who see value in a ground-floor opportunity), Assett’s smaller size can be an advantage. There is more “green space” to grow without internal competition. In summary, Office Pride’s larger size brings credibility but tighter market availability, whereas Assett’s small size means ample room for new owners to launch in choice locations.
Ownership Structure: Corporate vs. Family-Owned
Office Pride: As mentioned, Office Pride is now backed by a parent company and outside investors (Trivest Partners and others). It has transitioned from a founder-led business into a professionally managed franchise corporation. The benefit of this is a high level of sophistication – Office Pride has formal processes, experienced executives, and capital to invest in improvements. However, it also means the culture may feel more corporate. Decisions are influenced by investor growth goals, and franchisees are part of a larger machine. Some owners might prefer this structure, as it can bring stability and resources, but others may find it less personal. The brand’s Christian principles and core values still guide it, but day-to-day it operates like a sizable enterprise with hierarchy.
Assett: Assett Franchise, on the other hand, is a family-owned and founder-led company. CEO Matt Pencarinha founded Assett in 2019 and remains deeply involved in its operations and training of franchisees. In fact, new Assett franchise owners get personal startup training directly with the founder himself, which speaks to the hands-on, family-like approach. The company is still run by a small team with a passionate vision, treating franchisees as close partners. The culture is likely more entrepreneurial and tight-knit, since the founders are directly invested in each franchisee’s success (not just corporate metrics). Being family-owned can mean more flexibility and personal attention – decisions can be made quicker and with individual circumstances in mind, rather than a one-size-fits-all policy. For franchisees who value a personal touch and direct line to leadership, Assett provides that in a way a larger system like Office Pride might not. In summary, Office Pride offers a polished corporate franchise experience, while Assett offers a more personal, family-business vibe where franchisees can feel like part of an inner circle.
Revenue Potential and Growth Outlook
Office Pride: Both Office Pride and Assett advertise strong income potential, but let’s look at the numbers and growth trajectory. Office Pride’s established track record shows that franchise owners can achieve high revenues. As noted earlier, the average Office Pride franchise earned about $664,958 in annual gross revenue (as of the latest FDD data), and many franchises exceed seven figures in sales. The top quartile of Office Pride franchises average $1.7 million in revenue, and the single highest unit hit $8.5 million – an extraordinary level attributable to an owner who likely scaled to a large operation. These figures prove that Office Pride’s model is scalable; a determined owner in a good market can build a million-dollar cleaning business within this system. The company’s push toward 300 units and $300M system-wide sales indicates continued overall growth, but individual franchise success will depend on local market demand and the owner’s execution. With its decades of experience, Office Pride offers a proven business model with relatively predictable outcomes – new franchisees can look at the performance of existing ones as a baseline for what’s achievable.
Assett: Assett Franchise, while newer, also touts a high revenue potential – arguably even higher on average, based on initial results. According to Assett’s 2024 FDD, it took less than 5 years for the core location to cross $1,053,800 in a single year. This impressive growth comes from a small sample, but it suggests the concept is working well. Assett’s franchise model is designed to build “large professional cleaning companies” rather than small owner-operator outfits. In other words, the expectation is that franchisees will scale up to servicing many clients – aiming for that $1M+ revenue mark using Assett’s methods. Of course, with only ~11 units so far, the long-term average might adjust as more franchises come on board. But early signs show that Assett franchise owners are indeed growing continually. For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that Assett’s systems (discussed below) can translate into high-volume business, potentially even quicker since the founder’s own location(s) proved the concept during 2019–2021 before franchising.
In summary, both Office Pride and Assett franchises have the potential to gross over $1,000,000 annually, which is a key attraction for anyone looking to invest in a cleaning business. Office Pride has many examples over 25+ years that validate this potential, while Assett has made a strong early showing that its newer model can achieve similar (or higher) revenue levels. The difference is that with Office Pride you have more historical data and a range of outcomes (from modest operations to very large ones), whereas Assett’s data is newer but very encouraging in terms of high average revenue. Your personal earnings in either franchise will depend on how effectively you grow your client base, but it’s reassuring that high sales numbers are not just theoretical – they’ve been proven in both systems.
Unique Operational Advantage: Assett’s Automated Hiring System
While both franchises teach effective operations, Assett offers a unique proprietary tool that differentiates its model – an Automated Hiring System. This is a game-changer for tackling one of the toughest aspects of the cleaning business: finding and retaining reliable staff. Let’s break down why this matters:
In the commercial cleaning industry, many franchises (and independent businesses) struggle with high employee turnover and constant hiring needs. Owners can end up spending 20-30 hours a week just recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding cleaners to keep their teams staffed, according to Assett’s research. This is time that could be spent selling new contracts or improving operations, but instead gets drained by HR headaches. Office Pride, like others, provides guidance on hiring and even has a network for job postings, but it does not eliminate the workload entirely – franchisees still must actively recruit and manage their workforce or hire their own HR staff.
