Established
1989
Franchise Units
3
Minimum Investment
$65,750
Franchise Fee
$37,000
Total Investment Range
$106,134
Home Based
No
Description
Klappenberger & Son is a respected, founder-led painting and handyman franchise known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and customer-first approach. For more than three decades, the brand has built a reputation for delivering high-quality home-improvement services backed by disciplined systems and personalized attention. Today, the company offers a franchise opportunity built for entrepreneurs who want to enter a recession-resistant industry with strong recurring demand, low overhead, and multiple revenue streams.
As a franchisee, you gain access to a turnkey operating model spanning residential painting, commercial painting, handyman work, remodeling, drywall installation, flooring, property maintenance, and more. Instead of limiting you to one service, Klappenberger & Son allows you to build a full-service home-improvement business with broad market appeal, strong margins, and long-term scalability.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
1. Proven, Founder-Built System
The franchise is based on decades of hands-on experience. The founder personally shaped the operating procedures, customer-care process, and quality standards — giving franchisees a well-refined blueprint for success.
2. Multiple, High-Demand Revenue Streams
Painting, handyman services, light remodeling, property maintenance, and specialty services provide diversified revenue sources and help you serve both residential and commercial clients year-round.
3. Recession-Resistant Market
Home improvement, repairs, and painting remain essential in all economic conditions. Demand does not fluctuate the way retail or food-service industries do.
4. Low Overhead & Quick Start-Up
No major build-out or retail space is required. You can operate with a lean team, mobile unit, and minimal inventory, allowing for faster scaling.
5. Strong Operational & Marketing Support
From ongoing coaching to digital marketing systems, estimating tools, and call-center support, you receive continuous guidance to help you grow and stabilize your business.
6. Large Territory Sizes
Franchisees typically receive generous, well-defined territories, enabling long-term expansion without internal competition.
Background
Established: 1989
Franchising Since: 2015
Founder: David Klappenberger
Industry Category: Home Services – Painting, Handyman, and Remodeling
Current Franchise Units: 3 franchised units (based on recent FDD data)
David Klappenberger founded the company in 1989, initially operating as a painting and carpentry contractor in Maryland. Over time, the brand earned a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, punctuality, and transparent communication. As the business grew, demand expanded across residential and commercial sectors, leading the founder to develop a franchise model based on the company’s tested systems.
After years of refining operations and tripling gross sales during a growth period in the early 2010s, the brand opened its doors to franchise partners. Today, Klappenberger & Son stands as a home-services franchise focused on quality, professionalism, and sustainable long-term growth.
Support Training
Klappenberger & Son provides one of the most comprehensive training and support programs in the painting and handyman franchise category.
Pre-Launch Support
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Six weeks of hands-on and classroom-style training
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Assistance with territory planning and market evaluation
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Guidance on hiring technicians and building your initial team
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Brand standards training to ensure consistent quality
Operational Support
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Centralized call-center assistance so new leads are never missed
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Scheduling, estimating, and CRM software to manage your operations
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Bookkeeping and administrative support options
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Regular performance coaching and ongoing operational education
Marketing Support
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Brand-level digital marketing, including SEO and lead generation
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Paid advertising support and campaign optimization
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Local marketing guidance such as signage, vehicle branding, and referral programs
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Tools and templates for community outreach and B2B partnerships
Flexibility in Services
Franchisees can focus on painting services or expand into handyman, remodeling, and specialty services — offering freedom to match services with local demand and personal expertise.
Ideal Candidate
Klappenberger & Son is best suited for entrepreneurs who want to run a professional, service-driven business without needing trade-specific experience. You may thrive in this franchise if you:
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Have strong communication, sales, or managerial skills
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Are organized, reliable, and comfortable leading teams
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Understand the importance of customer satisfaction and accountability
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Have experience in sales, project management, or service-based industries (optional but helpful)
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Are financially prepared to invest in the franchise and initial marketing
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Want a flexible, scalable home-services business without heavy overhead
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Prefer operational simplicity over complex retail or food-service models
Even if you are not a painter or handyman yourself, the model is designed so you can manage the business, hire skilled technicians, and focus on growth, sales, and customer relationships.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $65,750 – $106,134 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $65,750 |
| Franchise Fee | Up to $37,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Revenue |
| National Marketing Fund | Approx. 2% of Gross Sales |
| Working Capital Needed | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Training & Onboarding Costs | Included in Investment |
| Equipment & Tools | $3,000 – $6,000 (varies by service mix) |
| Vehicle Branding / Wrap | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Technology & Software (CRM, Estimating, Scheduling) | $300 – $600 per month |
| Local Marketing Launch Budget | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Additional Operating Expenses | Varies by territory size & staffing |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 3 Franchised Units |
| Break-Even Estimate | 12 – 18 Months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Painting, handyman services, remodeling, flooring, drywall, power washing, maintenance, and more |