Assett directly addresses this pain point by providing its franchisees with an Automated Hiring System that continuously recruits and filters job candidates in the background. This proprietary system uses technology and proven processes to keep a pipeline of pre-screened, qualified cleaning staff available at all times. It automates tasks like posting job ads, sorting applications, conducting initial screenings, and even scheduling interviews or sending follow-ups. The result is that an Assett franchise owner spends vastly less time on hiring. In fact, Assett states that this system saves the owner an estimated 20–30 hours per week, reducing the owner’s recruiting workload to just 2–5 hours weekly. That is a huge time savings for a small business owner – essentially giving you back half a workweek that would otherwise be spent on HR chores.
The benefits of Assett’s automated hiring go beyond just time saved. By keeping the business fully staffed with less effort, owners can focus on delivering quality service and scaling up. The system ensures you’re rarely caught shorthanded, so you can confidently take on more clients without worrying if you have the crew to service them. Consistent staffing also means you can train employees thoroughly and maintain service quality, leading to happier clients and more referrals. Moreover, not having to hire an in-house recruiter (which some Office Pride franchisees might eventually do as they grow) saves money – Assett owners avoid the significant salary/overhead of a full-time hiring manager. This boosts profitability and efficiency. Assett’s franchisees report they can put those saved hours into winning more contracts and improving customer relationships, which accelerates revenue growth.
In short, Assett’s automated hiring system is a standout advantage. It effectively removes the #1 growth obstacle in cleaning businesses – staffing – by using innovation to keep labor pipelines full. This gives Assett owners an edge over competitors (including other franchises) who still grapple with high turnover and hiring drudgery. Office Pride provides many great systems, but it does not have this level of automation for hiring. This is a key differentiator: Assett franchisees can scale faster and with less stress about labor, allowing them to concentrate on quality and expansion, whereas Office Pride franchisees may spend more manual effort on recruiting as they grow. For an owner who wants to build a large operation, Assett’s approach could mean the difference between hitting a growth plateau and continuing to grow smoothly.
Conclusion: Established vs. Emerging – Which Cleaning Franchise to Choose?
Office Pride and Assett both offer compelling franchise opportunities in the commercial cleaning arena, but they cater to slightly different investor preferences. Office Pride is the established, proven brand – it has a 30+ year history, a large support infrastructure, and a long track record of successful franchises. If you value joining a franchise with national name recognition, a broad peer network, and well-oiled systems, Office Pride delivers that in spades. It’s a model that has been refined over time and clearly works, as evidenced by its many thriving franchisees and industry accolades. However, because of its maturity, you might face more competition for territories and a more corporate environment focused on incremental growth.
Assett, in comparison, is the innovative up-and-comer. It offers a highly competitive opportunity for those who want to get in early with a franchise poised for growth. Assett’s family-owned, hands-on approach means franchisees get personal attention and can help shape the brand’s future. Importantly, Assett brings something new to the table – the automated hiring system – which is a unique advantage that can’t be found in other cleaning franchises. This forward-thinking feature could translate into easier operations and potentially faster growth for franchise owners. While Assett doesn’t have the long history of Office Pride, it has shown strong early results and is led by industry experts determined to disrupt the market. Many entrepreneurs will find that Assett’s fresh approach and exclusive tools give it an edge when it comes to building a scalable cleaning business from scratch.
In the end, choosing between Office Pride and Assett comes down to your priorities as a potential franchisee. If you prefer a time-tested brand with a wide support system and don’t mind being one of many owners in a large network, Office Pride is a sound choice – it’s a respected franchise with decades of experience behind it. But if you’re looking for a franchise opportunity that offers something truly different and advantageous, and you want more territory flexibility and a direct partnership with founders, then Assett Franchise may offer a uniquely rewarding path. Assett combines the million-dollar revenue potential seen in top cleaning franchises with a modern, efficiency-driven model (thanks to its hiring automation and other systems), allowing owners to work smarter, not harder.
Both franchises can potentially lead you to building a thriving commercial cleaning business. Office Pride has already proven it can, and Assett is proving it anew with a modern twist. As you consider your options, reflect on which model aligns best with your business goals and management style. Office Pride is a great option for those who value a proven playbook, while Assett Franchise offers a cutting-edge, family-oriented opportunity to grow alongside an emerging brand.
Interested in learning more about what the Assett Commercial Services franchise could do for you? The Assett team invites you to reach out and connect with them for a personalized discussion. They can provide additional details on their franchise program, financials, and the steps to become an Assett franchise owner. Making an informed decision is crucial, and both Office Pride and Assett will have plenty of information to share.
Ultimately, whether you go with the established success of Office Pride or the unique advantages of Assett, entering the commercial cleaning franchise arena can be a highly rewarding venture. With strong support, a growing market, and the potential for seven-figure revenues, you have an opportunity to build a profitable business and a legacy of your own. Good luck on your franchising journey, and here’s to your future success in the commercial cleaning industry!
